Grand Prix hydroplanes testing in readiness for UIM GP

by Bob Wonders on 22 Oct 2010

Hyperactive 1 - Lake Mulwala Power Festival Lake Mulwala Power festival Grant Harrison www.lakemulwalapower.com.au

Lake Mulwala, almost on the Australia's NSW-Victorian border, is the scene for the UIM Grand Prix Hydroplane World championships scheduled for November 25-28, but race fans can get a glimpse of the action to come next week. ,/b>

Grant Harrison, Australia’s 2004 World Champion will be testing his powerful boat, ‘GP1’ in readiness for the championships to enable ‘fine tuning’ to the massive engine.

Harrison’s power stems from a 510 cubic inch, big block Chevrolet developing 1800 horsepower and propelling the hydro at speeds up to 270km/hr (180mph).

The former champion plans to run the boat next Tuesday, to allow for engine set up and hull adjustment as the championships approach.

‘GP1’ does not mind a ‘drink’ either, swallowing 100-litres of its favourite beverage, methanol, in a single, four-lap race over four minutes.

Harrison, like his competitors, pilots the boat from within a completely enclosed cockpit; he’s strapped in beneath a five-point safety harness and wears a full-face helmet similar to that worn by fighter pilots.

In the event of an accident that leaves the boat upside down, the drivers have enough oxygen to survive while awaiting the quick acting rescue crews.

Harrison says re-capturing the crown he won in 2004 will be no easy task.

He’ll be up against two other former World Champions in ‘Shamrock’, piloted by Paul Cunningham (2005 winner) and New Zealand ace Warwick Lupton in ‘Annihilator’ (2008 title holder).

At least 10 highly competitive boats will contest the championships and organisers say the twin border towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala will ‘come alive’ with fast and furious action.

The weekend promises to be a family affair with gourmet food on hand, wine tastings, market stalls displaying boating equipment and crafts, even motor cycle stunt displays.

In addition to the Grand Prix hydros, Blown Alcohol Boats, known as ‘BAD’ boats will contest the prestigious Marj Watson Trophy.

It’s all happening over the last weekend in November and for boat racing fans it’s an absolute must.

For further information visit the websites www.gpworlds.vicapba.com.au or www.lakemulwalapower.com.au
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/76059

Related Articles

SailGP's return to Auckland for Season 6 confirmed
ITM is the NZ's Grand Prix's Title Partner, marking a fourth year supporting Black Foils. After a record breaking debut, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland has been confirmed to be returning in 2026 and is set to be bigger than ever.
Posted on 26 Jun Rolex SailGP Championship 2026 dates confirmed
Including a return to fan-favorite destination, Auckland SailGP has released further details of forthcoming 2026 Season, including the return of fan-favorite locations, multi-year hosting agreements secured across all regions, and an evolved regional structure to raise the stakes for athletes and fans alike.
Posted on 26 Jun BOISW - New Committee announced for 2026
New Committee working hard behind the scenes to rework the 2026 Bay of Islands Sailing Week . A newly appointed committee is already working hard behind the scenes to rework the 2026 Bay of Islands Sailing Week event while honouring the traditions that have made it so special to the sailing community.
Posted on 26 Jun Pip Hare Announced as Patron of WORLDSTAR 2026
A meaningful return to her roots with the Royal Western Yacht Club of England The Royal Western Yacht Club (RWYC) is absolutely delighted to welcome solo ocean racing legend Pip Hare as the Patron of WORLDSTAR 2026—our flagship round-the-world sailing event. This is more than a title; it's a homecoming.
Posted on 26 Jun Kieler Woche Day 7
British mixed dominance in dinghy and catamaran After the second day of the Sailing Grand Slam in the Olympic mixed classes, Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris are leading the 470 class even more dominantly than John Gimson and Anna Burnet in the Nacra 17 on Thursday (June 26).
Posted on 26 Jun 29th Superyacht Cup Palma day 1
Cervo and Open Season take opening day honours The Superyacht Cup Palma 2025 swung into action today, with captains and crews across the varied and inspiring fleet seizing the opportunity to take the measure of the competition out on the racecourse.
Posted on 26 Jun J/70 Mixed-Plus Worlds at Lake Garda Day 1
Yupi leads after a perfect opening day in Torbole Lake Garda delivered its finest conditions for the opening day of the first-ever J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship: three races completed in a steady, warm Ora breeze peaking at 20 knots.
Posted on 26 Jun Tschüss 2 - Transatlantic Titans
Line Honours for Christian Zugel's Volvo 70 in the Transatlantic Race 2025 Volvo 70 Tschüss 2 (USA), owned by Christian Zugel and co-skippered by Johnny Mordaunt, has taken Line Honours in the West to East Transatlantic Race 2025 in an elapsed time of 07 Day 15 Hrs 29 Mins and 10 Secs.
Posted on 26 Jun Craig Wood Makes History
The first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Craig is the first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific, completing the 7506nm journey from Mexico to Japan in 90 days.
Posted on 26 Jun NTG Global Graduate Program
Shape your career and propel yourself into the world of innovation North Technology Group, a global leader in advanced composite technology, is offering an exciting and dynamic graduate program that will shape your career and propel you into the world of innovation.
Posted on 26 Jun