Table of Contents
From the 12th till the 14th of September the Hawkesbury river came alive as it hosted the annual Windsor Spectacular. The event thrilled crowds, the heart-pounding boat races, drawing locals and visitors from across the country to race at the Windsor boat ramp.
The Spectacular ultimately drew a fantastic turnout, although earlier in the week, doubts loomed over the event’s future, with heavy rain and the release of water from Warragamba Dam leaving the river swollen. Many competitors, including the Taree-based team Lock and Load, had even started heading home, convinced the races wouldn’t go ahead. The team drove all the way back to Taree but returned to the Hawkesbury as conditions improved, ready to compete.
By late Saturday and early Sunday, the waters had calmed, offering pristine conditions for competitors to push their boats to the limit. Spectators lined the riverbanks, cheering as sleek vessels cut through the water at breathtaking speeds. One attendee said it was “a ripper of a day,” capturing the excitement of the crowd. Other said “the sound of the speed boats could be compared to that of a symphony”.
First-time competitors Craig Bailey Marine with their boat Crazy Duck, Rory, said the experience was unforgettable. “It’s our first Windsor Spectacular, and the boat ran perfectly—we had no issues and just enjoyed every minute out there.”
Veteran racer Daryl Quinn, piloting Bad Influence, reflected on his experience: “I’ve been boat racing since 2002 and have raced at various Windsor Spectaculars over the years. It’s always a highlight of the season and a fantastic event to be part of.”
Many families and enthusiasts enjoyed food trucks, vintage boat displays, and lively riverside entertainment. Visitors traveled from far and wide, many staying over in the Hawkesbury, providing a welcome economic boost for the town. The event created a vibrant community atmosphere, perfectly blending high-speed racing with family-friendly fun, and was praised for being very well run.
Despite early uncertainty, the Windsor Spectacular once again proved why it’s one of the Hawkesbury’s most anticipated annual events, celebrating community, adrenaline, and the sheer joy of life on the river.
