Raymarine Triumphs at Guntersville Hydrofest Amid Thrilling Races!

Cocoa Beach, USA - The excitement is palpable at Lake Guntersville this weekend as the Hydrofest returns, drawing racing enthusiasts from far and wide. From June 6 to June 8, 2025, spectators are treated to a thrilling showcase of hydroplane racing, featuring powerhouse boats and heart-pounding competition. At the forefront are Cole Leibel and Gary Ballough, the dynamic duo behind Team Raymarine, who have already made waves by securing the first checkered flag of the offshore racing season last month at the Thunder on Cocoa Beach event.

Leibel, hailing from Canada, and Ballough, a proud American, showcased their skills by piloting a 32-foot Victory catamaran to victory in a heat race at Hydrofest. Outperforming six other Super Stock teams on a challenging 4.5-mile course, the Raymarine team epitomized the thrill of offshore racing, finishing strong in a six-lap showdown. Following closely behind was the Tschida Family Racing/Wozencraft team, led by Jeremy Tschida and throttleman Julian Maldonado, who took the second heat, adding more excitement to the tightly contested series. All eyes will be on the main event tomorrow, where 13 teams will battle it out, with CELSIUS team owner Chris Hopgood predicting a nail-biter of a race. Speed on the Water reports that.

Hydrofest Highlights

This year’s Hydrofest promises to be a spectacular event, offering much more than just Super Stock racing. The festival features five classes of raceboats, including the highly anticipated debut of the Super Stock Offshore class. Boats in this category are powered by twin Mercury 300XS engines, boasting remarkable speeds of up to 110 mph. In addition to the Super Stock Offshore teams, the popular Stock Outboards class returns for its second consecutive year. WAFF informs us that.

Among the racers, John Wlodarski, an outboard driver and team owner, has likened the event’s vibe to grassroots dirt track racing, where competitors skillfully maneuver their boats while leaning on their knees. The thrill escalates even further with H1 Unlimiteds—the fastest hydroplanes in the world—as well as Grand Prix boats, favorites among the crowd. With day passes starting at just $15 and weekend passes at $20, a family-friendly day out at the Hydrofest is within reach for many.

Looking Ahead

As the Hydrofest unfolds, the excitement isn’t contained to just this weekend. The upcoming weeks are jam-packed with events across the United States. From the Rockin Regatta in Pennsylvania to various vintage races and offshore competitions scheduled throughout the month, there’s certainly something for every racing aficionado. The American Power Boat Association details events running from June 7 to June 22, showcasing the vibrant culture of offshore racing. APBA provides a comprehensive overview of the action.

With racers pushing the limit and spectators cheering on their favorites, Hydrofest at Lake Guntersville is sure to be an unforgettable experience. As Leibel and Ballough rev their engines in anticipation of tomorrow’s main event, one can only wonder what thrilling surprises await. Whether it’s the roar of the engines or the camaraderie among fans, there’s something to be said for the spirit of racing—and it’s alive and well in Guntersville this weekend.