Text by Jeremy Cuff/www.ja-universe.com
Photography by Jeremy & Amanda Cuff/www.ja-universe.com
On most weekends, the Clarke family set off from Bristol and head for their permanent caravan overlooking Chesil Beach and Portland on the South Coast. It’s a way of life that’s ideally suited to both of their Suzuki’s – a Grand Vitara 4 x4 and a DF250 Outboard Motor…
Good weather is by no means guaranteed on a typical October day at the coast, but no amount of grey clouds and drizzle could dampen the spirits of the Clarke family.
Proud grandparents Ian and Dianne Clarke had arranged an action packed weekend for their grandchildren Katie and James. Katie was celebrating her 9th birthday and everyone in the family wanted to make it a weekend to remember.
In the morning, everyone gathered up their gear from the caravan and hopped into their Suzuki Grand Vitara for the short ride down to the boat launch, at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy complex on Chesil Beach.
As usual, there was plenty going on at the academy, with sailors, fishermen, divers, windsurfers and boaters going about their weekend’s activities. There was even a children’s regatta being staged in the calm of Portland Harbour, attracting entrants from all over the UK and even overseas.
To start the day, the Clarke’s headed to the academy café for a hearty breakfast and mugs of tea and coffee. There’s no better way to get going on a chilly and wet day, and besides, they would need plenty of energy for the day ahead.
Ian and Uncle Paul were in charge of the boat launch, backing it carefully down the slope until the RIB was afloat. They cruised around to the jetty, so that the rest of the family could climb aboard. The sea can be a dangerous place so they take no chances, ensuring that everyone is well kitted up with warm coats and lifejackets before setting off.
Now, the fun could really begin! The Clarke’s headed out into the calm expanse of Portland Harbour, using the muscle of their Suzuki DF250 powered RIB to great effect, accelerating across the open water and skirting along the edge of the sea wall to view the old military fortifications.
Then, a quick stop to launch a tiny inflatable, with Ian volunteering to be its passenger. Paul took control of the RIB, gradually increasing his speed until Ian could no longer hang on. Everybody roared with laughter as he floated unceremoniously in the water.
Next, they headed outside the harbour into the open sea, crossing Balaclava Bay and speeding past the rugged ledges around Portland Bill itself. Everyone clung on tightly as Ian opened up the throttle, skipping and bouncing across the waves to yelps of delight.
Katie enjoyed her birthday boat trip as everyone got their turn at the wheel, using the prodigious power of the Suzuki DF250 to perform the marine equivalent of “donuts” for those familiar with car and motorcycle racing.
Ian has spent a lot of time around the sea and took some time out to sail around the world, something he’d always wanted to do, visiting fascinating locations such as the Galapagos Islands, the place that inspired Charles Darwin to write his Origin of Species classic. He’s also been scuba diving for around seven years and often uses his Suzuki powered RIB to reach dive sites.
Now, Katie is planning to follow in his footsteps by learning to dive. Scuba diving is only possible for girls and boys age 8 and above, and Katie has already taken tuition and experienced very shallow dives up to a maximum of 2 metres (6 feet). She already owns her own scuba equipment hopes that she’ll be able to accompany her granddad on dives in the future.
After all the fun, it was back to the jetty. The Clarke’s fastidiously maintain their boat and outboard motor, washing them down after each immersion so that they remain in tip top condition, and ready for the next time.
The Clarke family make the most of their Suzuki fuelled weekends. To them it’s a way of life.
Editors Notes & Boxouts
Clarke Family
Ian & Dianne Clarke (Grandparents)
Uncle Paul (Son)
Katie & James (Grandchildren)
Suzuki’s Owned
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4 x 4 Petrol
Suzuki DF250 Outboard Motor
Suzuki Grand Vitara
This Grand Vitara is the third generation of the Vitara, a model range that to date has achieved sales of 100,000 in the UK and millions more around the world. The first Vitara – introduced in 1988 – pioneered a new compact SUV category, its stylish design, true all round 4×4 performance and compact capability conferring instant popularity and iconic status. By the time its replacement – the Grand Vitara – appeared in 1997, Suzuki was a market leader in compact SUVs, a position further cemented by the second generation model’s distinctive design and engineering which had moved the brand towards more sophisticated on-road performance.
In conceiving the latest range Suzuki acknowledges the inclination of a growing number of customers to choose cross-over designs that are stylish and perform well on-road. In order to widen its appeal, yet simultaneously return to its roots, the new model boasts greater sophistication than its predecessor, yet is dynamically superior both on-road as well as off.
With comprehensive upgrades that respect the Grand Vitara tradition, the new range will not only appeal to current customers, but also to those new to the brand.
(Source – Suzuki Press Website/Newspress)
Suzuki DF250 Outboard Motor
The new Suzuki DF250 is the World’s first production 250hp V6 4-stroke.
With a 3614cc displacement and 69hp per litre power to displacement ratio, the greatest ever seen in the 4-stroke category, the DF250 is also the most compact, lightest and technically advanced. Already the winner of the prestigious NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award in America, the Suzuki DF250 is a custom built marine 4-stroke.
Features include a completely new 55-degree V6 configuration giving a slim more compact design; dual overhead cam 24-valve powerhead; electronic fuel injection; a tuned multi stage intake manifold to enhance engine performance by changing the way the engine breathes at different speeds; Suzuki’s exclusive variable valve timing which continually adjusts intake timing for more low and mid range torque, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions; offset drive shaft providing a big 2.26:1 gear ratio to drive a 16inch prop giving fast acceleration and top speed and 54amp alternator with a 32amp output at 1000rpm to keep radar and other electronics operating even at trolling speed.
Suzuki has a reputation for advanced engineering design and excellent product build – this will be experienced with any Suzuki outboard you purchase.
Four-stroke engines are clearly the next big wave in marine power and Suzuki have developed a range which combine the latest 4-stroke innovations with 35 years experience of the marine engine sector.
(Source – Suzuki UK website)
Photoshoot Details
Saturday 13th October at Chesil/Portland