Southern 80

Safe the date!

2 Days of fantastic on water entertainment. Experience the best water ski racing. Fast boats, with fabulous paintwork and loads of family friendly entertainment. Don’t miss the Top 40 on water boat parade. 2025 will see the Moama Water Sports Club (MWSC) celebrating 60 years since the Southern 80 race first began. What started in 1965 with the Shell Ski Marathon and the Echuca Ski Cup was held on the 30th & 31st of October 1965

The 1965 Echuca Cup winner was a boat called Turbofire, driven by P Reison. The boat completed the course with an average speed of 57 mph. There were nine entries. The winner of the Shell Ski Marathon was Rod Hay, who drove his boat Westend with skiers John Rout and John Booth. The team took 13 hours, 29 minutes to cover the course which was over 500 miles. The course was from Echuca to Picnic Point and return to Echuca twice. There were 5 boats in this event.

In 2025 the Southern 80 is to be held from the 21st to the 23rd of March. A change in date is to allow optimisation of weather for events on the water and off. Including a showcase of previous boats involved in the great race alongside those of today. Celebrations of our 60th year will also see acknowledgement of those who have contributed to the success of the Southern 80 to bring it to the world-renowned event that it is today with more inductees into our Hall of Fame on Friday evening. There are currently 12 inductees in the Southern 80 Hall of Fame. Keep an eye on our socials as we seek information from the ski racing public about people who are worthy of nomination. Planning is well underway for 2025, with a review of our 2024 event and meetings with our Emergency Services agencies and councils.

Don’t miss out on the 2025 Southern 80! Join us for our 60-year celebrations at Victoria Park Echuca, where all the racing action will take place, and at Jack Eddie Oval Moama for our Friday events. We can’t wait to have you with us!