SOUTHERN 80: This is the world’s biggest waterski race

Things are hotting up for the Southern 80 at Echuca/Moama from February 10-12 — the world’s biggest waterski race backed by Destination NSW  — now in its 52nd year and again attracting a throng of ski racers to the snaking 80km track on the mighty Murray River.

There have been 435 entries received with 220 boats competing in 41 different classes based on age, boat capacity or the speed the teams have selected to ski over the weekend. Teams of four, with a boat driver, an observer and two skiers, make up the bulk of entries.

The 2017 event brings some improvements including a new-look finish line at Victoria Park, with more room for the tens of thousands of spectators, along with greater family entertainment and a better corporate area, organisers say.

Teams travelling from all over Australia will start to roll into the twin towns in the week before the event in order to get to know and understand the Murray River before racing starts.

There are plenty of opportunities for spectators to get up close and personal with the high horsepower ski boats on show and to follow their favourite teams racing at speeds up to 200km/h with the twin skiers out the back on 250ft-long tow ropes.

Saturday, February 11: Hare Street, Echuca, come alive with the Total Tools Static Display between 9am to 1 pm. Seven Superclass boats and a range of other teams will be on display. Southern 80 merchandise and some team merchandise will be available for sale, too.

Meantime, the Victoria Park finish line opens for business at 8am, with social racing from 8.30am from the Five Mile Reserve. Entry to the Victoria Park site is $35 for a weekend pass or $25 per day. Children under 15 are free. Bring your chairs, picnic blanket and enjoy the carnival atmosphere and extended grassed area. The finish line area will again have the big screen with the live timing showing the time splits along the course, so that you can follow your favourite team.

This year also will see more live crosses to the start line, so that you can see the boats open up and catch them cross the line at Victoria Park, where there is a range of food and drink, Free Jumping Castle and Water Slide, trade displays and drag boats on display.

At breaks in the ski racing, the Drag Boat Club will be on the water to show off their skills in handling their powerful boats on the Murray River. At 2pm the Superclass boats will vie for pole position in the Sunday event as they compete in the Bakers Blitz. Last year’s winner The Mistress will lead the see Superclass boats down the river at two-minute intervals.

Sunday February 12: This is the big race day. From the Torrumbarry start line, the boats will travel the 80km to the Victoria Park finish line. Racing starts with the Super Social class on the water for a start at 8.30am. Again the Victoria Park Finish line is the place to be. Live timing, live crosses to the start line, on-water entertainment with Drag boats, plenty of food and drinks. At the conclusion of racing, till the start of presentation, there will be live music.

The Southern 80 is by far the biggest ski-race event in the world. Our good partner and friends Todd and Rick Kelly, accomplished local skiers from the well-know Mildura family property, will be racing their 5.2L Nissan-powered Mojo. We'll be among those wishing them well and following the exciting ski racing with great interest.

For further information and to get your finish line tickets see southern80.com.au.