GAI PAULA and AJW

Photographer Graeme Andrews OAM MA

Date1969

Object numberANMS1193[564]

NameNegative

MediumNegative

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Graeme Andrews

Collections

Graeme Andrews

Terms

DescriptionA black and white image of the open power boat GAI PAULA (FQ51N) with outboard engine at speed on Botany Bay, Sydney. Also racing is AJW and an unidentified boat.HistoryPowerboat races on Botany Bay were popular weekend spectator sports, they also took place on public holidays and drew large crowds with their appeal of being exciting, outdoors and free. Outboard race boats on Botany Bay would probably reach speeds between 50 and 90 km/hr on the straights depending on the sea conditions. Such a speed looks and feels much faster than it does in a car.SignificancePowerboat racing has a long history in Sydney waters and speeds could reach up to 150 km/hr making it a thrilling sport to watch from the safety of the water’s edge.