mmg.com.au

The 16-year-old sped down the river behind boat X Factor on both days of the event, taking part in the SMOC social class on Saturday and the SMOC expert class on Sunday.

While there were no podium finishes, the team placing 17th out of 22 boats in the social class and 21st out of 25 boats in the expert class, Dempster for one was pleased with the weekend.

‘‘It was really good actually,’’ he said after his SMOC expert class run on Sunday.

‘‘We had a real blinder of a run down. Nailed our start and off we went. We got round up by a couple of boats but they were going a bit quicker so we let them go and kept going.’’

Dempster said his SMOC social race had also gone well on Saturday, despite some starting hiccups.

‘‘We missed three starts in that, but we still had a good run down the river so that’s the main thing.’’

It was the third Southern 80 for the teenager, who normally sharpens his skiing skills by training on nearby Lake Eppalock, but he insists he will certainly be back.

‘‘There will be plenty more to come,’’ he said.

‘‘I love it.’’

■Redesdale boat Money Muncher also competed in the Southern 80.

With the Kriewaldt clan of Dean, William, Dale and Jacob onboard on Saturday, the boat 10th from 20 boats in the 70mph social class.

The effort was backed up on Sunday, with the same crew placing 11th from 23 boats in the 70mph expert class.