Table of Contents
The roar of engines, the spray of the Hawkesbury River, and the cheers from the banks – for nearly a century, the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club (UHPBC) has been at the heart of river life in Windsor.
Founded back in 1938, and originally known as the Upper Hawkesbury Motorboat Club, this local institution proudly carries the title of Australia’s oldest continuously running power boat racing club. From its clubhouse at Governor Phillip Park, overlooking the Windsor Marine Stadium finish line, generations of locals have gathered to share in a spectacle that is uniquely Hawkesbury.
The Legacy of the Bridge to Bridge
Mention the UHPBC and one race springs to mind: the legendary Bridge to Bridge, first run in 1933. What began as a humble contest—with the winner receiving little more than a trophy and a bottle of beer—has grown into one of the world’s most exciting 110km river races, spanning from Brooklyn Bridge to Windsor Bridge.
Today, the race is a high-octane sprint, with the best of the best skimming upriver at breathtaking speeds. The current record stands at just under 30 minutes, a feat unthinkable to those early pioneers. Yet, at its core, the Bridge to Bridge still reflects the same Hawkesbury spirit: determination, mateship, and love of the river.
Racing, Family and Community
The club is more than its headline events. With around 350 members, including over 100 regular boat owners, UHPBC thrives as a community hub. Monthly race days (paused only in January) bring competitors and families together to enjoy Inboard, Outboard, Handicap and Scratch racing. The Windsor Spectacular, held each September, draws crowds from across the country for three days of speed, skill and celebration.
It’s not just about adrenaline. Families gather along the riverbanks with picnics, children explore the grounds, and volunteers run the canteen and licensed bar. The atmosphere is festive, inclusive, and quintessentially local.
Building the Next Generation
One of the club’s proudest initiatives is Formula Future, a program that gives young racers—from as young as eight years old—the chance to learn the ropes in a safe, structured environment. With classes designed to build skill and confidence gradually, Formula Future has nurtured many of Australia’s top racers. For the Hawkesbury’s youth, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger: tradition, sport, and community pride.
More Than a Club
The UHPBC’s commitment extends beyond racing. Safety has always been paramount, with investments in training and life-saving equipment such as defibrillators and resuscitation kits. Their reputation is well earned: welcoming, family-friendly, and deeply respectful of the river that sustains them.
The River Rolls On
From its earliest days to its modern triumphs, the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club has woven itself into the fabric of our region. It represents not only the thrill of competition but the resilience and camaraderie of the Hawkesbury community.
On race days, when the first boats appear at the bend and the crowd leans forward in anticipation, one truth becomes clear: this is more than just a club. It is a living tradition—our tradition—roaring proudly up the river, year after year.
The roar of engines, the spray of the Hawkesbury River, and the cheers from the banks
