Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

U99.9 H-1 Unlimited Hydroplane

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 16, 2024

1. U99.9 H-1 Unlimited Hydroplane Marker

Inscription.
U99.9
(now known as Miss Budweiser)
Built: 1992, Unlimited Boats
Length: 29′ 4″
Beam: 14"

This is a hydroplane racing boat, which was powered by a Lycoming T-55 Chinook helicopter turbine engine. The sleek hull is designed to have limited contact with the water, for propulsion and steering, while the boat essentially flies over the surface when racing. These boats can reach speeds of 200 mph (320km/h), although racing speeds average 130-165 mph (209- 266 km/h). Unlimited hydroplane racing (called "unlimited" because there is no restriction on engine size) began in the early 20th century and became popular after World War II, when surplus aircraft engines were incorporated.

This boat was built in 1992 by Fred Leland, known as an innovator, driver and owner of unlimited hydroplane boats. Unlimited hydroplane racing is supported through corporate sponsorship, and the Miss Budweiser line were among the most recognizable boats. This boat never actually raced under the Miss Budweiser name, however. It last raced in 2007, sponsored by the company Formula Boats. In retirement, the boat was refinished to represent

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Miss Budweiser and was used as an educational display.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Sports • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.

Location. 41° 21.773′ N, 71° 57.868′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Mystic. It can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Stonington CT 06378, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore,

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 16, 2024

2. U99.9 H-1 Unlimited Hydroplane Marker

within walking distance of this marker: Mystic Seaport Museum First Building (within shouting distance of this marker); An Aquinnah Wampanoag History of a Whaling Ancestor (within shouting distance of this marker); Bower Anchor (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthew Henson, 1866 - 1955 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mystic Has a Complex and Engaging History. (within shouting distance of this marker); Men and Women of our Early Seaport Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Amistad – Flagship of Connecticut (within shouting distance of this marker); Acadia (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.

Also see . . .
1. Miss Budweiser (Wikipedia). (Submitted on December 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Mystic Seaport. (Submitted on December 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Mystic Seaport (Wikipedia). (Submitted on December 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.