Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

POWERBOAT RACING

The eight-day Galway Powerboat Festival in Ireland has been hailed as ‘a fantastic advert for powerboating’. Heights of Abraham, raced by Rupert Pugh and Dan Whapples, made a clean sweep at the Galway Grand Prix of the Sea after another imperious display of offshore powerboat racing to secure back-to-back titles in front of crowds in excess of 90,000. P1 Superstock.co.uk.

The UIM F1 H2O World Championship for power boating celebrates its 30th Anniversary on 10-11 July at the 8th Grand Prix of Russia in St. Petersburg. The Neva River, flowing into the Gulf of Finland, is at the foreground of the famous Hermitage, once the winter palace of the Russian Czars and capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years. This is the backdrop to the race season’s only nighttime event on the longest and one of the most challenging race circuits in the world, combining six turns and 2.275 kilometers (1.4 miles) in length. F1 h2o.com.

POWERBOATS

The new OptiMax 150 ProXS, the latest addition to Mercury’s line-up of performance direct-injected outboards has been given a VELS 3-STAR rating for ultra-low emissions. Faster, more fuel efficient and cleaner the OptiMax ProXS range, it now covers virtually every application with 115hp, 150hp, 175hp, 200hp, 225hp and 250hp versions. OptiMax engines are lightweight delivering outstanding power-to-weight ratio, and most models are available in both 20” (L) and 25” (XL) shaft lengths, to suit all kinds of fishing and recreational applications.

SAFETY

After an inquest into the death of a man on a vessel at night, a Queensland coroner recommends that recreational boat drivers be licensed to drive a vessel at night after theory and practical testing, and that boat licence holders undergo a refresher test of knowledge of boating rules and navigation every five years. MarineQLD.com.au.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has launched its annual Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts Raffle with the major prize being a luxury Mudgee escape that includes a two night stay at Evanslea, a five-star luxury bed and breakfast, an Audi for the weekend, and a private tasting and wine tour at Robert Oatley Vineyards. The SOLAS Trusts have donated more than $500,000 Australia wide to support search and rescue organisations. CYCA.com.au.

IN BRIEF

The Port of Airlie Marina harbour is fully formed with berth construction now underway. The completion of the first marina stage will coincide with the entry channel opening later this year. The marina will become operational at this time.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

June 13 - 14 -- The Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show, Meridien Marinas Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach. WhitsundayBoatShow.com.

June 26 – 27 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 2, Mackay. AOPC.com.au.

July 1 - 5 -- Melbourne Boat Show, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. MelbourneBoatShow.com.au.

July 3 – 4 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 3, Townsville. AOPC.com.au.

July 15 - 18 -- Adelaide Boat Show, Adelaide Convention Centre. AdelaideBoatShow.com.au.

July 29 - Aug 2 -- 2010 Sydney International Boat Show, Darling Harbour SydneyBoatShow.com.au.

Aug 6 - 11 -- Moreton Bay Fishing Classic, conducted by the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, is designed to be fun for everyone while promoting responsible resource conservation and environment fishing practice. Anyone can enter and the estimated prize pool is $200,000. Mbtbc.com.

Aug 7 - Hervey Bay Whale Festival HerveyBayWhaleFestival.com.au.

Photograph: Racing at Galway Powerboat Festival courtesy of