HERITAGE, HORSEPOWER AND COMMUNITY ON DISPLAY AT THE BOAT WORKS
The Classic Speedboat Show Day 2026 was held at Garage 25 Car Museum and Espresso Twenty5 Cafe, located within The Boat Works, Coomera, marking a standout celebration of classic performance boating in a unique waterfront setting.
The North Coast Speedboat Classics club that runs the event, has grown into one of the most active communities in Australia, now boasting over 7,000 members. Built on a shared passion for vintage performance craft, restoration projects and on-water camaraderie, the group continues to expand through regular events, river runs and social gatherings held throughout the year.
The Show Day format provided a relaxed and highly accessible environment for enthusiasts and the general public to engage with the club’s impressive collection of boats. More than 40 classic speed boats were on display, each reflecting a different chapter in Australia’s rich performance boating history. From beautifully restored timber runabouts to early fibreglass race-inspired hulls, the display showcased both craftsmanship and mechanical heritage in equal measure.
The setting at The Boat Works added another layer to the experience. With Garage 25 Car Museum providing a backdrop of automotive classics and Espresso Twenty5 Cafe offering waterfront hospitality, visitors were able to move seamlessly between automotive and marine displays while enjoying a social, family-friendly atmosphere.
Throughout the day, owners proudly shared the stories behind their vessels, detailing restoration journeys, engine rebuilds, and memories of river racing and offshore runs. Many of the boats on display are still regularly used, reinforcing the club’s ethos that these machines are not just static exhibits, but living pieces of boating history. The sound of engines occasionally coming to life added excitement to the event, drawing crowds as period-correct V8s and performance outboards briefly echoed through the marina precinct. These moments brought the heritage on display to life, reminding visitors of the raw performance and excitement that defined earlier eras of speed boating.
Club founders Narelle and Jeff Reardon were instrumental in shaping the event, continuing their commitment to growing the com
munity and promoting classic speed boating culture across Australia. Their leadership has helped transform the club into a national network of enthusiasts who share knowledge, parts, events and passion.
With strong attendance, an impressive display of vessels, and a growing membership base, the regular Show Day at The Boat Works signals a strong future for the North Coast Speedboat Classics. This year was more than an exhibition. It was a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of Australian speed boating.
Facebook: North Coast Speedboat Classics
Published in print August-December 2026
