2018 Apple Cup Regatta……A look back
Story and Video by Dennis Rahm
Last weekend’s Apple Cup Regatta saw a return of Spring hydroplane racing to the waters of Lake Chelan. The race was a late edition to the Pro-Lite Shootout Series that will feature a total of ten races and a purse of $10,000.
While the time frame to organize and promote the race was less than ideal, an experienced group of race event personnel were able to pull it off in fine fashion. An assist from Mother Nature with warm weather and minimal wind helped contribute to an enjoyable weekend of racing.
Local organizers including Mitch Evans, Mark Evans and John Walcker, are hopeful that the race will continue to be a regular stop on the circuit in future years.
The race event featured outboard and inboard limited hydroplanes up to the Pro-Lite 5-litre class as well as a good number of the always popular vintage hydroplanes. The second stop on the Pro-Lite series was won by Jeff Bernard in the Clack Motorsports boat. Bernard also won the opening race at Lawrence Lake the previous week and now has a leg up on the battle to claim the top prize of $6,000.
The next race in the Pro-Lite shootout is scheduled for June 8-10 in Richland. Other stops later in the season will include Pateros August 18-19 and Manson September 22-23.
In the meantime, take a look below at the LakeChelanNow highlight video from this years Apple Cup Regatta, followed by a couple of vintage photos from the original Apple Cup.
And if you missed it, here’s a link to the earlier LakeChelanNow story which includes dramatic video of driver Steve Huff’s escape when his boat caught fire.
