The second consecutive Kenmore Hydroplane Cup returns to the Sammamish Slough on April 11, at Log Boom Park and the Kenmore Boat Launch.
“We are excited for the return of the race exhibition to Kenmore,” said Mayor David Baker. “This event not only signifies history, but showcases the future of Kenmore as the city works diligently to improve access to the water and create more recreational opportunities for the entire community to enjoy.”
The north end of Lake Washington will feature the newly renovated Kenmore Boat Launch and Log Boom Park renovations, though the timed exhibition races, hosted in cooperation between the city of Kenmore and the Seattle Outboard Association, will be the big headliner.
“The Association has a lot of passion for the history of the Sammamish Slough Races,” Baker said. “Many of the members grew up racing or watching family and friends race down the Sammamish Slough. There is excitement among the Association to restore and share the tradition with new a generation of family, friends and the larger community.”
Though the pits open at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony, featuring local legendary hydroplane driver Chip Hanauer, starts at 10 a.m., the races won’t start until noon.
The boat races will feature two cylinder and three-and-up cylinder boats, Native American War canoes and junior hydroplanes. The water course boats will navigate starts at the Kenmore Boat Launch, then heads up the river and through a challenging oval course, then back to the beginning.
Entertainment includes a musical performances, a boat show at Log Boom Park and more.
This isn’t the first time races have been held in Kenmore. The original Slough Race started back in 1928 and ended in 1976, drawing around 40,000 to 80,000 spectators. In 2013, local artist Gaul Culley organized the return of the Sammamish Slough Race through an exhibit at Kenmore City Hall, drawing hundreds of racing fans.
“It is very exciting to host the Hydroplane Cup event in Kenmore for a second year,” Baker said. “The event signifies our history and allows the community to reminisce and relive a popular pastime.”
The event is sponsored by Seattle Outboard Association, the North Lake Marina, The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, Plywood Supply, Safeway, Seattle Water Sports, Jet City Printing, Woodshed Embroidery, Kenmore Air, BrentHallRacing.com and, of course, the city of Kenmore.
Event details, such as parking and shuttle information, are available at www.kenmorewa.gov.
