Start your engines! Because Southern 80 season is officially here.
The lead-up to the biggest water ski race in the world began on Wednesday with the official launch of this year’s edition of the historic event.
A crowd of local dignitaries, competitors, former racers and fans gathered on the lawns of the Campaspe Shire Council offices to mark the race’s return.
Reigning champion Sapphire and its crew were at the launch, proudly displaying their haul of silverware from last year’s race — the Leigh Johnson Perpetual Trophy, given to the outright winner, and the Ted Hurley Memorial Trophy awarded to the winner of the Baker’s Blitz.
The colourfully decorated Psycho Clowns team was there as well, with the crowd favourite set to enter into this year’s superclass race once again.
The showpiece event on the ski racing calendar will be held from March 24-26, pushed back from its traditional February timeslot, with two events added to this year’s schedule.
The Southern 80 Hall of Fame night will return for the first time since 2019 with a special dinner at Victoria Park in Echuca on Friday, March 24.
A total of 31 people have been nominated as inductees, with the dinner honouring their achievements and contribution to the sport.
Moama Water Sports Club (MWSC) President Steve Shipp said it was important to have the Hall of Fame night back on the calendar.
“The race has been running for 50 years and we came up with the concept of the Hall of Fame in 2019,” Shipp said.
"You have those who have been in the sport for a long time and those who have given so much to the sport and it is a way to acknowledge those people who have given so much.
“We are definitely glad to have it back this year, it is great to acknowledge these people who have given so much to our sport.
“It is great to hear the stories of the people who get inducted.”
This year’s Southern 80 will also feature a totally new showcase, a special parade along the Murray in the lead up to the Baker’s Blitz on the Saturday afternoon.
“At the other river races in Mildura and Robinvale, the top 40 boats all leave from the bank and travel to the start line,” Shipp said.
“Everyone loves seeing the boats go and lots of people say it’s one of the best things they see, so we want to emulate that and do the same thing here.
“It will be great. All the boats will leave from Vic Park, people will see them all leave and then next thing they will all come racing back.”
The race is traditionally held in February, but it was pushed back due to the impacts of flooding along the Murray River.
With the impacts of the flooding still being felt even after the water has receded, Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said it was vital to have the race in town.
“We are desperate to get people back here,” Cr Amos said.
“Businesses are really struggling, and it is not just tourism businesses. Some shops are now reducing their hours to be able to stay afloat and we need people back here so we can get back to the thriving community that we are.
“An event like this which brings a lot of people and a lot of money to town is so important.
“These events are so important to our town — not just to our tourism operators, but our other operators as well.”
Cr Amos, Mr Walsh and the MWSC all said they hoped that camping along the river, one of the main drawcards for spectators, would be allowed again in time for the race.