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Boats, Bikes & Festivities

Posted on Nov 26, 2010 by merran in YarrawongaGeneral

It's all happening in Yarrawonga this weekend.

Today kicks off with the 2010 UIM Grand Prix Hydroplane Championships. They've been going strongly all day. We had a bit of a hiccup this morning with the weather - but it is now a beautiful and still evening. The boats are still going and they've got their poll positions for their heats over the weekend.

The UIM Grand Prix World Championship is for the fastest powerboats in the world. These boats are absolutely amazing, and if you haven't already seen them - it's definitely worthwhile coming down to check them out. The Hydroplanes have to be launched into the lake by cranes. Each run will only last five minutes, yet these craft can reach speeds of up to 370kph and burn about 100 litres of fuel. They really are incredible (so is the noise they make).

This weekend is not just about the hydroplanes. There are over 80 boats competing in 11 different classes this weekend. There's the Juniors, 6 litre displacements, unlimited displacements, 5.2 litre, 25 hp, F1 & F2's, 1.6 Hydro, 4.2 litre and the Marj Watson, just to name a few.

There will also be plenty of entertainment over the weekend. Whip Industries will be performing amazing stunts and feats on their mini dirt bikes. There'll be market stalls, plenty of food and drink and just an all round fun atmosphere. If you're in the area it's definitely worth stopping by. Especially for only $5 entry!

We've also got a bit of a street festival which is currently happening down on Belmore Street. Extended trading hours, buskers, music and children's entertainment - it's all there. Make sure to say hi to Phil - our own Silver Statue. And don't forget to spend $10 in any of the stores, you'll go in the draw to win some amazing accommodation prizes - very kindly donated by the Mulwala Water Ski Club and Yarrawonga Holiday Park. Just looking out my window, there's a mass of people wandering around.

Tomorrow morning, the Great Victorian Bike Ride begins at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds. There's about 5,000 bike riders in town - including all the wonderful volunteers. If you're out for a wander, pop past the Yarrawonga Showgrounds - is quite a spectacle with all the tents and campers.

The towns a buzz - it's just a really great atmosphere with everything that's going on here. Definitely worthwhile coming down to check it out!