Model hydroplanes race Saturday on San Juan Island

Watch Miss Budweiser and Miss Exide, as well as other noted hydroplanes, race on San Juan Island Saturday.

Well, not the actual boats, but scale models of the famous racers. The ERCU Diamond Cup race — ERCU stands for Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds — begins at 11 a.m. at 1609 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, behind Beaverton Valley Business Park.

The race — an official, sanctioned event of the ERCU — is a family event and is open to the public.

The race was organized by former hydroplane racer Doug Brow of Friday Harbor, whose father, the late Bill Brow, is a legend in hydroplane racing.

The older Brow, known as the “World’s Fastest Milkman,” won six Unlimited races — including Miss Budweiser’s first win — between 1958 and his death in 1967. He set a record in the American

Power Boat Association Gold Cup, racing better than 120 mph with Miss Exide in Seattle in 1965.

An ERCU race, held May 13 at Twin Lakes Park in Marysville, is named in Brow’s honor.

The younger Brow organized the San Juan race to bring the excitement of a sport he loves to the island, and to give the local economy a boost: About 50 racers, their families and friends will visit San Juan for the event.

The oval race course is 100 feet long, and boats will reach speeds of up to 50 mph. Brow said the boats don’t pollute, because they are electric.

Event sponsors are American Legion Post 163, CarQuest Auto Parts, Discovery Inn, Haley’s Bait Shop & Grill, Herb’s Tavern, Petro San Juan and The Little Store.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.