Large crowds took up positions all the way from Steampacket Gardens to the hill on Eastern Beach to enjoy the second round of the Offshore Superboat Championship on Sunday after racing was abandoned on Saturday due to difficult weather conditions.
222 Offshore’s Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath made every post a winner, narrowly beating Team Superbad in both their races to hold top spot on the Aus 1 and Supercat Extreme class tables.
Colonel Racing’s Jason Kelly and Jesse King also won both races in the Sports 85 class, as did Team Gigglin’s Mark and Liam Sutherland in the Sports 65 section.
Commodore of the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club Antony de Fina said he was thrilled to see the crowds turn out in force after day one of the event was cancelled.
“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,” he 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, and yes, we can see that from inside our Supercats.
“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 paid tribute to the volunteers, officials and first responders who made the event 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 male the weekend what it was, and done an awesome job.
“Craig and Steve on the start boat are terrific, as too the divers and medical officers, all of whom think it through, and we are privileged to have them.”
For more results, videos and information visit superboat.com.au.
