Webb's slough claims record race boat entry

Webb’s Slough at St. John expects to greet a record number of boats Saturday for their second race day of the season. Amanda Webb reported they have signed 34 boats to compete in the all-day event.

The entry is expected to top the mark set back in the mid ‘90s at the boat race course which was built in the infield of the former Playfair horse race course in Spokane.

“Playfair had some big races back in those days, and drew teams from Australia and New Zealand, but they just didn’t have that many boats back then,” Webb commented.

She reported some of the teams added to the lineup for the Saturday event are boats that just didn’t get finished in time for the first race date at the slough.

The Australian team which has been racing in the United States this year will be back Saturday, and among the new teams expected to be on the line will be two boats from St. Maries, Idaho.

Weather predictions look good for the weekend to encourage the fans. The June race date at the Slough this year was in cold and cloudy weather, but the event still brought out a strong turnout of fans.

Webb noted the June event brought a record number of 650 RVs to the slough parking area.

The races at St. John are now conducted under the sanction of the American Powerboat Association, which includes all types of boat racing.

The Tone Sober band from Colfax has been booked to play in front of the terraces Saturday night after the races.

Golf has been booked for Friday morning and the boats and crews will roll to Front Street for the traditional Friday night show and shine.