Need for speed: Superboats make waves at Geelong Waterfront

SUB-PAR conditions on day one of Round 2 of the Offshore Superboat Championship failed to deter participants and organisers taking part in the Corio Bay event at the weekend.

Saturday’s (March 18) windy conditions forced action to be abandoned, but racing returned on Sunday as spectators took advantage several viewing locations across Geelong Waterfront.

“Despite the testing weather of the Saturday, you only have to look at the turnout for Sunday to see why the spectators and racers love our round at Geelong so much,” Commodore of the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club Antony de Fina said.

“By far it is one of, or perhaps the biggest crowd, we have ever had here.

“The amount of people on the wave attenuator and up on the hill was spectacular.

“We receive such fantastic support from the people of Geelong that come out and watch us, and the City of Geelong as well, who really get behind this event.

“It simply wouldn’t happen without their gracious involvement.”

Race director Russell Embleton said there were key elements that went into making the racing happen.

“There are a bunch of volunteers that have no ongoing or day-to-day interest as such in offshore powerboat racing, but they’re just good, decent boaties, and when they’re asked to pitch in, they do through friendships and associations with the people that do race,” Mr Embleton said.

“Every single one of our exclusion zone boats, and rescue craft are mums, dads and mates that have pitched in to make the weekend what it was and done an awesome job.”

For full results, video, and information from Round 2, head to superboat.com.au