Sheppard, driving his flying watercraft Unleashed, took control of racing from an early stage and proved far too strong for his rivals to win the event in front of a healthy crowd.

Reece Coles upstaged the top hopes to win the Dennis Clarke King Of The River crown in his boat Byron Bay Brewery, while the Chiquita Cup went to Alan Micallef in Hostage and the Casenails was won by Derek and Troy Marland's Madness.

Three other Australian titles were also won, with the 1250cc s/s title going to Greg Banks in Hurricane, the six litre restricted championship being won by Andrew McKinlay in Mad Mac's 2 and the 550cc crown taken by Kristie Bollins in The Torturer.

Dargle organisers declared the event one of its most successful, with 66 races taking place over the two days of competition with only a couple of minor incidents on the water and no injuries.