After the 2016 Key West World Championships in November, SBI head John Carbonell’s health issues reached the point where he required a surgical solution. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

A press release issued yesterday from Super Boat International headquartered in Key West, Fla., reassured competitors and fans of the SBI offshore powerboat racing circuit, as well as its staff members, that despite health issues for SBI head John Carbonell the organization is “preparing for a new season and that Super Boat continues to move forward.”

Rodrick Cox, who handles public and media relations for SBI, was quoted in the release.

“After recently speaking with John and Deana, it is apparent that the last few months have been extremely challenging and stressful,” Cox said. “John and Deana felt that it was very important to give heartfelt thanks to the Super Boat staff for everything they have done and for their unwavering loyalty this season, specifically during the Key West week-long event.”

According to the release, Carbonell was diagnosed with fluid accumulation and pressure on his brain sometime after the SBI Offshore World Championships in Key West. A surgical procedure handled in Kendall, Fla., two weeks ago resolved the issue. Subsequently, he required gall bladder removal surgery. Carbonell is currently home and undergoing physical and occupational therapy and, according to the release, “in his ‘Carbonell style’ working to get things back to normal and continues to give his team instructions.”

Said Carbonell in the release: “The most important thing is that we want our staff to know how much we appreciate them, the racers, and everyone’s patience and understanding during the past month.”

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