Southern 80: Echuca-Moama ski racing event on the cards for April 2021

A popular ski race on the Murray River next year, cancelled due to COVID-19, is set to return. But it all depends on one thing.

Echuca-Moama’s Southern 80 attracts thousands of spectators each year.

One of the biggest ski racing events in the world could make a 2021 return after being cancelled in October due to COVID-19.

Moama Water Sports Club president Steve Shipp said there were plans to bring the Southern 80 back to Echuca-Moama from April 16 to 18 as part of a five-month shortened Australian season.

Normally held in February each year, the 80km Murray River race is considered the jewel in the crown of the ski racing season, normally attracting 900 competitors and about 40,000 spectators.

“We get people from all over Europe and the US who race every year,” Mr Shipp said.

Despite the limitations on international travellers and spectators, Mr Shipp said the community would still benefit from the race, as it had in previous years.

“We’ve been through a tough time and there’s a lot of people wanting to get back on the water,” he said.

“The weather in April will be good and it’ll be the last weekend for the school holidays, so we’ll get spectators up.

“The event brings $30 million to our economy each year, and during the course of our event, community groups and clubs benefit $30,000 – which is another reason we’re really happy running the race.”

However, Mr Shipp said nothing would be finalised until Ski Racing Australia went through the results from an expression of interest survey emailed to its members on Wednesday.

The Southern 80 may be back on in April.

“It depends on the number of members, the membership fees and whether the insurance can be covered,” he said.

“Some of the families may be doing it tough because of COVID-19 and can’t afford to race, but other families are itching to get out there.”

Plus, Mr Shipp said there were plans in the works to reach their overseas fans, with a company inquiring about live-streaming the event.

“I’ve had indication from a couple of people from the US who’re going to have a party while potentially watching a live-stream,” he said.

Ski Racing Australia chief executive officer Cam McConville said the event would go ahead if enough members showed interest in helping to cover the $280,000 insurance cost needed for the season.

“With state borders now opened, SRA, the Affiliated Clubs, and many members – who have agreed in principle to donate funds for meeting the insurance costs – have all been working together in an attempt to organise 10 events over a shortened 5 month season,” he said.

“The board is pleased to announce the likelihood of Ski Racing Australia getting back on the water in early 2021 is now looking like a real possibility.”

The survey for Ski Racing Australia members closes this Sunday and the outcome will be announced mid-December.

For more information on the upcoming season, visit the Ski Racing Australia website.

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