in the business of boating for 60 years
GILFLITE a style of Life! #only the best by the best for the best!
The sentiment of boat racing with the ROAR of excitement
Hosted by the Victorian Speed Boat Club in partnership with Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business (YMTB) on the beautiful banks of the Yarrawonga Foreshore – Lake Mulwala
Where else can you do this ………
From childhood somersaults to daredevil boat racing.
All in the same place at the same time!
@ The E.C. Griffith Cup
(author of above quote t.b.a. – historical boat racing programme)
“It began way back in 1910, unlimited powerboat racing was in those days a sport for the wealthy or apparently wealthy few, and their mighty motors thundered a chorus that could be heard for miles as the message was bellowed out that the greatest single event in Australian motor sport was here. They were real racing men in those days and boats were not treated with kid gloves. To race your boat back in the Golden Years of the Griffith Cup you had to drive it to and from the race meeting. Often the only navigation lights were the flames from the red hot open exhausts, but they were the pioneers of Australian boat racing; they laid a foundation for the coming generations”.
And the generations followed ….. into what has become one of the best few days of motorboat racing on the annual racing calendar. The Griffith Cup weekend has evolved into an event to be celebrated by everyone! and the proverb is simply this ….
‘BOAT RACING IS FOR EVERYONE’
The Griffith Cup 2022 was an action packed, fun filled and exhilarating few days of rip-roaring speed boat racing!
Here’s my take on the ‘Race worth stopping a Nation for’ … as I wandered around from one end of the pits to the other while enjoying all the live action in-between. The event was fully focussed on providing a successful race meet for the drivers/crew and their boats while accommodating in a variety of interesting and fun ways the diversity of spectators with comfortable amenities, an array of entertainment and food, and of course all with an excellent vantage point along the banks of the Yarrawonga foreshore to enjoy the thrills of competitive boat racing. The brilliantly informed and humorous commentators kept everyone informed around the circuit from one rip roaring lap to the next. Above all the V.S.B.C. ensured that their sponsors received a bigger bang for their buck than expected. As always the boat racing was exhilarating and the entire weekend satisfied all the senses, most especially my ears as the sound vibrated right through to my soul.
It was a fabulous weekend and above all, I met some of the best people ever! I was lucky enough to get a ‘back stage pass’ were I got a behind the scenes look into the total involvement and dedication that is required to execute such an amazing event yet they make it all look so easy. Boat racing seriously attracts such a great bunch of people.
and their mighty motors thundered a chorus that could be heard for miles as the message was bellowed out that the greatest single event in Australian motor sport was here …..
The drivers, the spectators, the organizers, the sponsors and the vendors. Together we are one! Getting our thrills out of the most spectacular sport on earth!
Australian Power Boat Racing, doesn’t get much better than this!
As my Dad would say “that’s pretty neat isn’t it – they’ll grow up healthy” and I must say, “I do agree”, watching these awesome kids and teenagers managing their boat and crew was re-assuring to see that this generation had a ‘can do’ attitude.
Once again the V.S.B.C. pulled off the most epic 3 days on the annual racing calendar with a well organised race meet for the drivers – boats & crew, an absolutely fabulous set up for the spectators & vendors, and the sponsors received way more than they bargained for. Everyone was catered for in the most exceptional manner. But of course, nothing beats the adrenalin pumping excitement of the racing boats in action. From the 95mph skiffs to the big Thunder Boats, if the sound alone doesn’t put a smile on your dial, then nothing will 🙂 “You gotta love it” Can’t wait for next year, from what I’ve heard, it’s gonna be bigger and better than ever!
With thanks to all involved
‘Get in on the Action’ – Sponsorship is welcome, please contact the VSBC for more info ….
In memory of the boats and drivers – the pioneers who figured it out and ‘made it happen’ (the one’s who just wanted to go FASTER & WIN) and who in doing so contributed to putting GILFLITE on the map, I dedicate this article (blog)
‘Griffith Cup 2022’ – ‘We stand on the shoulders of giants”
Craig Stagg’s GILFLITE Javelin ‘Caprice’
Once a race boat, now a Family Heirloom
Craig emailed me this beautiful photo the other day saying ….
“No better way to wake up”
I asked him if I could post his photo on social media ….
Craig said ….
“No problem. I love it. Probably the reason I love the river so much. Has history too which is even cooler”.
Then I asked Craig if he would like to write a short bio / or a long bio if he preferred. Call it a blurb or even a memoir, I don’t mind. We just love hearing your story and sharing it for others to enjoy….
Here’s what Craig had to say (straight from the heart)!
“Oh gee, I’m not much of a writer haha. But ill see what i can do. I am still looking for more photos of it racing & when it was the start boat at Broken Hill”
Caprice was once a race boat, racing in the 5litre class (not 100% on that). After its racing time it became the stop/start boat at Broken Hill Speedboat club, the sticker outlines are still visible on the stern of the boat. Purchased by my Grandpa Bob Hissey from Tony McIntyre in the 80s. Bob was my Mums father; he purchased the boat for recreational use on the Murray River. The boat still serves our family today, mainly me though (although it is my parent’s boat, I claim it). So lucky & grateful to have such a thing in our family.
Photo’s and words by Craig Stagg
The step in the bottom of the hull reduces drag which in turn allows the boat to go faster.
The step in the bottom of the hull – cut away (approximately 460 to 500mm with variances depending on use and design), cut into the chine was a custom design/build to modify the wash. Often these boats were used for tournament skiing. The cut out enables the hull to run at speed with less wetted surface area therefore creating less drag. Less drag equals more speed. The cut out has nothing to do with the water skiing wash. Note: GILFLITE built more Spitfires than Lasers with this feature. Originally when this feature was designed into the Spitfire, the boat model was referred to as the ‘Spitfire Shortline’. The Laser was referred to as ‘The Laser Tournament Special’
Spitfire SHORTLINE
Geoff Patterson is certainly an expert in the field of Australian ski boat hardware. Perfecting his art over many years Geoff eventually went out on his own and started A.S.B.H. about six years ago. Before this he worked for a couple of other marine businesses gaining knowledge and expertise in his field.
We’ve known and worked with Geoff in the boating industry for a long time. Over the years Geoff has provided GILFLITE with friendly, reliable service and precision made products.
It’s been great doing business with you Geoff, Thanks again for all your quality service and products. You’ve been an absolute champion and we’re gonna miss yu big fella!
In recognition of all your hard work, we wish you all the best of health, love and happiness on your new adventures Geoff, from the Team @ GILFLITE.
Enjoy your retirement Geoff and Keep in touch …... ‘BIG Thumbs Up’
with Robert Dance and the Order of Australia Medal
Mr Robert Dance is so good at what he does, that he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to water-skiing.
Robert initially got into water skiing at quite a young age when he first learnt to ski with his Dad down at Dromana beach (on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula). Soon after he got to see the famous water-skiers at the first Moomba Shows, eventually becoming the Director of Melbourne’s Moomba Festival.
Robert is a past president and director of the Victorian Water Ski Association, his many accomplishments include 50 years as a Ski Show Director at Melbourne’s Moomba Festival (1960 – 2010), Water-ski Co-ordinator at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and since 2011, Robert has been the Director of his famous Stars Down Under Water Ski and Stunt Show.
Now Robert has an OAM for his service to Water-skiing in Australia. Robert says “that’s where doing what you love can take you”
Robert’s wife ‘Jan’ owns this fabulous GILFLITE Integra (pictured below) which they use to train and perform with their ‘Stars Down Under’
GALLERY 1.
GALLERY 2.
GALLERY 3.
GILFLITE Integra – purpose built, high performance, tournament ski boat – by GILFLITE Boats Australia
Robert Dance OAM
GILFLITE – purpose built – high performance – tournament ski boats – Australia ….. it’s a life-style choice
GILFLITE the Rolls Royce of Ski Boats
Story by Tyson Mahoney – pictured below (published by Paula Gill / Gill Girl Productions)
The last walk around our family’s 82 spitfire 2 before going to its new home at the end of last year.
My dad had owned this boat since new, designing this with David Gill to include the extra sliver pin stripes and removal of the GILFLITE drop down lines at the back.
After 40 years being his most prized possession, he made the very hard decision to say goodbye to upgrade to a larger boat to tackle the ever growing boats on the river.
Our family has grown up around and behind this boat, with it filling the best of our childhood (and adult) memories.
It was a very sad day for our family to see this boat leave the driveway for the last time but we will always have the fondest memories of our GILFLITE.
We hope it provides its new family just as much joy as it’s brought ours.
The boat:
308, dog clutch, unbelievably reliable and trouble free (the standard bent prop here and there over the years), the windscreen was broken by someone leaning on it many years ago and ending up becoming a part of the charm (first thing on new owners list), spent its most of its life on the river in Deniliquin.
Will be very missed. These are very special boats!
(We replaced the GILFLITE stickers before it was picked up hence the bare boat in the video)
Photo Album below – Courtesy: Tyson Mahoney who describes these photo’s as follows;
These photos were taken between 1982 and 1995. It’s very hard to pick this as the boat looked relativity the same the day it was purchased to the day it was sold.
The Family that ski’s together stays TOGETHER
Tyson says “Bill Mahony is my father who owned the boat and has a strong attachment to it even to this day”
Blessed Child Hood
Creating Memories
#gilflitecult
GILFLITE a style of life
Thanks for your heart-felt story Tyson, like they say “the family that ski’s together, stays together” ……. Your beautiful family GILFLITE Spitfire Mk II along with these fabulous photo’s and your farewell tribute will go down in history along with all the other fantastic history in the GILFLITE archives. We wish you and your family all the best, from the Team @ GILFLITE
$ecurity (un-named)
Re manufacturing the classics
a personalised boat re-build by David Gill / GILFLITE Boats
GILFLITE Laser fully restored to it’s former glory
“Sophistication, Performance and Style” – LASER says it all.
Complete re build by GILFLITE
Here’s an album showcasing the #innerbeauty of this #classic GILFLITE Laser. This boat has been fully re-manufactured to original specs and refined with modern techniques
Refining the classics – maintaining the original integrity of the design with modern technology.
Red HOT! – Nothing beats quality.
Before and after – with a stunning completion
Below are a few pics of the boat before the GILFLITE maintenance and upgrade work (complete re-build).
GILFLITE Laser revived by GILFLITE Boats @ GILFLITE with a personalised re-build by ‘David Gill’ the O.D. – original designer, boat builder, director of GILFLITE Boats Australia.
A GILFLITE Family Heirloom – made good for another 35 years …..
Quality design – Quality performance – Quality restoration – Sustainable for future generations. GILFLITE by design
Only the best, by the best for the best
GILFLITE a style of Life!
For anyone involved in Australian (or for that matter also American), Boat Racing, Mr Richard Carnie ‘Dick Carnie’ needs no real introduction. However, allow me to do the honours anyway; Dick Carnie (a humble chippy), was one of the early pioneers of Australian Boat Racing back in the day. When it came to the big thunder boats, new ground was always being broken! He along with a bunch of other hardcore racing men pretty much figured things out as they went. From blowing up Rolls Royce Merlin engines to making things happen in the VSBC. Designing their own Hydroplane – determined to win the EC Griffith Cup (the most prestigious trophy in Australian speed boat racing) and eventually receiving invitation to compete in TEXAS in the BUDWEISER & C.L.E.A.R. UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP where they shipped the first Australian Hydro Boat over to compete.
I recently caught up with Richard when he popped into the GILFLITE headquarters to say ‘Gidday’ the synchronicity of the day afforded me the opportunity to request a boat racing story straight from the horses mouth. Richard understood the importance of why I want to record and share this fantastic history from those that were there, involved and part of the action OR actually ‘creating the action’ – back in the day.
Here’s Dick Carnies story along with some interesting facts including a list of the names of some of the well known and much loved racing boats and their drivers / owners…
Hi Paula
Nice to catch up the other day and good to see your Dad still in the office after all these years in the boating industry.
It was very sad to hear of the passing of our mate TUBBY (ALLAN) BROWN recently, he was one of the colourful guys associated with boating back in the 60’s – 70’s and 80’s. He dared me one day to ski behind HYDROPHOBIA, his hydro up at Lake Eppalock, his boat went like the clappers and at about 60mph I threw the rope! That was fast enough as I could not see through the Rooster tail! It was fun though!. During my years in the Victorian Speed Boat Club from 1969 to 1989, we had many personalities in the Racing Fraternity. They were great competitors in the sport of Boat Racing. Apart from being involved with our own Boat I was fortunate to take on helping to run the sport through the VSBC. (Victorian Speed Boat Club).
We had tremendous support from the drivers and owners at our race meetings both from Victoria and Interstate, some of the Boat names and Drivers I have listed below.
IN the early 60’S, Bruce Walker from Heyfield in Victoria and COL WINTON built a plywood and aluminium Hydro which was powered by a ROLLS ROYCE MERLIN engine. This boat was called THE GLENMAGGIE MONSTER, racing at Glenmaggie over a period of time and eventually was sold to STAN JONES in the late 60’s. It was registered in the Victorian Speedboat Club as VS41 and re-named STAMPEDE, it raced alongside AGGRESSOR and other Unlimited Boats with Bob Saniga and Stan Jones sharing the driving it went on to win the 1970 and 1971 E.C. GRIFFITH Cup, the most prestigious Trophy in Speed Boat Racing.
In 1972 the old STAMPEDE had run its race, it was discarded and a new boat was built. This was a 30ft Hydro constructed of plywood and aluminium powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin engine, Co Winton was engaged by Stan and myself to oversee the construction and design of the hull. There were many other guys involved during this construction period, just to name some; Johnny Wellwood, Bob Jackson, Bob Saniga, Clem Anderson, John Allison, Max Lamb and Brett Martin , Ben Fox, (apologies to anyone I have missed).
We completed the boat and Norm Putt agreed to some sponsorship with fuel etc. We went on to win the 1973 and 1974 Griffith Cups. Additional sponsorship was obtained from Tarax, a soft drink company and the boat was re-named SOLO prior to our trip to Seattle USA, to compete in the Seattle Sea-fair Regatta. On the boats arrival in America we headed off to PASCO on the Columbia River to compete in their race meeting as a warm up to the SEATTLE races, unfortunately we threw a Propeller Blade and the damage which resulted to the boat was too significant to have repaired in time for the Seattle Race Meeting. Thus we watched the action from the pits. Our mechanics and crew spent lots of time with the MISS BUDWEISER Crew in their workshop and plenty was learnt from this trip.
On our return to Australia the Boat was repaired but we could not get the performance back to the standard we required to be competitive as the MISS BUDWEISER boat was purchased by Norm Putt and was a great competitor putting plenty of pressure on our boat to perform, unfortunately we could not keep up to the task.
In 1979 Stan and myself engaged GILFLITE Boats (David and Kevin Gill) to build a new Hull in Fibreglass out of our mould. On completion of the hull we carried out the remaining work to get the boat up to the required standard. This boat was named Miss BAYSWATER BULK, with a new crew Bob Jackson, Bill Notley, Russel Jones, Max Lamb, Terry Jones, Chris Carnie, Stan and myself, we went on to win the 1982 EC GRIFFITH CUP with Stan driving. The following year we invited Bill Baberton to join the crew as a driver. Billy accepted the invite and we went on to win the 1983 and 1984 EC GRIFFITH Cups.
Early in 1983 we received an invitation from the UNION OF INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SPORT to compete in TEXAS in the BUDWEISER & C.L.E.A.R. UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP to be held Sept 29th – Oct 2nd, we accepted this invite and shipping of the boat was arranged and flights organised for the crew.
On our arrival into Houston Texas a Cyclone had been through the area with considerable damage caused to the circuit surroundings and buildings. However, the races went on with Billy driving we won the consolation Race on the Saturday but missed out qualifying for our heat for the Sunday due to an oil pressure problem. Our reserve motor was installed overnight prior to the finals on the Sunday and we were named first emergency for the final should any of the six starters be unable to compete. Unfortunately we were ready but no other boats withdrew. A great time was had by all concerned.
Our boat now called AUSSIE CONNECTION is still running the circuits today after being built 42 years ago. This says a lot for the quality of work carried out by the GILFLITE TEAM.
This article was written in consideration of my deceased partner and mate STAN JONES and BILLY BABERTON, and many of our departed members of the V.S.B.S. and Boat Racing Fraternity. And in recognition of Bob Saniga’s driving ability!
Article Written by RICHARD CARNIE
CREDITS: Article and Photo’s have been shared for the benefit of everyone who enjoy Power Boat Racing and to help collate the history of Australian Boat Racing. Please credit the entire following when sharing: Article written by Dick Carnie – Photo’s Courtesy of Dick Carnie – Presented by GILFLITE Boats @ GILFLITE – Published by Paula Gill – Thanks
Although considerable time was spent on the behind the scenes operation of getting the boat competition worthy, the entire TEAM enjoyed the spoils of BOAT RACING over many years.
CREDITS: Article and Photo’s have been shared for the benefit of everyone who enjoy Power Boat Racing and to help collate the history of Australian Boat Racing. Please credit the entire following when sharing: Article written by Dick Carnie – Photo’s Courtesy of Dick Carnie – Presented by GILFLITE Boats @ GILFLITE – Published by Paula Gill (GillGirl Media)– Thanks
If you would like to share your boating memoirs in our ‘Boat Talk’ blog on the GILFLITE web site, please feel welcome to get in touch with me via email: [email protected]
Published by GILFLITE (Paula Gill – GILLGIRL Media / Promotions)
#gillgirlmedia #gillgirlproductions #gillgirlpublishing #gillgirlphotography #gillgirlpromotions #gilflite
Post created by Paula Gill (GillGirl Media) #gillgirlmedia published by Paula Gill – GILFLITE copyright ©
