The largest number of high performance powerboats will descend on the Great Lakes for the Fred Williams Boaties and Skiers Reunion this weekend.
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Conducted by the newly formed Forster-Tuncurry based Mid North Coast Speedboat Club the meeting will run as a stand alone event on the Tuncurry side of the lake on the southern side of the bridge.
Upwards of 140 boats will be there with a solid number going onto the water while others will be on display the entire weekend.
Club spokesperson Rhonda Wojcikewycz says organisers have been blown away by the response.
“It’s been many decades since this number of boats have been brought together at the one location,’’ Rhonda said.
“If the weather is favourable this new venue will be as spectacular as any in our country. It’s also a testament to the respect our own Fred Williams has in the boating and water skiing fraternity.”
Mr Williams, a well known local identity, is a member of the Australian Water Sports Hall of Fame.
Visitors will include world water speed record holder Ken Warby and his son David, who will display their new project boat for the first time.
The jet powered boat is being prepared for an attempt on the speed record but this time with David as the driver.
Ken Warby is now a resident of the United States based in Cincinatti, Ohio.
Another attendee from America is legendary Australian driver Peter Smith.
Mr Smith, who lives in the southern state of Florida, raced many of the fastest and most successful blown alcohol displacement (BAD) boats on the Australian circuit, the best known being Kaos, Lords Prayer, The Prayer and Insane.
Regular visitors and competitors Danny McGuire, Grant Torrens and David Carroll will be driving BAD boats Chevy and Torrens Title while champion ski race boat Burnin’ will put on a display towing skiers in a simulated ski race display.
Dean Barry and his team with She’s the Culprit will also be in the dedicated pit area along with Derek Marland who is bringing both the 5 and 6 litre Madness boats down from Queensland.
It’s possible two of the three boats could go on the water.
The event will start at 9am on both days. All classes of boats will be in attendance with static displays along Coral Avenue and Palm Street and the pit area for boats going on the water will be in Fazio Park adjacent to the skate park.
Recreational fishers and boaties will not be precluded from the area with at least one ramp available to them at all times.
Market stalls, food vans and carnival rides will be operating all weekend with the Hamilton’s Oysters outlet being a major contributor for food and beverages.
Saturday night will see the official reunion dinner at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club where more than 300 are expected to attend.