Cade Lucas
Brutal conditions took their toll on both crew and boats alike during the opening round of the 2024 Offshore Superboat Championship at Wyndham Harbour on the weekend.
Strong winds battered craft across both days, but also made for some spectacular racing.
Among the teams to excel in the tough conditions were Jason Kelly and Jesse King in The
Colonel. The duo finished three from three in the SuperSports 85 class, holding off strong challenges from Ryan Shan and Scott Kelly in RS Racing and Haydn Waszewski and
Zak Gould in C-52.
Also going three from three over the weekend were Matt Kelly and Antony de Fina in, The Mantis.
Competing in the SuperCat Outboard category, Kelly and de Fina dominated their competition, with their new Mercury Racing 300R V8 outboard powering The Mantis to speeds of more than 180km/h in nearly all conditions.
The Sports 65 category was more competitive, with Patty and Michael Paczkowski in
Valentus, Rennie Cogliandro and Charlie Di Iorio in Cardiac Arrest and Danny and Dean Caelli in Villian claiming a victory each.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said the warm weather and high winds combined for a great spectacle.
“It was a picture-perfect location and showcased our
beautiful coastline, reinforcing Wyndham City’s capacity to host major water sport
events,” Cr Barrera said.
Australian Offshore Powerboat Club Commodore, Antony de Fina said Wyndham Harbour proved an ideal place to start the season.
“All of us particularly enjoyed the varying conditions, which the crowds definitely
seemed to have sat, watched, and then later on come and talked with us about,” he said.
“Having the wet pits so close to the finish line is such a marvellous element, and
something that is so particular to Wyndham Harbour. Many thanks to Wyndham Council, Wyndham Harbour, and all of the personnel and
volunteers that come together to make this event possible.”
Next up, the Offshore Superboat Championship series moves further down the coast to Geelong for round two on March 16 and 17.
