Speed again to comes to Geelong on the 24th of April 2008 with the F1 Superboat Grand Prix series using the waters of Corio Bay with a spectacular display boat racing with speeds in excess of 200kph. Geelong is the only waters in Victoria which plays hosts to the seven round F1 Superboats series. The last few events have attracted thousands to the shores of Corio Bay to witness this amazing noisy and fast spectacle.
The Superboats can reach 160kph from a standing start in 3.5 seconds and experience 6 G lateral forces in turns that are something the likes of fighter pilots see. It is quite amazing. With speeds and noises you would only expect to see around the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.
The boats battle it out on a fairly tight course around the bay. There are great viewing spots along Eastern Park, The whole Geelong Waterfront precinct including Cunningham Pier and Western Beach is also very popular with spectators out to enjoy the fastest show on water.
The boats are catamarans and weigh not much more than 500kg with driver. They are about 6 metres long and 2.5 metres wide and use Mercury 2500 CC engines, producing some 350 horsepower at around 9700 rpm.
A F1 Superboat expo display area will also be open on Steampacket Gardens for anyone interested in getting up close and learning more about these amazing watercraft, this is a ticketed entry but the action on the water is free. Several food vendors will also be on hand to stop the hunger craves.
For anyone who loves the mighty V8 Supercats or the F1 why not come down to Geelong and experience some extreme speed on water. The agility spinning around tight curves and the roar of the shrieking engines will amaze you, you will want more. Corio Bay with its high grassy stadium like slopes is the ideal location to view the F1 Superboats.