With over 500 entries and 250 boats, the entries are now closed for the 2009 Club Marine Southern 80. This promises to provide plenty of action on the water.
The 2009 format has been changed dramatically from previous years events. With some races cut and more events on the water on Saturday.
Friday 6th February, will see the Breakfast with the Stars take place in the Aquatic reserve, Heygarth st Echuca. Over 50 boats and their teams will be on display from around 7am to 9am. People will be able to wander through the display, chat to the teams, have breakfast and meet some of their ski racing heroes.
There will safety scrutineering for selected boats only (boats will be notified by special mail at least one week prior to the event) , occurring at the MWSC’s office in Annesley st Echuca from 12 noon. Briefing for all team captains will also occur in the Annesley street from 12 noon to 5pm, on the half hour.
Friday night will see the official welcome to sponsors & supporters of the event, at the Launch night to taking place at the Victoria Park boat ramp. Tickets can be purchased online via the Southern 80 website at $75 per person.
Saturday morning (7th February 2009) will see the social classes start at Torrumbarry at 8.30am. They will make the journey to the Victoria Park Boat ramp, with them arriving by around 12 noon. This means that the river will be closed to all boats between Torrumbarry & Echuca, for the running of the event.
In Hare street Echuca, the Super Class boats will be on display, along with many other teams. Why not wander through the street, see the teams and visit some of the local Echuca stores. Entry is free.
From around 12 noon the action moves to the Five Mile Boat Ramp, where the Veterans, Junior Social, Sub Junior Social, Senior Social, 60mph and 70 mph, and Tadpoles, all leave for the journey to Victoria Park Boat Ramp.
At the conclusion of a sweep of the river and then the top 40 boats will leave at 1 minute intervals to determine their starting places for the Sunday run. First to leave will be Team Hell in Hellrazor (last year’s winner) with the other 6 Superclass boats following.
Following them will be 14 Superclass B boats, including, Chief, Fastcash, Mirror Image, Syndicate, Mistress and others.
Then the Presidents Invitational Dash will see a further 19 boats tussle out for their pole positions in their relevant classes.
Presentation of the Saturday classes will take place on Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of racing.
The Victoria Park Boat Ramp area is an esky free zone with entry to the area $30 for a two day pass or $20 each day. The area caters for all the family with food and drinks, car simulations, trade sites, drag boats, junior power boats, Moomba Water Ski Show and much more.
Sunday will see those boats not in the top 40 leave Torrumbarry in expert class order at 1 minute intervals from 8.30am. Gunbower Lions Club will be providing refreshments and food at the Torrumbarry start area for competitors and spectators.
Once all of those boats are accounted for around 2.30pm, the top 40 boats will leave Torrumbarry for the 30 odd minute journey to the Victoria Park.
At the conclusion of racing, around 4.30pm, presentation of trophies to the winners will take place at Victoria Park.
For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au for all the latest results as they happen you can download the results via your mobile phone (provided you have internet access) at www.southern80.com.au/mobile.htm – this page will be updated constantly during the weekend.
