By Alesha Capone
The thrills and spills of offshore powerboat racing will make waves at Werribee South next week.
The Wyndham Harbour Powerboat Championship, hosted by the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club and Wyndham Harbour Marina on the weekend of September 9 and 10, will be the second round in the Port Phillip Bay Championship.
Wyndham Harbour Marina manager Darren Finkelstein said powerboat racing was an exciting sport for both competitors and spectators.
The powerboat club’s commodore, Simon Isherwood, said that while local and interstate offshore super boats would participate in the event, there would also be classes available for everyday single-engine mono hull boats, ski boats and high-performance pleasure boats.
Werribee resident Scott Smith said he was planning to take part in the competition in his Bass Strait Ocean Pro boat.
Mr Smith said that earlier this year he had entered the 60 miles an hour class of the championship’s first event in Werribee South.
“I didn’t really expect to win but I did – it was pretty good,” he said.
Mr Smith said anyone who liked boats could get involved in the sport without needing lots of experience.
Mr Smith said he brought his own boat last year, after the father of one of his friends taught him a bit about fishing.
“I would encourage anyone who has been thinking about giving it a go, to give it a crack and try your best,” Mr Smith said.
The Wyndham Harbour Powerboat Championship main race will start at noon on Sunday, September 10, with boats competing on a 10-kilometre course between Wyndham Harbour and Campbells Cove.
Boats will also be on display at the Wyndham Harbour Marina from 1pm on Saturday, September 9.
Details: facebook.com/aopc.com.au
