Superboats slow on Sydney Harbour

by Powerboat-world on 8 Mar 2008 The man killed in a speedboat crash on Sydney Harbour early this morning had applied to enter tomorrows Superboat Grand Prix.

Then the fatal crash occurred around 9:15am west of the Harbour Bridge.

AAP reports that rescuers found the body of a man beneath the upturned hull of the vessel while another 45-year-old man was rescued from the water, and was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) suffering serious head and leg injuries.

Bill Barry-Cotter from the Offshore Racing Council said a vote was taken at this morning's event briefing, when competitors opted to cancel today's race events as a mark of respect.

The competitors voted the high-powered racing boats should do two parade laps of the course, which they did a little after 2.10pm. this afternoon

'We have agreed to do two 50 knot laps around the parade course for the public as a mark of respect for the crew out of the boat.'

There was a large spectator fleet, as the fleet complete the two laps with News helicopters drumming overhead.

Police are yet to release the name of the deceased man.

Race events will continue as planned tomorrow, with a Parade lap at 3pm. The Race will start around the 4 nautical mile course around Fort Denison and Shark Island at 3.30pm.