Hamilton Waterfest – July 5 & 6 2025
Today we drove off to Hamilton for the Hamilton Waterfest, which was reformatted to a one-day event due to lack of participating teams and -most importantly- the weather forecast.
Because it was HOT. Like…almost-not-okay-hot. We were warned that parking would be limited so we set off early squirly and arrived before 7AM, with plenty close parking left. And to be honest, this is a very nice event! There were not many food truck options (or toilet options at that) but the park layout and closeness to the water was just great. In fact, you could simply walk around the marshalling area and watch the race from the other side! Close-up to the boats is what you want!
Alkame did a great job keeping the races on schedule and compressed the program enough for the team to be finished around 2PM – and that wrapped up 4 races! Two 500’s, one 200 and a 2K. Everyone was properly pooped. Unfortunately there was no metal earned today but the team came close and 3 out of the 4 races were very tight and hard-fought and thus very exciting. A great day and a festival to return to next year!
Early arrival 
This is the end of the bay where marshalling was set up. Nice and compact! 
The bay is next to a rail yard, which made for some loud moments 
First race instructions 
Tribal woooot! 
So close! 
Thank you trees for the shade! 
Man-made shade 
Turning on a dime 
So close again! 
There’s also a mini train driving around? 
Even closer! Maannnnn. 
Team pic 
One of the very few food options available 
Getting ready for the 2K 
Done and pooped