Robert Psaila has returned to the top of the heap following a full weekend of racing for the Melton Gold Cup.
Psaila, who also serves as commodore for the Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club (MRSBC) who hosted the event, claimed line honours in a dominant performance on Sunday, February 20.
After getting off to a good start, Psaila cruised to victory ahead of the field of 25 boats. He triumphed over Tim Shannon in ‘Shannanigans’ in second and Connor Patterson in ‘Turn it Up’ in third.
Patterson was last year’s winner of the cup.
The race followed two days of qualification on February 19 and 18.
Psaila’s success came just two years after he took out the top spot in 2020.
His previous best came 17 years prior when he won the event in 2003.
In total, the Hillside racing legend has taken out top spot at the cup five times.
He said he was happy to perform well on what was a beautiful day in Melton.
“It was really good, always nice to get a win,” he said.
“It’s good being local and winning in your home event. It’s nice to be able to have a lot of friends and supporters around.”
Visitors to Melton Reservoir were treated to three full days of racing in perfect conditions, with thousands of patrons lining the banks to catch a glimpse of the jetboats doing speeds as high as 240kp/h.
Fifty-five boats took part in the bumper three-day event across six classes.
As well as providing a day of family entertainment, the event aims to raise money for mental health organisation Beyond Blue.
In 2017, the club raised $24,000 for the charity.
MRSBC vice-commodore Mark Shepherdley estimated more than 4500 filed in to watch the races each day.
He said although it was too early to tell how much they had raised, he was confident the club had turned a significant profit.
“It was a perfect day, one of our best events ever I would say,” he said.
“I think with the lack of events around the country, this brought a lot of people from around Victoria and out of the state.
“It was a very welcome sight looking up and seeing the grass filled with people.
“That was the thing for me.
“We’ve all been doing things where there’s no one in the audience and it’s been pretty average.”
Psaila said the club would look to organise some social events in the near future.
Details: mrsbc.com.au
