Tasmania’s champion

Tasmania’s champion

Local up-and-comer Sam Spinks has earned another accolade after a strong performance at the last Tasmanian Australian Power Boat Association race meeting in Rosevears near Launceston. 

At the association dinner on August 24 Sam received a plethora of awards for his efforts throughout the season. 

He finished first in the North West Power Boat Club’s 25 horsepower class and earned the Tasmanian title for the same division. 

Sam also took out second in the Australian Championships and won the Most Consistent Award.

At the final meet of the season, double points were up for grabs, and Sam took advantage of the opportunity.

Across his three 25 horsepower open hull outboard races he took out two first place finishes and one close second to secure the state title. 

The achievement is no small feat, with Tasmania representing a large population of the sport’s participants nationally. 

“The biggest competition is probably in Tassie compared to rest of Australia,” said Sam. 

“They’re quick over there in the mainland but the competition is at its largest in Tasmania.

“And it’s growing even further which is good.” 

This was evident in March when the Australian Championships were held in Hobart, where Tasmanian racers dominated the field due to the cost of travelling interstate for national events. 

With boats costing upwards of $6000, breaking into the sport can be difficult and travelling to national meetings even more so. 

Regardless, Sam has all his gear ready to go, and looks forward to travelling to race meetings to take on other Tasmanian speedsters. 

Sam will begin his title defence on November 16, making the trek up to Horsehead Creek in Devonport. 

Sam Spinks, pictured with his trusty boat Slingshot III, was crowned state champion after claiming two firsts and a second at the final Tasmanian Australian Power Boat Association meeting of the season in Rosevears. 

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