Seeking an extra splash of excitement, hundreds of spectators lined up along the banks of the Clarence River at Corcoran Park in Grafton on March 3 as the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club hosted a high-powered day of racing.

With a number of sleek vessels surging past at speeds exceeding 150mph as their drivers skilfully navigated the specially marked 650m course, children cheered emphatically while older members of the crowd applauded their efforts.

President of the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club Grant Heeley said he was pleased to see so many families in attendance and said he hoped the event will encourage more people to take an interest in the sport.

“Today was about inviting people to come out and see what we do and learn about it,” he said.

After steering Whitenoise GP888, a 25-year-old full composite carbon fibre kevlar speedboat owned by Mr Heeley along the Clarence River at more than 160mph, Hawkesbury based driver Ricky Howard told the Clarence Valley Independent it meant a lot for him as a competitor to showcase the sport on the local waterway, adding it was great to see a large crowd gather to watch.

“The conditions on the water were beautiful, the venue was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and to see so many people along the riverbank enjoying themselves throughout the day, it doesn’t get better than that,” he said.

“It’s great for the local community that this event was able to go ahead because it brings tourists to Grafton, and it also helps to support the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club.

“It was great to see the GP hydroplanes out on the water too, they’re the pinnacle of the sport.

“Hopefully, if more events like this can go ahead and more speedboats and competitors can get involved, and the crowds continue to build, I think the future of the sport is looking good.”

While Mr Howard confirmed a number of spectators readily embraced the opportunity to get up close to the speedboats and speak with members of the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club about the sport, Coffs Harbour visitors Debra and Ian Ballard said they had a terrific time watching the racing with their grandchildren on the weekend.

“The grandkids had a blast,” they said.

“Boat racing isn’t something we all get to see very often.

“We think it would be fantastic if more events like this could be organised because it would bring more visitors and money into regional centres and give people the chance to witness some great outdoor action.” 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 6 March 2024.