Tri-City Water Follies Is One Of The Biggest Events Of The Year In Washington State

One of the biggest events for the summer in the Tri-Cities is boat race weekend. The 2022 Hapo Columbia Cup kicks off the 56th time that the unlimited hydroplanes have raced on the Columbia River.

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Unlimited Hydroplanes Have Raced Yearly On The Columbia River Since 1966

As mentioned on the Waterfollies website:

The modern Unlimited Hydroplane has very little in common with those first boats that churned the waters of the Columbia River.

The hydroplanes of today are almost more plane than hydro. They are thirty feet long; with  7,000-pound wings that glide over the water with only the bare minimum of the boat making contact with the river.

Powered by turbine engines capable of nearly 3,000hp, the boats can reach straightaway speeds close to 200 miles per hour.

Qualifying lap averages in the mid 160mph range are common with the faster boats in the fleet. To put it in simpler terms, at speed, an Unlimited Hydroplane will travel more than the length of a football field in the space of a second.

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Attending the races is one of those generational events that last a lifetime. Tri-City Water Follies on their Facebook page has been posting up some amazing vintage photos of years gone by.

Take A Peek At Some Amazing Photos Of Past Water Follies On The Columbia River

We've compiled a gallery below of some of those photos that'll feel like you are steeped back in time. A big thanks to the Tri-City Water Follies for allowing us to share these photos with you.

25 Amazing Timeless Photos of Past Tri-Cities Boat Races Will Jog Memories

Step back in time and check out 25 amazing photos of past Water Follies' weekends here in the Tri-Cities. You might even spot yourself in a photo!

As we launch into another amazing boat race weekend, it's fun to peek into the past and look at all of the awesome historical pictures that make you realize that every year you a part of something special here in the Tri-Cities.

If you are interested in more details about the Tri-City Water Follies, you can check them out here.

Tri-City Water Follies: Hydroplane Racing on the Columbia River!

Get set for the Hydros to hit the water! July in Tri-Cities is reserved for Boat Races on the Columbia River! The HAPO Columbia Cup has H1 Unlimited Hydroplane boats racing for the title. Will you be there to witness all the fun?

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