Powerful engines roar into action

THE Victorian Speed Boat Club’s annual Eppalock Gold Cup is set to return this weekend.

Tomorrow, on Saturday, 7 January, a fleet of very fast watercraft will take to the eponymous lake from Speedboat Road at Derrinal to compete for the gold.

Organiser, Stephan Scott, has been participating in the event since he was 16, and said there’ll be boats of all shapes, sizes and speeds.

“We’re open to unlimited power speed boats of any hull design. It could be a Hydroplane, a displacement boat or a tunnel boat,” he said.

“We have a 36-race program including classes from our juniors with a 15-horsepower outboard… right through up to the big thunder boats and GP Hydroplanes which get up to 2000 horsepower.

“It’s a great family day out at relatively low cost and it’s good for the local area because it’s one of the few major local events only 15 minutes from Heathcote and 40 from Bendigo.

“This is our first time back in about three years.”

Other attractions will include a show and shine for classic cars and speedboats alongside children’s activities.

A presentation will take place at the VSBC’s clubhouse where trophies from the championship races will be awarded.

Part of the Australian Power Boat Championship series, the Eppalock Cup is a perpetual trophy established in 1958.

Proceeds from the day will go towards the Victorian flood relief efforts, and Mr Scott said it’s important to support their community.

“Our club is based in central Victoria and was affected by the floods. We had 22 caravans at our park go under,” he said.

“We’re feeling the pain of the local community. They support us and have done for a long time and we feel it’s a good opportunity to give something back.

“We’re getting this back to the way it used to be with dozens of people through the gate, and on-site camping for people to make a weekend of it.

“Normally, we get probably a couple thousand people each year.”

Entry is $20 and $10 for children aged between 10 and 15 while younger kids enter free, with camping at $10.

The all-day event starts at 9.30am.