I took the trip out to Laidley yesterday to have a look at a different kind of boat racing.

Lake Dyer at Laidley was the venue for the Lockyer Powerfest that included powerboat racing put on by the Gold Coast Power Boat Club. As well as the racing there was a hot rod and car show and a static display of a couple of Jetboats.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't that kind on Sunday and a chilly breeze whipped up the lake to the point that racing had to be stopped just prior to lunch. I'm not totally familiar with the classes but the Blown Lites and the larger supercharged boats got a few runs in, enough to get a result for the Blown Lites.

This is circuit racing for boats and it is very different to the V8 Jetboats that I have been photographing for years now. The boats don't get off the mark as quick or turn as tightly as the jet boats but once on the move they accelerate very quickly and their top speed is unbelievably fast. The rolling starts are great to watch as 5 or 6 boats come hurtling past you side by side at 160 to 200 km/h. Insane stuff !

I wished I had a bit more reach with my lens, 560mm (35mm equiv) wasn't really enough to get up close to the boats, especially down the far side straight and the left hander coming on to the front straight. I think 700 - 800 mm would've been about right for the Laidley circuit.

The weather meant I didn't get a chance to see the outboard Formula boats which was a shame because from the photos I have seen of these from other events they are crazy fast and spectacular as well. Oh well next time.

I have photos from the event in my web galleries here

Here are a couple from the day. E5294796ds2700OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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I'll be back for another one of these, I'll just put an order in for better weather next time.

Ian