![The Wild Side of Hydros-Most Spectacular Columbia Cup Crashes [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2018/07/1993-miss-circus-circus-blowever-video-still.jpg?w=980&q=75)
The Wild Side of Hydros-Most Spectacular Columbia Cup Crashes [VIDEO]
Since the beginnings of the Columbia Cup (Atomic Cup) in 1966, the Columbia River has become known as probably the best unlimited hydroplane course in the world.
But that doesn't mean it's without it's dangers. When you're skimming over the water at 150 mph or faster, it can be deadly. At any given time, a hydro that's 'on plane' (meaning it's in it's maximum speed configuration) is only touching the water with about 5-6 square feet of it's hull. A small patch on each of the front sponsons, and another patch where the propeller is located.
This YouTube video courtesy of Meyer Hydros, shows the most spectacular crashes in Columbia Cup history. Some are not on here, they didn't always film some of the early races. But for the avid boat race fan, these will bring back memories. The oldest boat captured on film is the 1980 Pay N' Pak, which was the first turbine powered boat. It blew over in 1980. Some felt the turbines were unsafe as they pushed the boats to speeds they couldn't handle.
Here's hoping for a safe race this weekend!
More From 870 AM KFLD
![WA Fatal Crashes at 33-Year High, Rest of U.S. Dropping](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2024/05/attachment-GettyImages-463235998.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WA Officials–Drivers Who Don’t Take Driver’s Ed Have Worst Crash Rate](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2024/03/attachment-GettyImages-541967924.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Texting While Driving–How Far Do You Travel Not Looking at Road?](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2023/10/attachment-GettyImages-1231347867.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Crashes Snarl Richland Traffic Tuesday Afternoon](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2023/02/attachment-2-15-rpd-crashes-canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Freezing Fog Triggers Two Early Morning Crashes Tuesday](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2023/01/attachment-1-10-wsp-crashes-canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Road Repairs, Speed Claim 2 Vehicles in Franklin County Crashes](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2022/07/attachment-7-24-fcso-chip-seal-crash-2-in-water.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE–Milfoil Fouls Hydro Testing, Racing Friday–Postponed](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2021/07/attachment-hydros-townsquare.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![National Survey–WA 4th Worst in Nation in Distracted Driving](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2021/07/attachment-3-17-kpd-crash-flip-side.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Richland Regatta Will Warm Up Boat Race Fans This Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/136/files/2021/06/attachment-richland_Regatta.jpg?w=980&q=75)