Emma Pritchard

There will be ripples of excitement emanating across the Clarence River and onto the riverbank this weekend when the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club bring boat racing back to the region.

With close to 30 vessels capable of reaching speeds of more than 95mph, along with plenty of competitive enthusiasm, the event will be held over a 650m course and feature some of the sports most talented drivers from NSW and Queensland.

Grant Heeley from the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club has been busy promoting the upcoming race day as a family friendly event.

He is encouraging members of the public to head to Grafton’s Corcoran Park from 10am on March 3 to witness a spectacular session of high-powered energy and action on the water.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come and see what we do,” he explained.

“We’re only a new club, recently formed, and our aim is to educate people and show them what the sport is all about.

“There are some really good vantage points at Corcoran Park, and we’d love to see a big crowd come along and watch a great day of racing.”

After welcoming an estimated 1200 spectators to their inaugural Power Boat Circuit Race Day in Maclean last year, the club has been working tirelessly to promote the sport, increase membership, and encourage others to take an interest in boat racing.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Mr Heeley revealed a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to enable the event to proceed this weekend and said a lot of support is needed to ensure the race day is safe and successful for all involved.

“It takes a lot of organising,” he explained, adding paramedics, crash boats, and divers will also be in attendance to offer assistance if necessary.

“We also have the support of around 35 volunteers who will be manning the course, dropping the flags at the start of each race, and ensuring all entries comply with safety rules and regulations.

“The club will be doing our own catering, we’ll have a barbeque going along with other food vendors, so all we need is for people to head to Corcoran Park and support the event.”

Spectators are also invited to introduce themselves to members of the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club and ask any questions they may have about boat racing.

The event is being held in conjunction with the South Queensland Power Boat Club.

For more information about the Northern Rivers Aquatic Club, please visit their Facebook page or contact Mr Heeley on 0400 880 256.