This year the Southern 80 will be live streamed for those at home, across Australia and around the world, so they can see the action, marvel at the starts, the different speeds out on course, see how under-10s to over 40s master the river, and, of course, how fast the big boys go.
Get the MVSN app or more details at www.southern80.com.au — cost will be $19.99 per day.
This event has been two years in the making since our last one in 2020 and we are excited to be back on the water and racing under the new Dhungala bridge for the first time.
The finish line area has changed a lot with most of our layout on the new asphalt car park, so if it rains, no mud.
Our usual big screen at the finish line will have the camera footage from our streaming cameras, a great family day out, kids activities, food and a bar.
Get up close to the boats and teams as top 40 boats will be next to the finish compound, again on the asphalt.
Friday Morning is breakfast with the stars at Moama Soundshell — come and see boats and teams up close plus interviews with the stars, a great way to start the weekend.
Saturday’s racing will be in three sessions with under-10s starting from five mile from 8am, followed by social classes.
Next will be the expert classes from Sunday afternoon’s event racing for their start positions followed by Veterans, Senior social, disabled.
2pm will see the top 40 boats race for pole position on Sunday starting from boat 40 down to one, meaning pole position for Sunday’s great race will not be known until the last boat, 2020 winner Superman, crosses the line.
The Sunday start time is 9am from Torrumbarry with Super Social, junior age classes and 60/70 mile per hour boats.
Then at 12.30pm the big boys take off for the main event, followed by engine classes.
Will last year’s record be broken?
We would not be able to hold the “biggest water ski race in the world” without the support of all our sponsors.
We are pleased to have Destinations NSW, which provide us with the opportunity to promote our region and our event, and we again have support from our shires, Campaspe and Murray.
We have also received new support from McConnell Dowell — the bridge builders.
Our other major partners are: American Hotel, Beechworth Bakery, Northern Hire Group, Edge FM, McDonald’s Echuca, Thomson’s Echuca Electrical, Transport For NSW-Maritime and the Riverine Herald.
We also have many support partners, platinum and gold support partners and all our class sponsors.
Our sweep boat is again sponsored by Mercury Marine and Xtreme Marine, we thank them for our Mercury 300 V8 engine.
On behalf of everyone here for the weekend, our thanks go to all these partners and sponsors.
The assistance we receive from all our emergency services and other agencies is tremendous.
To all our community groups and other volunteers, thank you for your continued support, with some groups and volunteers helping for more than 20 years.
Finally a huge thanks to all our competitors who work extremely hard out on the water to give our spectators some fantastic water ski racing to watch during the two days.
Vic Park is where you can get all the latest information, latest times, see the teams live on the big screen and finish live on the water. Food and bar, plus free children’s entertainment.
On behalf of the Moama Water Sports Club we wish everyone a great weekend with exceptional viewing, great times and safe racing.
My tip for outright winner: Sapphire F1.
— Steve Shipp, president, Moama Water Sports Club
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