The White Noise racing team take a lap of honour after winning the coveted EC Griffith Cup.
Loud roars of boat engines and the occasional humming from acrobatic planes were heard from Lake Mulwala last weekend for the three-day Yarrawonga Boat Racing Spectacular and Fair.
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With perfect autumn weather, the event attracted more than 12,000 people from all over the region to the Yarrawonga foreshore to watch the speed boat racing and the aerial shows while also enjoying the atmosphere and hospitality on offer with the Yarrawonga Foreshore Fair.
Mark Gauci in Immortal and Conner Patterson in Turn it Up race in the National Drivers Championship for Forced Induction Unlimited Displacement boats.
Red Bull World Aerial World Champion Matt Hall was again a fantastic addition to the event, complementing the boat races, regularly performing aerial stunts over Lake Mulwala to the excitement of the crowd.
But it was a big weekend for connections of White Noise, winning back-to-back EC Griffith Cups on Saturday.
The marque race didn’t disappoint as fans witnessed the big hydroplanes battle it out. But it was again Ricky Howard in White Noise who was victorious.
Local driver Grant Harrison, in his hydroplane GP1 was an unfortunate withdrawal from chasing his 10th record-equalling EC Griffith Cup title, withdrawing during his heat race with a prop issue.
Other featured boat racing events throughout the three-day event were the National Drivers Championship Round 1, Trojan Trophy Round 3, Les Spears Memorial ANZAC Day Trophy, Formula GP Round 3, Hyper 5 Hydroplanes, Oz Lite Australian Championship Round and the 105 Australian Championship.
Minister Steve Dimopoulos talks to Red Bull World Aerial World Champion Matt Hall with Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson.
At an official ceremony on Saturday, Yarrawonga Tourism and Business president Michael Coldham welcomed all in attendance, including key sponsors and representatives of Moira Shire and Federation Councils.
“Your ongoing support not only makes the Yarrawonga Powerboat Spectacular possible but also helps deliver significant visitation and strong economic outcomes to our region,” Mr Coldham said.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM also welcomed the Minister for Environment, Tourism, Sport, Major Events and Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos, along with Local Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, to the event.
“This event is the flagship event for the Yarrawonga Mulwala area, but also for the entire Moira Shire,” Dr Emonson said.
“It's an occasion that not only brings the excitement, it brings entertainment, it brings world-class power boating, but it also brings very significant social and economic benefits to our region,” he said.
Mr Dimopoulos described the entire weekend as “unique and incredible, it’s the grand prix on water - this is a water sports lover's dream”.
A hydroclass boat flips during the event.
Photo by
L.GARBUTT
He then announced that the Victorian Government will support the 2026 event with $50,000 in funding.
Victorian Speed Boat Club event director Stephen Scott said the weekend event was the best held of its kind in Australia, and the state government's support was great recognition for the hard work of all involved.
“State government support is fantastic for this event, and for the minister to travel three hours up from Melbourne to make the announcement is unique and a first,” Mr Scott said.
“Overall, it was a great weekend - the racing was great, the water was great, and the weather was perfect.
“Each year we aim to make the event bigger and better.”
Mr Scott said the only crashes were two hydroclass boats that flipped, but both drivers and boats came away without a scratch.
People packed the Yarrawonga foreshore to enjoy the boat racing action on Saturday.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Tourism chief Nathan Bibby said the event attracted around 12,000 over the three days, with Saturday attracting around 6,000.
He said many of the accommodation outlets were booked out, and there was a lot of positive feedback from visitors and competitors.
“A New Zealand competitor commented that they have nothing like this event in New Zealand,” Mr Bibby said.
Mr Bibby also praised volunteers and Moira Shire Council ground staff for a well-run event.
“We would also like to thank all those involved, especially the sponsors, volunteers, the community for supporting it and also the residents who were directly affected and allowing us to have the various road closures.”
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