A HERO is a man distinguished by exceptional courage, strength and respect while a LEGEND is an individual victorious for having once achieved recognition and long-lasting fame and continues to impact people. In the perilous and prestigious world of Offshore Racing, Barnegat Bay, New Jersey local John Bochis is a both a Hero and a Living Legend.
Of Greek descent, he was born in December of 1941 in Kaparelli, a picturesque village near to the Gulf of Corinth, where he endured a strenuous childhood inconceivable to many today. When John’s mother Kaliope sent him to gather salt at the sea, the eight-mile trek through the rugged peaks and slopes required three days of travel via donkey. Along the way his only companion and form of protection was Red, his mixed breed canine and at night sleeping quarters were limited to the outdoor wilderness under the moon and stars.
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At the youthful age of 15, John immigrated to the United States where his early days were spent working as a dishwasher before upgrading to a cook. Free time was spent watching television to sharpen his English-speaking skills. Clearly his professional niche was in the food-service industry since he went on to open an array of diners including the Holiday, Johnny B's and JB’s- all known for serving-up scrumptious homemade food. In 1967 Nancy Rible took his hand in marriage and soon after he became the proud father of son George and daughter Kali. Already a successful restaurateur and loving husband and father, in 1974 John added one more role to his life’s resume … Offshore Boat-Racer!
John’s racing alias (and team name) “Crazy Greek” originated when wife Nancy surprised him by hiring painters to detail this name on the sides of his boat. Why? Because he couldn’t stay afloat in water! The name stuck since to this day John still can’t swim. Nonetheless, compensating for his inability to tread water has been his ability to shred water. His first wave cutter, a 24-foot IMP x246-model powered by a Chrysler Super Bee III (small block) and twin 270 Volvo drives landed him three consecutive gold podium honors during New Jersey’s famed Brass Monkey Marathon offshore challenges. Maintaining the competitive edge over other combatants, John, the Crazy Greek, wowed the crowds running wide-open at 67mph, an impressive speed for one of the fastest stock boats of its time.
In 1977, the National APBA Production Class welcomed John in his new 28’ Signature equipped with twin Chevy small blocks and twin 280 Mercruiser outdrives. The Signature ran like the wind and moved water out of the way, earning him Second Place victories in national points two-years running, when traversing the U.S.A. in aquatic battles from Marina del Rey, California to Miami, Florida. Hungry for more horsepower, by 1979 the Signature increased engine size to 400hp; Crazy Greek was welcomed into the Modified Class; and three years later in 1981 a trio of APBA North Eastern Divisional Championships trophies adorned the countless others displayed so eloquently in his home.
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In an era when New Jersey’s Benihana Grand Prix was the most renowned event in powerboat racing history, particularly during the 1980 record-setting race with seventy-seven starters, John was there! By 1982 Crazy Greek had been upgraded to a 32’ Cobra with twin Chevy 450hp engines under the hatch and again went on to seize the Modified Class Northeastern Divisional Championship. In the years to come John lightened his racing agenda while still competing in occasional water showdowns.
A small man blessed with a big passion, John Bochis has been making waves and breaking news headlines for over thirty-years since making his initial racing debut. Bragging rights are his to claim for having earned countless checkered flags including winning the prestigious Miami to Bimini Challenge three times. He also participated in The Benihana Grand Prix, The Swift Hurricane Classic, The Bushmills Grand Prix and numerous regional races. Now after a two-decade hiatus, at age 65 this Crazy Greek’s endless appetite for offshore has brought him back into the spotlight.
Last season John re-entered the aquatic arena of Powerboat Racing dancing through the slaloms alongside none other than son George as navigator and Bob Oetringer of Thunderboat and Design as throttleman. This year the trio re-emerges but the Greeks swap positions with George piloting and John keeping watch in SBI’s P3 class in the legendary 1977 Michelob Light Scarab, previously owned by Bernie Little.
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This invincible racer is back in the game as he continues to garner accolades in honor of his astonishing Offshore Racing career. Last summer he was remembered at the OPA Racing Association’s Point Pleasant Beach event with a special Racing Legends award. Next up is the Friday, June 13th salute when he John Bochis a.k.a. THE CRAZY GREEK will be inducted into the National Powerboat Association’s prestigious 2008 Hall of Fame under the tents at Liberty Landing Marina inside Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. This will be a spectacular “not to miss” event when Living Legend John Bochis goes down in the history books once again.
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Crazy Greek John Bochis Offshore Powerboat Racing Achievements
Stock Class Winner Brass Monkey Marathon (24’IMP) - 1974
Stock Class Winner Brass Monkey Marathon (24’IMP) - 1975
Stock Class Winner Brass Monkey Marathon (24’IMP)- 1976
Second Place in National Points APBA Production Class (28’ Signature) - 1977
Second Place in National Points APBA Production Class (28’ Signature) - 1978
Northeastern Divisional Championship APBA Modified Class (28’ Signature) - 1979
Northeastern Divisional Championship APBA Modified Class (28’ Signature) - 1980
Northeastern Divisional Championship APBA Modified Class (28’ Signature) - 1981
Northeastern Divisional Championship APBA Modified Class (32’Cobra) - 1982
Career Statistics
Three-time Winner of Prestigious Miami to Bimini Challenge
Participant of Classic Benihana Race
Participant of Bushmills Grand Prix
Participant of Swift Hurricane Classic
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