There will be 148 boats crewed by 350 competitors vying for honours in the finest show on water, with conditions set to be ideal from March 24 to 26.
The Southern 80 brings predictions of who will take out the prestigious ski race, so who’s shaping up as a contender to take Sapphire’s crown?
The reigning champions are unchanged for the 2023 edition after multiple point-score wins throughout the season, with Tim Pickford behind the wheel, Brian Griffin observing and skiers Aiden Cuff and Lachlan Nix in tow.
A second-place finish at the Robinvale-Euston 80 two weekends ago has the crown jewel of the 2022 race primed, but hot on its tail are five other superclass boats for 2023.
These include Robinvale-Euston 80 outright winner and 2020 Southern 80 champion Superman, which once again is coming into the 80 with a win at its back.
Echuca boat Mistress will boast an experienced line-up, with past winners Leo Welch (driver), Jamie Oliver (observer) and ski duo Dylan Stephenson and Brad Osmotherly coming off a third outright at Robinvale in unlimited inboard, nudging beyond the dark horse tag as a contender.
But lurking in the pack is 2019 champion and Southern 80 record holder TR, back for its first race since 2020.
Driver Ian Tricker and observer Nathan Miller, towing Jack Stevens and Jake Ellery, will come in as race favourites alongside Sapphire after solid testing in the lead-up.
TR smashed the race record in 2019, clocking a time of 29 minutes, 22 seconds — a mark that still stands.
Hellbent also shapes as a potential challenger, coming off a point-score win at the Victorian titles, while Brimstone will be in it with a point to prove after failing to finish in 2022.
A full preview will be available in Friday’s edition of the Riverine Herald.
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