If you’re a fan of high-speed thrills and the roar of engines over open water, you’ve likely heard of the Lavin Brothers—Mark and Chris Lavin. These two powerhouse siblings left an unforgettable mark on offshore powerboat racing, combining skill, innovation, and a passion for the sport. Let’s dive into their incredible story and celebrate their accomplishments in a way the whole family can enjoy!





Who Were the Lavin Brothers?





Mark and Chris Lavin grew up with a love for speed and the sea. Hailing from Connecticut, they were a dynamic duo who took offshore powerboat racing by storm in the 1980s. With Mark as the fearless throttleman and Chris as the skilled driver, they turned heads with their teamwork and determination. Together, they raced under the iconic "Jesse James" banner, a name that became synonymous with victory and innovation.





The Jesse James Legacy





The Lavin Brothers’ most famous boat, Jesse James, was a game-changer. Built by Chris Craft with help from Mercury Marine, this sleek catamaran was a masterpiece of design. Powered by twin Chevrolet V8 engines, Jesse James sliced through waves at jaw-dropping speeds. In 1984 and 1985, the brothers piloted it to back-to-back USA National Championships in the American Offshore Series. That’s not all—in 1984, they set a world speed record of 101.3 mph, proving they were among the fastest on the water! Their success didn’t stop there. In 1985, they clinched the Class 2 World Championship, cementing their status as offshore racing royalty.





Innovation on the Water





The Lavin Brothers pushed the sport forward. After a tragic accident in 1986 claimed Mark’s life during the Key West World Cup, Chris and their family turned heartbreak into purpose. They founded the Mark Lavin Memorial Offshore Medical and Safety Foundation to make racing safer for everyone. This group helped develop better safety gear and rescue techniques, ensuring future racers could chase their dreams with less risk. It’s a legacy that’s saved lives and made the sport more family-friendly over the years.








Written by: Vehicule Magazine
VÉHICULE Magazine is an ad-free publication celebrating the high-performance world of offshore powerboating and cutting-edge transportation. With a focus on the intersection of design, speed, and culture, it delivers carefully curated, collector-worthy print editions handcrafted in Germany. Through exclusive content and a bold editorial style, VÉHICULE explores the artistry and innovation driving the high-performance lifestyle, earning praise as “brash, cultured, and curious” by VOGUE.