Mandurah team ready for Avon Descent

Known as the X-File racing team, the duo are ready for the adventure ahead.

“I did my first Avon Descent in 2002 with my wife and then in 2011 I teamed up with Spike, also known as Rob Whitehurst,” Mr LeeSteere said.

The Avon Descent is a two-day event that runs from Northam to  Bayswater, spanning 124 kilometres on August 2-3.  

Mr LeeSteere has competed in 10 Avon Descents and is easily recoginised on the water by his green power boat and Spiderman-inspired helmet with green Mohawks.   

“You can see the green on the river,” he said.

“Every time I would go past kids on the river I would hold my hand out like Spiderman.

“It’s also about promoting our sponsors Murphy’s Irish Pub who we thank for sponsoring our team.”

Driving a power boat is a lot harder than it looks with movement created through the shift in body weight by the two people onboard. 

“I build two boats every year, then pass the old ones onto members of the club,” he said.

“You just need to have trust in your deckhand and they need to have trust in you.

“There is no rule of thumb with power boats – what works with a dingy doesn’t work with one of these.”

The Descent hasn’t come without its injuries for Mr LeeSteere who dislocated his shoulder after hitting a tree-stump in what he said was the worst crash of his power boating career. 

“If you tip over in an Avon you can kiss the win goodbye; you can lose 20 minutes,” he said.   

“It’s not just about the racing, it’s the caravan parks and making it a big family thing – the kids love it.” 

After the Avon Descent, the X-File racing partnership will tackle the Boyup River on August 31 and then the KT Classic on September 20. 

Mr LeeSteere formed the West Coast Dinghy Racing Club two years ago in conjunction with his X-File racing team. 

Anyone who is interested in becoming a member can contact Greg on 0429 370 588. 

“You can pick up a second hand boat and motor to get you started for around $2000,” he said.