The Blackwood Classic

The Blackwood Classic

The Blackwood Classic is the world’s longest power dinghy race, with a history as vibrant as it is enduring.

Traditionally held over the King’s (formerly Queen’s) Birthday weekend, this three-day time trial navigates the Blackwood River in Western Australia’s stunning South West.

Covering 250 kilometres, the race begins in Bridgetown, winding through Nannup and Sue’s Bridge before concluding at the river’s mouth in Augusta. Along the way, competitors are treated to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.

The Blackwood Classic was conceived by Ted and Norma Whitney, who envisioned an event akin to the Avon Descent but set on the Blackwood River—a waterway deeply intertwined with their family’s three-generation legacy.

Following two years of test runs, the inaugural race took place in 1976, with 33 crews braving the challenging three-day course. The Whitneys organized ten races from their base in Perth before passing the baton.

Today, the Power Dinghy Racing Club proudly oversees the event, ensuring the Blackwood Classic continues to be a celebration of endurance, skill, and community