Article written by: Maddi Gurmesevic for Girls Torque Australian Womens Motoring Network
“It’s the greatest sport on Earth.” – Paula Gill
Paula Gill has a special Australian power boat racing lineage, with speed boating undoubtedly embedded in her DNA. Her father, David Gill, has been a prominent figure in the sport since the 1960s. Paula shares, “I grew up on the race circuit, and my father was designing and building record-breaking race boats.” One of those boats, Aussie Connection, is still running to this day.
(Paula standing on top of Aussie Connection at the 2025 E.C. Griffith Cup – built by her father over 40 years ago, and raced in the USA in the 1980s. Photo: Paula Gill)
“There’s a special connection between a boat and a boat-owner, more than any other sport I’ve seen.” – Paula Gill
After around 20 years away from the speed boating scene, Paula’s passion was reignited five years ago when a work colleague mentioned he was heading to the E.C. Griffith Cup. Eager to tag along, Paula recalls, “The minute I got out of the car, I was addicted. I was mind-blown. I thought, how have I missed this for so long?”
Shortly after, she was offered a role in social media and promotions with the Victorian Speed Boat Club (VSBC). Now also known as GillGirl Media, Paula devotes at least fifteen hours a week volunteering with the club. She manages the website, social media and club communications, and on race weekends (like the recent E.C. Griffith Cup at Yarrawonga), she captures special moments of racers, families and fans through her lens.
Alongside her volunteering, Paula also handles business management, customer service, and marketing and sales for GILFLITE Boats.
“You really see the true essence of a person when they’re sitting in their race boat, ready to risk it all to get to the chequered flag first.” – Paula Gill
Paula lives and breathes speed boat racing. She’s a passionate supporter of newcomers to the sport, especially young girls. As she puts it, speed boating is “truly a sport for everyone to enjoy.”
(Paula and family in prime viewing spots on the Yarrawonga foreshore for all the E.C. Griffith Cup action. Photo: Paula Gill)
Nicknamed “Bridie Junior” by race commentators, Riley Bride is a standout racer and an enthusiastic presence across the many boating circuits she attends around Australia. Since the age of twelve, Riley has competed in the Formula Future J3 class, driving a 15-horsepower boat named Phat Chance that reaches speeds of 72 km/h.
(Riley at Glenmaggie Gold Cup 2024, ready to race Phat Chance to the chequered flag. Photo: @Bride_Racing)
It was only natural for Riley to follow her family’s passion for power boats. Her dad, Darren Bride, had a keen interest in boating during his youth. Her older brother, Lachie, started racing at twelve and is now a two-time F4 Australian Champion.
Now sixteen, Riley has racked up numerous wins and podium finishes. At the 2025 VSBC Eppalock Gold Cup, she took out first place, and claimed third in the VOC Marathon for 2024 at Glenmaggie District Boat Club.
At the 2024 Victorian APBA Awards Night and Hall of Fame, Riley’s commitment was proudly recognised. She placed second in her J3 class in the national Formula Future Championship, received a participation award acknowledging her consistency, and capped it off by winning the Joe Cooper Sportsperson Driver of the Year award.
(Riley holding the Joe Cooper trophy at the 2024 Vic APBA Awards Night. Photo: @Bride_Racing)
“It’s about teamwork. You’re like a family. You see each other basically every weekend because you’re always racing… It’s really good how you can talk about how your race went and be friends off the water, and still be competition on it.” – Riley Bride
Riley’s proud mum, Josie Shaw, is another incredible woman in the sport, and the backbone of the VSBC. She reflects warmly, “There are life-long friendships being formed from this racing.”
Josie plays a key role in keeping the club running smoothly. As race admin lead and a member of the race committee, she oversees pre-race entries and paperwork, with Riley often lending a hand. Josie also organises the club’s meetings and helps shift the club’s internal culture—calling out outdated attitudes and advocating for more women in all areas of the sport, not just behind the lunch table.
She also serves as the Formula Future APBA Victorian Council Representative, supporting and mentoring junior drivers across the state.
“It’s not about the boats. Unless it’s my kids racing, I’m there for the personalities, especially the juniors. Each one brings something unique. I’m there for those learning their craft.” – Josie Shaw
(Bride family off the water: Josie, Riley, Lachie and Darren. Photo: Josie Shaw)
Even with her many responsibilities, Josie’s main role is being mum. She treasures the post-race car rides where the family recaps the highs and lows of the weekend.
ARTICLE BY: Maddi Gurmesevic an aspiring writer and journalist within the automotive and Motorsport world. She has a large passion for the sport itself, as well as sharing the incredible stories of people across different facets of the industry. Maddi is also a driver herself, competing in Karting since an early teen, along with volunteer work with Motorsport Australia.
