Generations of Palmer family out in force for 2023 Granton Spectacular powerboat races

A love of powerboat racing courses through the veins of the Palmer family, and it was this passion which was on show in full force on the first day of the 2023 Granton Spectacular. DETAILS >

Luke Barnes in Outlaw Kid. Powerboat racing at Granton. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A love of powerboat racing courses through the veins of the Palmer family, and it was this passion which was on show in full force on the first day of the 2023 Granton Spectacular.

The event included the 25 Australian Championship title, and the Dulux unlimited unblown inboard championship displacement.

State president of the Australian Power Boat Association Chris Palmer said there were some special guests present this year to watch on at the event, including the association’s president Geoff Duvall, and powerboat racing legend Craig Bailey.

Mr Palmer said he would himself be heading out on the water in an effort to win the blown boat championship on Sunday.

There will be plenty of action on Sunday, including the Riverside event – the unlimited inboard and unlimited outboard Australian title.

Chris Palmer with daughters Grace Vanderfeen and Georgia Palmer, who all race powerboats. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

He said powerboating was a great family sport, with young juniors and older racers taking part.

“We make it a very good family orientated sport; everyone can do it,” Mr Palmer said.

Mr Palmer’s daughters, Grace Vanderfeen and Georgia Palmer, were born with powerboat racing in their DNA, and were both gearing up to compete in their own races.

Georgia, 26, began racing when she was eight years old in a 9.9 horsepower boat and “loved it”.

Sisters Grace Vanderfeen and Georgia Palmer say they want to pass on their love for the sport to their own young children. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

But by the time she was 12, she had “saved up” $200 for her dad to put towards a more powerful boat.

The Palmer family have connections to the powerboat racing scene both here and across the ditch in New Zealand over multiple generations.

Mrs Vanderfeen said both her and Georgia had plans for their own young children to continue the tradition as they got older.

The Granton Spectacular will continue at 730 Lyell Hwy, Granton, on Sunday.