FOR more than 60 years, the Hunter River in Raymond Terrace has been the location for annual Power Boat races hosted by the Raymond Terrace Aquatic Club.

The latest event ran at Riverside Park on October 21 and 22, with plenty of high-octane racing on offer.

“This is the second running of this event in its current name, the Greg Lewis and Ray Wamsley Power Boat Spectacular,” said Peter Hall, the Club Commodore.

“Both these men who have now passed were long time members of our club and national champions in their classes.
“We run this event in memory and recognition of their standing and involvement at the club,” said Peter.

“Modern power boat racing conducted at Riverside Park in Raymond Terrace is close and spectacular to watch as these powerboats are capable of speeds well over 200 kilometres per hour.”

Up to 30 competitors take to the water, with entrants locally from Port Stephens and from as far afield as Sydney, South Australia and Victoria.

For those who didn’t get the chance to go and check it out in person, Peter said the event is also available online.

“It is available through the GP Hydro site and free for anyone to view live or replay on YouTube as well.

“We have had well over 30,000 engagements on some of our previous racing events,” he said.

With strong winds the drivers of the boats were challenged to push their limits but everyone gave it a good crack.

From the Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club – Melton Reservoir, the winner of the Ray ‘Joe’ Wamsley Trophy was Tate Ramsey.

Representing the Raymond Terrace Aquatic Club, Brendon Mason took out the Greg ‘Hi-Flya’ Lewis Trophy.

Glenn Brown from the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club was the winner of the 95 mile per hour class and Scott Krause, from the same club, took out the win in the Outboard class.

By Pat JENSEN