Albert Francis Ransley (better known as Francis Ransley) is one of Tasmania’s pioneers and trailblazers in the competitive world of power boat racing.

In an illustrious career than spanned almost 20 years, Francis rose to the very top of his sport in this country, winning two Australian championships (in 1967 and 1971) and finishing second in several others.

His impressive record also included four Tasmanian championships and an amazing 14 Tasmanian water speed records and an Australian water speed record for the 7 ½ litre engine class that still stood at the time of induction, some 14 years after it was first set, at the speed of  228.6 km/hr.

His first tilt at fame came in 1967 when he won his first Tasmanian championship, competing in the runabout class.

He went on to win two more State titles  and an Australian championship in the same class before stepping up to the open inboard class, where he also won an Australian title and a Tasmanian championship in the same year (1971).

In the 12 years that followed, Francis established a series of new Tasmanian water speed records in 300 c.i. (cubic inch), hydroplane, open inboard, five-litre, open outboard, and 7 ½ litre classes.

In 1978 he became the first Tasmanian to exceed 200 km/hr on water and only the fourth Australian to do so.

Some of the more memorable of his craft included Tammy, Super Roo, Hunter II, and Road Runner.

In addition to being a leading competitor, Francis was also actively involved in the administration side of his sport, at one time holding the position of Commodore of the North-West Power Boat Club.

After retiring from power boat racing, Francis turned his love of things automotive to his other passion - veteran and vintage cars.

At the time of induction he was a highly-respected member of the Veteran and Vintage Car Club of Australia, having held a number of positions.

In 1993 he was responsible for directing and helping attract the highly successful BMW FIVA World Veteran Rally to Tasmania.

Written by Martin Agatyn