By Ewen McRae
After a year off, the Melton Gold Cup is set to once again light up the Melton Reservoir this weekend.
Bringing together some of the best speed and power boat drivers in the world, the event will run from January 31 to February 2 and showcase the breakneck speed and skill that the sport is famous for.
The event did not run in 2019, and Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club member Jo Paynter said it was exciting to see the event return.
“It’s our major meeting each year, but last year we had an Australia vs USA challenge instead, so it’s been greatly missed I think,” Ms Paynter said.
“We’ve got some of the best displacement boats in the country coming, including Australasia’s unlimited displacement champion, and the winner of last year’s challenge event coming along, so it will be the best of the best going around very quickly.”
With crowds of up to 5000 expected to descend on the reservoir, the boats will thrill the crowds at speeds of more than 240km/h.
Entry is by a gold coin donation, with funds raised going to Beyond Blue.
The day will feature competitors from juniors through to the professionals, and the event will also have food trucks on the lawns and a band to perform on the night following the racing.
“This would be one of the biggest events that Victoria has on offer for the sport,” Ms Paynter said.
“The club is very proud to support Beyond Blue through this event, and to promote the sport that we’re passionate about is fantastic.
“To give our own club members the chance to race at their own waterway in a big event is great, and it’s a spectacular event to witness.”
