🏁Legend of Australian Power Boat Racing, Mr John Wellwood owner/driver Wellwoodn’t! talks Rolls Royce Merlin Engines & Beautiful Rooster Tails’
🏁John Wellwood, the Merlin Mechanic, a.k.a. Grease Monkey, is a central figure in the evolution of Australian Power Boat racing, through out the 60’s, 70’s and well into the following decades, but beginning in the late 1950’s with an uncanny meeting of the minds when he ‘accidentally’ met the iconic Stan Jones.
John’s lifelong journey with boat mechanics intertwined family, innovation, and passion. Starting as an apprentice mechanic at the age of 14 with PMG, in Dandenong Victoria. Soon after, John collaborated with icons like Col Winton, Bob Saniga, Norm Putt, Dick Carnie, Max Lamb, Clem Anderson, John Allison, and Bob Jackson, crafting boats alongside Stan Jones, the Team supported his work as he (along with other talented enthusiasts), pioneered Rolls-Royce Merlin and turbine engines in hydroplanes. With boats like Stampede, Bayswater Bulk (VS41), and Miss Bud, he crossed Australia, the U.S., and New Zealand.
John also ran four of his own boats, building and racing ‘Wellwoodn’t!’ securing badge no. 135 for exceeding the magic ton in record time, along with albums full of memorable race meets that made it into the newspaper, including many awards and certificates.
Eventually becoming a full time mechanic for Ron Burton with Aussie Connection (VS41), Aussie Endeavour and Aussie Bud (VS42), leaving an indelible legacy on the sport’s evolution and the enduring spirit of boat racing.
🏁I recently had the pleasure of catching up with this wonderful gentleman to discuss the highlights of his life in power boat racing (Thanks to Russell Jones for organising), we enjoyed the most interesting afternoon together talking about the pioneering days of Hydroplane racing
🏁Full story to come! Whywoodn’t you!!
🏁In the meantime, check out these original news articles (Courtesy of John Wellwood’s historical scrapbook collection) 🙏🏁
🏁In some of the news clippings we’re also acknowledging the brilliant Col Winton here – because he deserves more than a mention ‘A total Legend’ 👍🏼
#legendsofaustralianpowerboatracing
#gillgirlmedia
GillGirl Media Copyright 2026
Words written by Paula Gill – GILFLITE
Story and archived materials/articles/photos, courtesy of the legendary John Wellwood
All in the name of Australian Power Boat Racing and remembering the Greats!
Thank you John, what a privilege it was to spend an afternoon with you, talking about the unbelievable history of Australian Power Boat Racing during the unforgettable era of the 60’s and 70’s.