Record crowds turned out for the second weekend of Offshore Superboat Championships racing on Port Phillip Bay on Sunday.

Around 100 spectator boats lined the outer edge of the circuit while thousands of people flocked to various vantage points around the shoreline to witness the Williamstown Offshore Powerboat Classic.

Race director Russell Embleton said spectator numbers at both Sunday’s race and last week’s Hobson’s Bay Offshore Powerboat Classic off St Kilda were indicative of the growing popularity of the sport.

“Melbourne once again turned on perfect conditions for the running of Rounds Three and Four of the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships,” Mr Embleton said.

“In a city that’s home to so many motorsports – from superbikes, to supercars, to Formula 1 – it’s great to see offshore powerboat racing is now developing a strong following.

“We’re particularly grateful to Parks Victoria and Hobsons Bay City Council… the cooperation from both organisations was a significant factor in making the past couple of weekends such a success.”

Both the Hobson’s Bay Offshore Powerboat Classic and Williamstown Offshore Powerboat Classic saw around 20 superboats rip around a coast-hugging course at speeds in excess of 200km/h!

Offshore superboats compete in various classes, according to their hull-type/configuration, and winners are awarded based on total laps/distance travelled. Each race circuit covers around eight nautical miles and each race lasts about an hour.

Attracting competitors from all over the country, the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships moves to New South Wales next month for Round Five – the inaugural Sydney Superboat Grand Prix.

Further information: Offshore Superboat Championships – 0414 371 122 or visit: www.aopc.com.au

(19 February 2008)