Vale Ian Dobbie

The Queensland Council of the APBA acknowledges the passing of Ian Dobbie recently.  Ian was a former patron of the Council and a long time supporter of power boat racing for many decades.  Ian worked tirelessly over this time to promote the sport and to assist in its administration.

The Council sends its condolences to family and friends of Ian, a man who will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Monday 19 March 2018 at West Chapel, Mt Thompson Crematorium, 329 Nursery Road, Holland Park, with refreshments to follow.

New young driver licence exemptions in Qld!

Great news!  Maritime Safety Queensland has approved updated and extended licensing exemptions for younger drivers at APBA sanctioned events.  There have been exemptions in place for J2 and J3 for many years, but these have now been extended to 25hp and Formula 4 classes (with some conditions).  Younger drivers competing at APBA sanctioned events are now exempt from marine licence requirements for:

  • J2 – age 10-15, max 10 hp
  • J3 – age 12 to 15, max 15 hp
  • 25 hp & F4 – 14 or 15 years old, must have competed in J3 for at least 2 years.

The usual racing and safety rules, specific junior driver briefings and assessment of junior drivers before competing continue to apply.

This is an excellent outcome for growing the sport and allowing younger people to stay engaged and develop their driving skills in a safe manner.  Note that these exemptions only apply during APBA sanctioned events, so outside these events the usual licensing requirements apply.

The APBA Queensland State Council recognises and thanks the efforts of Maritime Safety Queensland in working through this process.

SQPBC race meetings – Somerset Dam

The South Queensland Power Boat Club will be conducting race meetings at Somerset Dam on the following dates in 2016:

  • 29 May
  • 31 July
  • 28 August.

Further information will be provided by the club closer to each scheduled event, but make sure these are in your calendar!  As always, all classes and types of boat will be catered for.  Please contact either Grant (0408-278 792, gj79@bigpond.net.au) or Mary (0408-756 631) if you have any questions.

Cockpit Immersion tests this Sunday

Immersion tests are being conducted this Sunday 13 September 2015.  Don’t forget that you need to complete a test every two years if you need a reinforced cockpit endorsement on your licence!

You will need to bring your driving suit, helmet etc – harnesses are provided and the test cockpit can be equipped with either rotary or lever-type harnesses.

The Licence Issuing Officer will also be present, so bring your paperwork along and get your licence renewed at the same time.   A BBQ will be available after the testing.

The location of the test is 31-35 The Chase, FORESTDALE QLD  4118.  Please confirm you will be attending with your club contact.

SQPBC race meeting at Yeronga

The South Queensland Power Boat Club has a race meeting scheduled for  Sunday 30 August 2015 at Yeronga.  It is critical that the club knows there are sufficient boats racing to cover the costs of running the event.

If you are intending to race, please contact either Grant (0408-278 792, gj79@bigpond.net.au) or Mary (0408-756 631).

The venue is The Corso, Yeronga, Brisbane:

[googlemaps https://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=237+brisbane+corso&aq=&sll=-27.629285,152.375951&sspn=0.022623,0.042272&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=237+Brisbane+Corso,+Yeronga+Queensland+4104&ll=-27.505531,153.016548&spn=0.091355,0.102997&z=12&iwloc=A&output=embed&w=300&h=300]

ANZAC Day 2015

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

SQPBC race meeting at Yeronga

The South Queensland Power Boat Club has a race meeting scheduled for this Sunday 22 March at Yeronga.  It is critical that the club knows there are sufficient boats racing to cover the costs of running the event.

If you are intending to race, please contact either Grant (0408-278 792, gj79@bigpond.net.au) or Mary (0408-756 631) as a matter of urgency.  There are currently insufficient entries for the event to go ahead.

The venue is The Corso, Yeronga, Brisbane:

[googlemaps https://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=237+brisbane+corso&aq=&sll=-27.629285,152.375951&sspn=0.022623,0.042272&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=237+Brisbane+Corso,+Yeronga+Queensland+4104&ll=-27.505531,153.016548&spn=0.091355,0.102997&z=12&iwloc=A&output=embed&w=300&h=300]

Australian championships – new dates & venues

Following the cancellation of the Combined Australian Championships, previously scheduled to be held at Griffith, the New South Wales State Council has advised that new dates and venues for the championship events have been selected.

All entries previously lodged for the championship events are valid and those competitors do not need to re-enter.  Additional entries can be lodged with the NSW Race Secretary, but must be forwarded by the relevant closing date for each event.  Refer to the formal notification for details of dates, venues, classes and entry closing dates.  Note that only those classes with sufficient bona fide entries to constitute a class as of the original entry closing date have been re-scheduled.

Any enquiries should be directed to the NSW State Council – contact details are on the formal notification linked above.