Media Contacts

                                                                                      Jan Shaw-Race Director

                                                                                                            425-478-1196

                                                                                      Janetshaw4994@comcast.net

          Sammamish Slough Race Returns to Kenmore, WA for its 8^th Year

       The 8th Annual Kenmore Hydroplane Cup Event Ready for April 13^{th, 2024}

                              Get ready to hear the nostalgic sounds of hydroplanes!

On April 13^th title sponsors 192 Brewery and US Plywood Supply with the Seattle Outboard Association proudly presents the 8th Annual Kenmore Hydroplane Cup. Seattle Water Sports is providing signage on the water for race security and water support.  Jason Diamond from Diamond Racing  is providing posters for advertising.  The 2 and 3 cylinder outboards will leave the Kenmore Boat Launch for a timed exhibition race around a buoy at the entrance to the slough upriver past the boat launch, and Squires Landing, around the bend to the right and around another buoy at the Kenmore City Limits, and back to the Kenmore Boat Launch. Only one boat at a time will be on the river. The Vintage Inboards will be doing a show and shine at the Kenmore Boat Launch.  This will the first year of a Jet Sprint Boat owned by the Swindall Brothers of Tacoma on display.  Bring your cameras—take your picture in one of their boats.  This change was made to accommodate the construction on the waterway. 

We have had an average of 25 boats for the last few years, this year we are expecting increasing entries.  We have had an overwhelming response from the boating community.

The opening ceremonies will start at 10 am with races starting at 12 noon and running until about 4 pm. We will have in attendance past unlimited drivers.  Kenmore Native, Kay Myers Brewer will be announcing the river race with Jim Olsen assisting.  Debbie Myre is back doing the National Anthem and Water Blessing.  Admission is free for the event.  The best viewing areas will be the 68^th Ave bridge walkway and Squires Landing.

              This historic event has brought the community to the banks of the Sammamish Slough since 1938 and ended in 1976.  The idea to reintroduce the event 11 years ago came after local artist, Amberly “Gaul” Culley organized the Sammamish Slough race exhibit at Kenmore City Hall in 2013.  Amberly and Jan Shaw restarted the event that year with great community support and has continued moving father up the river each year.

               On Friday, April 12^th, the community is invited to the 8^th Annual Hydro Happy Hour at the 192 Brewery .  Hydroplanes will be on display at this location.  Come meet drivers past and present at this event.  Parking is limited, so plan ahead. 

               Derek Wyckoff and his crew at 192 Brewing Company are excited to celebrate the history of the slough race by starting off the event with a Hydro Happy Hour.  They are a great venue to go grab a micro brew beer and order something off the menu that will definitely satisfy you and enjoy their cozy and rustic atmosphere.

 US Plywood Supply, C&M Trophy, and Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum also have sponsored this event for the last 8 years.  Please welcome back Pierre’s Dock, Jet City Printing and Mark Lord of Seattle Watersports

                  This year bring your family out to create your own Sammamish slough memories.

                  192 Brewery and Derek Wyckoff, US Plywood Supply and Don Swanson, and the Seattle Outboard Association and all of our community sponsors look forward to seeing you all out at the 8^th Annual Kenmore Hydroplane Cup.  This will be an exciting event so please grab your friends and family and come on down to watch history once more in the making!  Seattle Outboard Association has a Facebook Event page setup, check it out!