While organisers deemed last weekend’s Aquafest as “one of the best” after being treated to ideal weather conditions, the event was dampened due to the loss of its key instigator, Glen Traeger.
The Speedboat Committee Chairman and Goolwa resident was taken suddenly and unexpectedly on April 1, which committee member, Neil Oatway, described as an “absolute tragedy”.
“He was a great person and loved his speedboat racing – his father raced speedboats in early ’60s and Glen just carried on with that,” he said.
“He was a good organiser; he was well-respected on the Fleurieu.
“He helped anybody out that needed it.
“He was just a tip-top great bloke, he was very strong and decisive.”
Oatway credits the speedboating community and Aquafest to Traeger.
“Glen Traeger in 2012 came to me and said ‘mate, I’d love to see the old speedboats back at the club’,” he said.
“We as a group got together and put this performance on ever since 2012.
“He was the instigator and one of the biggest organisers of that event.”
Traeger’s legacy and memory will continue to be felt through the Goolwa Aquatic Club speedboat community, including over the weekend when about 500 spectators gathered around Goolwa Aquatic Club to watch 35 classic, vintage and modern fast boats.
The vessels performed a “spirited demonstration” in seven categories, as they paraded four laps around a 1.5km course.
Oatway, believes a water skier demonstration was a highlight, reaching 100 miles/h towed by a 900 horse-power boat.
“They were sensational and the crowd just loved them,” he said.
“They clapped and clapped and clapped when he finished his demo.”
Victor Harbor-Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron assisted on the day.
The range of boats reached more than 160km/h and included classic wooden boats, supercharged V8 fibreglass boats, and “old clunkers” from the ’60s, which all create a “tremendously loud” atmosphere.
“There was music – the music of V8s spinning at over 800 revs per minute – that is music to the ears,” Oatway said.
“When these boats fire up, that’s when everyone comes running to have a look at them.”
Victor Harbor Cars N Coffee club brought about 50 classic cars to add to the event’s eye-catching display.
An old vintage Tiger Moth – a vintage aircraft from World War 1 – flew over the event.
Oatway thanked all of those behind the event.
“It takes a bit of organising to put stuff like this on,” he said.
“We rely on a lot of volunteers and good sponsors.”
