Your IWSF Racing Council Representatives have their contact details published on the IWSF web site here – you can write to them personally if you wish to address any issues with them directly.

1 Jul 2015

Once again that the week prior to the Europe Cup final in Eguzon we are organizing the first E&A Youth Ski camp (from July 27th till July 31 st)

A motivated coaching team is looking forward to welcoming the European next generation “ski stars” at this unique location

Download the racing bulletin HERE

The International Viersel Diamond Waterski Race is well known all over the world. One thing is as hard as a Diamond and that is the water of the Albertkanaal: the racers love to compete in Viersel. Competing in the Diamond Race is like competing in the Olympics. Winning that same race is ….. an ultimate goal !. We want you to compete in this race. Make it once again your race!!!

5 Apr 2015

Team Germany Have had successful seasons in the European Championships & Europe Cup. This beautiful boat is now for sale. Enquiries to be made to  Andre Schurle : Tel +49 171 6236063

info@teamgermany-racing.com

This year’s Southern 80 will see new and old ski racers travel to Echuca / Moama to ‘chew the fat’ of what would have been, could have been and what should of happened, some with an element of truth and lots of it with embellishment. This is the 50th year since water ski racing started on the Murray River in Echuca / Moama and it promises to be some exciting action on and off the water.
Saturday morning in Hare Street Echuca will be a sea of people and boats, in the Total Tools Street Display. Hare street between Darling and Anstruther streets will be blocked off, so that people can get up close and personal with the boats and the teams. There will be merchandise on sale, jumping castle for the kids and an outside broadcast from Classic Rock.
Saturday 7th February will see all the social classes leave from 5 mile reserve in Moama and head to the finish line. Note that this is a change in the course, from previous years. There is an exclusive river closure on for the weekend. For specific times and locations please refer to our website www.southern80.com.au or NSW Roads & Maritime website.
First away in the social classes is Carlton Dry Racing, starting at 8am. There are a range of classes in the morning session, including Juniors, 60mph and 70mph classes (the biggest fields for the event). Finishing up the morning’s racing will be the disabled with Alex Handley, Lincoln Budge & Tyler Tannenberg. Following them will the twenty one, Under 10 skiers, the up and coming stars of our sport.
The Victorian Barefoot Club will be providing some entertainment on the water during the break in the ski racing action, so make sure that you catch their skills on water.
You can then also go and visit the Heritage Boat Display which includes some 20 plus boats from a range of years of the Southern 80. Boats such as Island Cooler, Action, Mr Walker. Greg Houston’s Stinga, the Connelly hull which won the race outright in 2007. Recovery , a past winner. Chief, with it’s amazing paint job and many others. Have a wander and look at the boats under the big Marquee – look at video footage from the 80, 90’s and 2000’s on the screens. Chat with past and current ski racers as they mull over their achievement in the Southern 80 from the past and who is going to win in the future.
At 2pm on Saturday – the serious stuff happens on the water. The Beechworth Bakeries Bakers Blitz. First away is Superman, who has won 3 Classic races so far this season – Bridge to Bridge, Grafton Bridge to Bridge and the Hawkesbury 120. Can they get their 4th Classic race for the season? Following them will be Wild Thing, who have stepped up to Superclass this year. They are last year’s Southern 80 winner, a feat which they did from the unlimited class. Can they make it two in a row? Third away will be the reliable and eight time winner of the Southern 80 – Hellrazor. The other boats in Superclass include Merc Force, Sapphire, The Mistress and Top Gun.
Following the Beechworth Bakeries Bakers Blitz will be the President’s Dash, here the top twenty three boats after Superclass are on the water. First away in this class is 99 Psycho Clowns driven by local Jessica Pearse, she will lead the way for Thundernuts, Pigs Arsenal, Temper, Stinga F1 and the rest of the Presidents Dash field.
Following the Baker Blitz & Presidents Dash will see the older skiers of the sport compete in the Veterans and Senior Social classes and do not think that they just amble down the river!!

Sunday sees all the expert classes in the water and running the full course from Torrumbarry to Echuca. The finishing order of the Baker Blitz & Presidents determines the starting order for those boats on Sunday afternoon. At the end of the weekend we will know who takes out the crown for the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80.
Plenty of action to see at Victoria Park Boat Ramp. You can purchase tickets & programs online at www.southern80.com.au Entry to the Victoria Park compound is $20 per day or $30 for a weekend pass.
Programs are now available in Echuca / Moama and the s80 Ski race app will be available by the 1st February on iTunes or Google play for $2.49  We will announce via our Facebook page when the app is available.

For further information about the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 please contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754 or www.southern80.com.au

50 years ago a water ski race was held on the Murray River called the Echuca Cup, over those 50 years that race has evolved into what we know today as the Southern 80 water ski race, the biggest Water Ski Race in the World.

The 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 is to take place on the 6^th, 7^th & 8^th February 2015 in the towns of Echuca and Moama.

There have been 522 entries received for the event, which will see over 260 boats and over 900 competitors descend on the towns of Echuca & Moama. Along the competitors, thousands of spectators flock to the river to watch the Biggest Water Ski Race in the world.

The event starts on the Friday 6^th February at the Kerribee Sound Shell on the Cobb Highway in Moama at 7am. Here many of the boats and teams competing in the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 will be on display, so that the general public can get up close with boats and marvel at their intricate and captivating paintwork, spotlessly clean and big engines and chat with the team members themselves about their successes on the 124 bends which make up the course of the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80.

At the Breakfast with the stars, there will be an opportunity for the kids to get poster signings from some of their favourite ski racing stars and stars of the future. Andy Smith & Peter Thompson the crew from last year’s winner Wild Thing will be there, along with 8 time winner of the Southern 80 Mark Cranny. Karen Pet one of the two female drivers in the Presidents Dash, will be there. Lloyd Woolman an Echuca local and current Australian under 19 champion along with Brian Griffin from the Blazen crew & Jake Clancy from Sonic Boats will be attendance. Beechworth Bakery will be providing breakfast for purchase.

Saturday and Sunday, will see the action move to Victoria Park, Echuca, the finish line area for the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80. Gates open at 7.30am with tickets now available online at www.southern80.com.au for $20 a day pass or $30 a weekend pass. Children under 14 are free. If you would like to partake in the corporate tent there are also tickets for this area available online. Bring along the family for a great day out, there is no BYO and No Dogs.

The highlight of the Victoria Park area this year, will be the Heritage Boat Display. Here a range of boats and characters from past Southern 80 events will be on display. Do you remember Island Cooler, who won the event in 1989 & 1990? The paint work on this boat has been lovingly restored by its current owner Col Willougby. Mr Walker a triple rig, although not having won the Southern 80 in its time, was a marvel of its era with the 3 Mercury engines on the Connelly hull. One of the many characters of the sport from the 80’s was Mick Zukanovic with his boat Action. This has been dusted off and will also be on display with many other boats from the 70’s 80’s till present day. There will be displays of past trophies, t-shirts and video highlights from over the years to view in the area, along with some of the stars and characters to catch up with.

The Victoria Park area is well catered with food, drink and other stalls such as merchandise and boat displays. Kids also have their own play area, where for $10 per day they can ride the bucking bull, have their face painted and participate in the many kids activities on offer.

Mark the date (6^th, 7^th & 8^th February 2015) in your calendar as the place to be.

For further information about the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 please contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754 or www.southern80.com.au

9 Jan 2015

Bernico F1 Extreme

Ex Team Germany Boat

The condition is like new, engine new service, 180 hours complete, boat and engine.

Two covers and custom made trailer in red.

Boat with all extras, race ready include propeller.

Contact Andre Schurle for further information

info@teamgermany-racing.com

Whitstable Ski Club are hosts for round 6 of the British National Championships to be held on 10th August. Located 50 kilometres from the Port of Dover this is a fantastic opportunity for International skiers to enter as well as British teams who may just want to get on their skis for a one off event.

It is 50 years since the first running of a ski race on the Murray River in 2015.  The original event has led to what we now know as the Southern 80. The 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 is to take in on February 6^th, 7^th & 8^th.  There are some exciting changes in place for next year’s event.

Saturday’s racing will involve a tribute to the many legends of our sport of water ski racing and specifically the Southern 80 Ski Race.  The details are yet to be finalised but we will be posting information as it becomes available on our website www.southern80.com.au or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/southern80

As part of our displays highlighting the 50 years since ski racing took place on the Murray River in Echuca / Moama, we are looking for any memorabilia from ski racing and the event over the past 50 years.  If you have something that you believe is worth sharing before and during next year’s event, please contact our secretary Betty McCoomb on 03 54806754 or via secretary@southern80.com.au We will be looking to borrow the memorabilia from late December 2014 to Late February 2015.

To coincide with the 2015 event there are some new changes to the format of the racing over the weekend.  All of the Saturday’s racing will start from 5 mile reserve in Moama and head to the finish line at Victoria Park.  The logistics and manpower required to provide two start lines with the number of competitors wishing to compete in the Saturday events has stretched the Moama Water Sports Club resources over the past couple of years.  Hence the decision has been made to have all the events on Saturday start at the one venue  – 5 mile reserve Moama.  The classes and start order for the Saturday events include:

• Unlimited Inboard Social
• Unlimited Outboard Social
• 5.2 & 6 Litre Social
• SMOC Social
• Stock 6 Litre Social
• Open Women’s Social
• 200HP Social
• Junior Social
• Sub Junior Social
• 70 mph Social
• 60 mph Social
• Disabled
• Tadpoles
• Beechworth Bakeries Bakers Blitz – to start around 1.30pm
• Presidents Dash
• Veterans
• Senior Social

Sunday Racing will be the same as in previous years with the addition of a new class called Super Social.  This will be one class for all those social skiers wishing to compete in the full course of the event.  This will be first class away on the Sunday.  Sunday racing will run the full course of the Southern 80 from Torrumbarry to Echuca.

Details are still being finalised and we will notify via our website and Facebook as they are implemented.  Entry forms for the 2015 Club Marine Southern 80 will be available from our website December 2014, closing on Wednesday 31^st December 2014.

15 Jan 2014

It’s that time of year again where the towns of Echuca and Moama have their busiest weekend, with crowds flocking to the banks of the mighty Murray River to watch the 49^th Annual Club Marine Southern 80 Water Ski Race, held February 7^th, 8^th and 9^th. This year there are 595 entries over the weekend, with a total of 301 boats entered into the huge range of classes.

12 Jan 2014

It is a great pleasure for the Austrian Water Ski Federation and for the FZSV – Spk.Ybbs to invite you to the 2nd Race of the European Cup 2014 in Waterski Racing to be held on 30/31th of May in Ybbs an der Donau/Austria.

12 Jan 2014

Skirace.net has undergone a revamp to re-organise content making it easier for people to find the sites, calendars, equipment and information they need on water ski racing.

Scott Brooks will be reporting live from the 18th World Water Ski Championships in Tenerife keeping you updated via Skirace.net website, Twitter and Facebook. Daily updates along with interviews with skiers and crew & write ups on each race.

You can Contact Scott Brooks at Scott@skirace.net

Skirace.net looks forward to keeping you up to date.

Roger Lincoln has put together a DVD on the race at Hunstanton. If you would like to buy one @£15.00 please contact roger.lincoln@admoving.tv

Roger Lincoln has complied a DVD on this years Diamond race which includes footage from an on board camera on Todd’s boat If you would  like to buy a copy @ £15.00 or £20 for overseas including package and postage please contact  Roger Lincoln roger.lincoln@admoving.tv

Please find herewith the participants Info Bulletin for the 2013 Viersel Diamond Race.

DOWNLOAD

Please note there is a small error in the program:
13.00 h FIII Men and Juniors
14.30 h Ladies and Masters

Make sure you read the Camping Rules, because we had to change the event a little due to works
at the Albertkanaal.

We hope a lot of competitors will attend!

If further information should be required, please contact the Secretary’s office mentioned below.

Kind regards and see you all soon !

Vera Van Den Bossche
VWSC – Secretary – General
GSM: +32 (0) 475 909 870
e-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be

Australian F1 Lady Vanessa Eyles is looking for an F1 boat to compete in Tenerife . If you are able to help Vanessa please contact her  vanessa.eyles@hotmail.com

Dave Llewellyn is looking for an observer in the Main race F3. If anyone is interested please contact Dave @   Dave@skirace.net or telephone 01443 831155

6^th February 2013

The 2013 Club Marine Southern 80 is finally here! All the action will be happening at the finish line, located at Victoria Park Boat Ramp, Echuca. We have 599 entries this year, with the most entries into 60 mph Social, 60 mph Expert and Unlimited Inboard Expert. Boats and teams are coming from 416 towns across Vic, NSW, QLD and SA, to compete in the world’s biggest ski race event.

Friday will be the Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars in Moama, where a massive range of race boats will be on display, teams are available to talk to the general public, along with some stars signing posters and a photo opportunity for the kids!! Then scrutineering and briefing will occur at the Moama Water Sports club rooms, Annesley Street Echuca.

Saturday Morning is the Total Tools Static Display in Hare St Echuca. A selection of boats will be on display for the public to view, along with some of the teams! A great morning out with the kids to show them the boats up close. Social classes will be competing during this time, with the Beechworth Bakeries Bakers Blitz and Presidents Dash following Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s racing will see the expert classes throughout the day. Entertainment will be provided both days at the Finish Line, including the Carlton Dry Chill Out Area, featuring 2 TV screens, a MotoX demonstration and The Aspen Parks Playground for the kids, which costs $10 per day. All spectators entering the Finish Line must pay an entry fee of $20 per day, $30 for a weekend pass, children under 13 free. Please no BYO, glass, or Dogs.

Superclass is the main event, where the big boats will be trying their hardest to break the record and get their skiers over the finish line in the quickest time possible. Teams entered into Superclass race on Saturday afternoon to find out their position starting time for Sunday’s racing.  Teams who have entered include Hellrazor, 99 Psycho Clowns, Argo, Blazen, Elm Street, Gassa, Hellbent, Sapphire, Merc Force, Superman, The Sealord Mistress, The Syndicate,  and Top Gun.

Be sure to visit the merchandise tent at the Finish Line for all this years’ Southern 80 Official Merchandise, in the same area as the food and drink vans, and many other trade sites to keep everyone occupied and busy throughout the weekend’s events.

Keep an eye on the racing and the big screens at the finish line, where footage of helicopters following boats can be viewed. This year we have many local competitors entered, so stay tuned by the program or the Southern 80 App for their starting times. A kids page is in the back of the program – make sure the kids enter the competition to win some really cool prizes! Race predictions are also listed in the program for each class event, another reason to watch for the boats – see how well the predictions match up to the results!

We wish goodluck and safe racing to all competitors, and expect all spectators to enjoy the racing and to head “Swim on Race Day No Way”.

Results and updates from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations. The Southern 80 App is now available from

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

30^th January 2013

The 2013 Club Marine Southern 80 is almost here, with just one week until the impressive weekend! Teams should be organised by now, practicing their starts and runs up and down the river, getting to know the course.  With the Race Program being finalised, it will be available to purchase this Friday, from The Southern 80 Shop, Echuca/Moama Newsagencies and other usual places. The Southern 80 App is also available to purchase on the Apple Store and Google Play, which is constantly being updated with teams and race info.

Predictions for expert classes are as follows;

Last year’s Veterans winner was Top Gun towing Jamie Oliver and Steve Rowe – will the boat win again with a change of skiers this year to Shane Helson and Chris Bennett? Tadpoles winner last year was Robertson Racing, this year the fight is between Billy Barnes behind Thunderstruck and Race Cotton behind Team 50.

The Bakers Blitz is important to determine the starting positions for Sunday’s racing, last year Hellrazor won, will Cranny win this year again or maybe the record holder – The Syndicate! Presidents Dash we will be looking out for Stinga towing Ben Hackett and Jack Houston, two young skiers who will be hard to beat.

200hp Outboard last year was Saintn, however Messy with Nathan Evans and Thomas Bishop might be hard to beat this year. Junior Boys was Wild Turkey last year, Llyod Woolman and Mac Bachelor skiing, who have now both stepped up to Boys.  Pigs Arsenal is the one to look out for in this race. Junior Girls could be Spinal Tap with Tayla and Rachael, or Raicey with Crystal and Jessica.

Sub Junior Boys will be a fight out between In Strife towing Alex and Lachlan, and Nipple towing Blaze and Riley. Sub Junior Girls looks like Thunderstruck with Emma and Brooke. 60mph and 70mph are always tough racing – boats sticking to the speed limit without breaking out!

Superclass may depend on the Blitz from Saturday’s racing – Hellrazor, Blazen or The Syndicate. Unlimited Inboard will be a fight between Burnin (Andrew Griffin, Jamie Oliver) and Stinga (Ben Hackett, Jack Houston). Unlimited Outboard last year was Cyclone Racing – a fight between them and Bullett Racing this year. 8 Litre could be Dylan Stevenson and Cameron Mitchell behind Super Slak or Robbie Skennerton and Chris Mansfield behind Carlton Dry Racing.

6 Litre’s winner last year was Shady Ace, Ultra Troublemaker may be battling it out for the win. MOC could be Ace, Streamline and Optimus Prime. SMOC will be a toss up between Sonic Boats, Alien Force and Little Man. Stock 6 Litre last year was Pest – this year maybe Hollow Point with Robert Polites and Steven Czapp. F2’s winner last year was Miss Force – this year Team 50 are the ones to beat, with 99 PC hot on their heels.

5.2 Litre & 6 Cylinder Inboard should be Monopoly, towing Rory Brockwell and Brad Winter. Open Women Expert will have Revival with Chels and Kylie for the win, Prime Time and Recoverys Reflection racing for second and third. 16-19 Boys looks like Pigs Arsenal towing Sean Stevens and Jackson Hammond, with Chief close behind. 16-19 Girls will be a close race between Aimee and Cody behind Tachycardia and Ash and El behind Cinders.

Don’t forget Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars on Friday morning at the Soundshell in Moama.  There will be plenty of entertainment down at the finish line, both Saturday and Sunday – $20 per day entry, $30 weekend pass, under 13’s free.

Results and updates from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations.

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

The 2013 Club Marine Southern 80 is fast approaching with all teams and race officials getting organised for the big weekend. This year’s race sees 599 entries, the top three biggest classes are 60 mph social with 47 entries, 60 mph expert also with 47 entries, and Unlimited Inboard Expert with 33 entries over the weekend. The class with the smallest number of entries this year is 16-19 Girls with only 3 entries.

Over 1040 competitors have entered this year, coming from 416 towns across Australia. 307 boats have entered, which are travelling mostly from Victoria, followed by New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, 1 competitor from Tasmania and also 1 competitor from Western Australia.  We also have two International Competitors both from New Zealand, skiing behind Gassa in Superclass.

People aged between 7 and 75 will be competing in the 2013 Southern 80, which is a huge range! Five Family teams have entered including Argo (Superclass), Team Clog (Stock 6 litre Social, Stock 6 Litre Expert, Senior Social), Money Muncher (70 mph Social, 70 mph Expert), Head Hunter (60 mph Social) and The Mover (60 mph Social) so keep a look out for these teams!!  David Elliot, Brett Wisemantel and Chris Stevens are mixing things up by entering multiple races, where they will be driving, observing and skiing!  13 Other competitors have also entered multiple classes, competing in up to 4 races over the weekend, keeping them all very busy!

Spectators should also look out for Jack Houston, who is the current World Junior Boy’s Champion, skiing behind Stinga in Unlimited Inboard and Grant Turner, the current World F2 Men’s Champion who will be hanging on behind Blazen in Superclass.

The exciting Bakers Blitz on Saturday afternoon takes off at 3.30pm with boats including Hellrazor, Blazen, Superman, 99 Psycho Clowns, Merc Force, Elm Street, Sapphire Racing, Top Gun, Hellbent, The B, Argo, Gassa, Sealord Mistress and The Syndicate. The President’s Dash will follow after the Blitz, with many more fast teams racing their way to the finish line.

Something new to The Club Marine Southern 80 this year is the Southern 80 App, available on the Apple Store and Google Play as of Monday 28^th Jan. The App will provide up to date details on the event information, race teams and start times, twitter feed, a link to results and much more – for the benefit of competitors and spectators.

The finish line for the event will be held at Victoria Park Boat Ramp, on the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th of February, where most of the action will be. Entry is $20 per day pass or $30 for a weekend pass, children under 13 are free.

Friday morning is the Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars (7am till 9am), followed by Scrutineering and briefing for competitors (11am till 5pm). The launch night will begin at 7pm, for directors and sponsors, where tickets must be pre purchased.

Saturday’s racing consists of the social classes and the Bakers Blitz and President’s Dash, with the expert classes racing on Sunday. Entertainment throughout the weekend will be held down at the Finish Line, Vic Park Boat Ramp, so make sure your down there to check it all out and enjoy the Biggest Water Ski Race in the World!

Results and updates from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations.

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

16^th January 2013

The 2013 Club Marine Southern 80 is almost here, with only three weeks before the big event of fast and exciting racing! This year’s event will be held 8^th, 9^th & 10^th February 2013, with all the action happening at the finish line, located at Victoria Park Boat Ramp, Echuca.

We have 599 entries this year, with the most entries into 60 mph Social, 60 mph Expert and Unlimited Inboard Expert. Boats and teams are coming from 416 towns across Vic, NSW, QLD and SA, to compete in the world’s biggest ski race event.

Friday Morning will consist of The Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars (7am to 9am) at the Kerribee Sound Shell in Moama. See the stars of water ski racing, along with a huge range of boats. Kids have a chance to meet some of the stars and are able to have their photo taken, along with some signed posters. Stars such as Danny Cropper, Brian Griffin, Maddi Boyer, Jack Houston and Llyod Woolman, will be available for photos. Food and drinks will be available at Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars.

Saturday Morning is the Total Tools Static Display in Hare St Echuca. A selection of boats will be on display for the public to view, along with some of the teams! A great morning out with the kids to show them the boats up close! Whist the display is happening down the main street, the social classes will be taking off from Torrumbarry, finishing at Victoria Park Boat Ramp.

The finish line is the best place to watch the boats screaming around the corner to the finish line. With an action packed area, the cost of entry is just $20 per day or $30 for a weekend pass. Children under 13 are free!  Tickets may be purchased from the website www.southern80.com.au . During the racing throughout the weekend, the finish line will have the Aspen Parks Playground to keep the children amused (10am – 4pm), which includes face painting, jumping castle and a bucking bull!  The Club Jeep Corporate Area (10am – 5pm), Freestyle Moto X display where you can catch all the action of Brenton Drager & Matty Lewis perform tricks and massive jumps! There is also a wide range of trade sites to keep spectators busy!

Saturday Afternoon racing consists of Veterans, Tadpoles (under 10’s) and Senior Social, who take off from Five Mile Boat Ramp at 12 noon. Once the boats have completed their race, the Bakers Blitz and Presidents Dash will take off at 3.30pm, also from Five Mile Boat Ramp. The Bakers Blitz and President’s Dash are racing for the starting positions for Sunday’s racing – so a good time to be down on the water at the finish line!

Sunday’s racing is the expert classes, starting from Torrumbarry Weir at 8.30am, racing the 124 bends through the bendy river to the finish line at Victoria Park Boat Ramp. Classes 14-20 take off during the morning, whilst classes 1-13 will take off at 12.30pm. Make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun and excitement down at the Finish Line, with great entertainment throughout the whole weekend.

The river is closed to all unauthorized navigation on Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on the Southern 80 website www.southern80.com.au .

Official Southern 80 Results and updates from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the finish line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations. Competitors and Spectators are able to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, to keep up to date with the latest news on the Club Marine Southern 80.

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

Penarth Water Ski Club will celebrate 50 years at a celebration Dinner  Dance to be held at The Legacy International Hotel  Cardiff  Saturday 20th October . Organiser Dave LLewellyn has gone to great lengths in contacting past & present members of the club to celebrate 50 years of a great water Ski Club.

If you have any pictures of Penarth Ski Club please email them to karen@skirace.net

Dave LLewelllyn is the contact for tickets for this Iconic evening celebrating 50 years of Water Skiing Dave can be contacted on 01443 831155

Penarth Water Ski Club

Howie Hook at H2O Graphics is known the world over for some of the best ski race wear designs around and below are his latest offerings. Click on any poster to enlarge it.

Also visit www.h2ographics.biz

Team #111 are looking for an observer for formula 3 this weekend. If you are available to observe please contact Dave Lllewellyn 07986 076072

STOP PRESS: Danny Cropper of DC Waterskis in Australia
has kindly sent 2 sets of wraps to help these guys.

Good luck to Dominic, Mark, Edward & Chris in their challenge!!!

———————————————————————-

A team of 4 skiers are urgently in need of 2 sets of wraps to do the 150 mile around Lands End water ski challenge this July for charity.

Details at www.skicornwall.co.uk

Please contact me at robbie@skirace.net if you can lend the guys 2 sets of wraps ASAP as they need time to practice.

After 12 years of organizing Water ski racing events, and the organising the 2009 worlds race in Antwerp, the 13th EuroRace will take place at Geel on 7 & 8 July 2012.

Download the information below and if you require more information, contact the General Secretary Office for the EuroRace.

Information Bulletin

Entry Form

Stone Watersports Club – Just to let you all know a little more about the format. We have 4 races with 6 different classes. The classes are 2Up Open, U14s, Novice, U18s, Womans Open, Mens Open. These can be seen on the PDF document posted on skirace.net about the e…vent. The top 6 boats in each race will score points, the highest total point boat of the day will win a cash prize! If your a skier but havent got a boat, we will find you one. The same if you have a boat but no skier. We Look forward to seeing as many boats as possible in each race and newcomers to the sport in the novice class.

The participants’ info pack for this year’s Diamond Race in Belgium is now available for download. Click here or on the poster below to open.

We have pleasure in sending you herewith the Information Bulletin regarding the European Water Ski Racing Championships 2012
in Belgium – Genk.

If any further information should be required, please do not hesitate to contact the secretary’s office.

Kind regards,

On behalf of the organizing committee,

Guido Bollen – Secretary

Vera Van den Bossche – Race Secretary

Download the programme

Download the poster

More ski racing movie action from Krizmik Industries. Contact sales@krizmikindustries.com.au

Courtesy of Vera Van Den Bossche, below is the list of (re)elected Council members as voted at the E&A Congress in Thessaloniki (Greece) on January 28th, 2012. Click here to open and print the list with contact details.

Planning and preparation is well underway for the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80.  All is set for a terrific weekend of racing on the water and plenty of entertainment on land – February 10^th to 12^th.

Friday, the weekend of excitement starts with the Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars at the Kerribee Sound Shell, Cobb Highway in Moama.  Here a range of boats competing the in the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80 will be on display, so that you can get a close up look at these magnificent pieces of art and have a chat with the team members.  A range of boats will on display from the Superclass ‘big boats’ of Hellrazor, Burnin, Sapphire Racing to the 60mph boats of Sir Walter, Em 4 Metal & The Wedge.  Food and drinks will be available onsite, so that you are able to enjoy a breakfast with the stars.

Saturday morning the Total Tools Static Display occurs in the main shopping area (Hare st) of Echuca.  Here the Superclass boats will all be on display with many other teams.  People can wander close to the boats and chat with the teams as they show off their pride and joy.

Whilst the Total Tools Static display is occurring, the Social classes are on the water leaving from Torrumbarry Weir.  They start at 8.30am with ‘Sportspage’ first on the water.  Boats should be arriving at the Victoria Park Boat ramp around 9.10am.  The Victoria Park Boat Compound has a $20 per day entry fee or a $30 weekend pass – these can be purchased now via www.southern80.com.au or at the gate over the weekend.

The Victoria Park Compound is a fully catered site and no esky’s permitted.  There will be trade displays from boats manufacturers, Total Tools, Official Southern 80 Merchandise, Paint Ball activities, air brush tattoos and lots of other sites / activities for all ages.

On the main stage of the Victoria Park Compound will be the Moto X demonstrations featuring Jackson Strong, who landed the first ever front flip at the X Games in 2011 to win “Gold” in the ‘Best Trick’.  Also performing some of their aerial tricks will be Cam Sinclair who won Gold in 2010 and Silver in 2011 for ‘Best Trick’. Along with Bilko (Blake Williams) who won Gold and Silver in 2009 for the ‘Best Trick’.  They are amazing to watch as they run their moto X bikes, up and down, over and flip on the specially constructed jumps in the compound.  They will be performing several times over the two days, so come along and catch all the action.

At 12 noon on Saturday, the start line moves to the Five Mile boat ramp, Moama, where more of the social classes will race to the finish line at Victoria Park.  The Superclass boats and the Presidents Invitational Dash will also run from here, starting at 3.30pm.

The river is closed to all unauthorized navigation on Saturday and Sunday.  Full times and locations can be found on the Southern 80 web page – www.southern80.com.au or on the Roads and Maritime Services web page http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/marine_notices/murray3.html

Sunday racing starts at 8am, with the first boat leaving Torrumbarry Weir, is ‘Rush’ followed by ‘99 Psycho Clowns F1’ towing Under 16 boys.  Racing continues all day from Torrumbarry along the full 80km to Victoria Park, Echuca.

Based on the finishing order from the Beechworth Bakers Blitz, the Superclass boats will leave Torrumbarry at 12.30pm for the trip to Victoria Park.

Results and updates from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations.

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

12 Jan 2012

There are only a few places left open for (FREE!) entry in this event, in front of 3-400,000 people !

We only allow 24 boats to run in the Newcastle Spectacular and everyone runs together in 4 races, so it is a great day from the boat or the shore.

It’s also a great way to show your sponsors stickers on your boats in front of a large crowd.

Contact Ken Cheetham before the 21st Jan on keneastcoastfloors@bigpond.com
to secure a place for you and your team.

Entries are now closed in the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80.  593 entries have been received for the event, with 1070 individual competitors travelling to Echuca – Moama, with the rest of their crews for the event on the 10^th to the 12^th February 2012.

Competitors are coming from over 430 towns all over Australia, including Western Australia, Far North Queensland and Tasmania to compete in the Biggest Ski Race in the world on our own Mighty Murray River.

The event which sees, crews of a boat, driver, observer and two skiers travel from Torrumbarry to Echuca on the Murray River. Some of the crews travel at an average of 150 kmph on a winding river – an amazing test of strength for man and machine.

The biggest class in the event (with the most entries) is the 60mph classes, where the teams are not allowed to exceed 60 mph.  In the social class there are 45 entries, whilst in the expert class there are 42 entries.  This popular class provides an adrenaline thrill for the team, but not at the speeds of the bigger boats. People often come into the sport via this class and then get hooked.

Last year’s winner Hellrazor will be the first of the Superclass boats on the water – when they compete for the Beechworth Bakers Blitz on Saturday afternoon.  Mark Cranny  from Dandenong, Victoria, who has won the race outright six times,  will again be teaming with Damien Matthews from Mildura, Victoria who has also won the race six times.  Damien has won it five times as observer with Cranny and also as a skier behind Island Cooler in 1990.  Their skiers are no strangers to winning.  Peter Proctor from Cronulla, New South Wales has won the event outright twice behind Cranny and it looking for a third. Michael Kelly, from Tivoli, Queensland, has been on the winner’s podium numerous times in the past couple of seasons, although not at this event.

The event starts on Friday morning with the Breakfast with the stars at the Kerribee Sound Shell, Cobb Highway Moama from 7am.  Here boats and their crews will be on display till 9am.  Food and drinks will be available.

Friday will also all boats safety scrutineered from 11am to 5pm at the Moama Water Sports Club Office in Annesley Street Echuca.  Friday night will see the official launch of the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80 at the Corporate Compound at Victoria Park boat Ramp.

Saturday morning from 9am to 12noon the Total Tools Epping Static Display will occur in the shopping district of Hare street Echuca.  Here the many of the boats and their crews will be on display to catch a close up view of the teams and all their finery.

Saturday from 8.30am, will see the social class races start at Torrumbarry Weir for the trek to the Victoria Park Boat Ramp in Echuca.  The first boat away will be Sportspage.  The skiers in these classes are on social skies, much smaller than a typical race ski and boy can some of them ski!

Victoria Park Boat ramp is the place to be – entry bands are now available online at www.southern80.com.au  Entry is $20 per day or $30 for a weekend pass.  No Eski’s into this area, as it is a fully catered for area, with trade displays and a Moto X Exhibition featuring Cam Sinclair, Blake Williams and Jackson Strong.

12 noon on the Saturday and the start line moves to the Five Mile Boat ramp in Moama.  Here more of the social classes, along with the Veterans and Senior Social classes start their events.  In the Tadpoles class there are 20 entries and three sets of brothers and sisters competing against each other.

Once these classes are finished,  the ‘Big Boats’ – the main attraction for the day, are on the water. There are 14 entries in the Beechworth Bakery Bakers Blitz and 16 teams in the Presidents Dash.  These boats are racing for their starting position on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday morning, racing starts at 8am, with the Expert classes (classes 14-20) on the water first.

The Superclass teams and the rest of the Expert classes leave at 12noon for the final run from Torrumbarry to Echuca.  Again Victoria Park is the place to be.

The Moto X Exhibition will again be at the Victoria Park compound on Sunday to keep people entertained till all the crews come home.  At the conclusion of racing the presentations of trophies to the winning teams will take place.

Results from the weekend will be “twittered” on the Southern 80 Twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80 as boats cross the line.  Full final results will be available from the Southern 80 web page at the conclusion of presentations.

You can pre-purchase entry bands and Official Race Programmes for the event via the Southern 80 web page – www.southern80.com.au

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754.

Vera Van Den Bossche has published the E&A Official Racing Calendar for 2012 (updated 27 Dec 2011).

Click here to download it

A special Training Tribute to Stephen Robertson will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012.
It will be run from 7:30am until 10:30am on Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Harbour and beyond is the training choice for Stephen Robertson, AKA – Harbourmaster AKA – WC9901.
As a tribute to a legend and a friend, we would like to invite you to take part in a nostalgic tribute ski from Sydney Harbour, around Lion Island and back into Sydney Harbour.
We invite anyone capable and keen, to make the run up the coast. We will be following the same path travelled “more times that you’ve had hot dinners” by Stephen himself. This is NOT a race. Its a tribute to someone who offered our sport so much, and we make this journey as sign of respect in memory of Stephen Robertson.

You all know the score…. No drag ski’s (74 INCH MAX). No long ropes. 21 foot boats… Of course, if you want to, you can break the journey up, and share the load. The point is to have great day! Kids, you can do this, no doubt!

Its important that we all stay safe. So, meet at Watsons Bay – 7:30am sharp, on Saturday 21st January.
Please contact Alex Ross or Ken Cheetham if you’d like to be involved. Its important that we know who will be on the water.

More information to come, but at this stage, after we are all back safely, we will congregate in Sydney Harbour for a social ski, some lunch, and catch up.

Alex Ross – 041840077
Ken Cheetham – 0414 995 513

Facebook Event Page for the Harbour Master Tribute

2009 Force F1 hull with 2 Mercury 300XS engines in perfect Condition. Race Ready, can be shipped worldwide

Ski Racing Nsw –

Grand Prix Kanahooka + Series #2 Sunday washed out races
Sunday 27th November, 2011

Compulsory Briefing Drivers, Observers & Skiers: 7.30am
Racing Commences: 8.30am

Race 1 8.30am will be under 10 boys and girls. 2 laps
Race 2 Under 13 boys and girls 4 laps
Race 3 Under 16 boys 4 laps
Race 4 60,70 mph + novice 4 laps
Race 5 Under 19 boys 4 laps
Race 6 Under 16 girls 4 laps
Race 7 Under 19 girls 4 laps
Race 8 Womens and juniors grand prix race 30 mins + 1 lap
Race 9 Mens open and F2 grand prix race 45 mins + 1 lap

Contact Ken Cheetham 0414 995 513 or (02) 4655 6147

Late entries up to and including the normal Wednesday entry date for those that want to enter the G/P events and also for the age events. This is the carry over event that was rained out at Wisemans so entries that were in for that date will have been
paid for already.

Click here for Entry Forms.

http://www.skiracingnsw.com.au/

The article below was written for the 2011 World Championships programme

In every athlete’s life, there comes a time of monumental decision making; a cross roads. There comes a time to decide what the future will hold; a time to be brave.

For four-time World Champion, Wayne Mawer, that time came just two months before his 34th birthday. It was October 2008 and the skier was settled back into life in his hometown of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. After an incredible career of competitive Water Ski Racing and Wakeboarding, Wayne was finally retired and free for the first time in 12 years to enjoy some sort of relative normality – the kind that only an athlete would appreciate or understand. He was running his own small business, married to his wife, Natalie and together the pair was enjoying life with their young son, Sunny.

At the time Wayne’s career accolades already included the 1997 IWSF World Water Ski Racing Championship, the 2001 IWSF Pro Wakeboard World Championship and the 2005 the World Wakeboarding Association World Championship – that’s a World Title every four years of his life from the age of 21. So when is it time to stop?

Wayne’s decision to give one final World Championship a shot wouldn’t have come as a surprise to those people who paid close attention. Wayne started skiing at a very young age, thanks to his father Roy’s great passion for ski racing. The Mawer family and many other Cairns water skiers live and breathe ski racing and Wayne stayed very much involved in the sport, even in retirement. He also stayed fit. Although intense training was a thing of the past, running, cycling and skiing to the reef with his family on the weekends became a part of Wayne’s ‘newly adjusted’ fitness routine.

But try as he might, Wayne couldn’t stop the determination within and the instinctive drive that comes from the love of competition. “I had been toying with the idea of doing the worlds, especially when I heard they were going to be held in Belgium,” says Wayne. “I had raced in Belgium before and I knew the conditions well.” He also knew what was required to get his body to where it needed to be to compete once again at the top level. With all of that taken into account, Wayne made the life-changing decision to come out of his 12 year retirement from Water Ski Racing, to embark on the biggest challenge of his life. He had nine months to be ready.

The tight, unforgiving canals of Belgium are renowned for pushing even the most experienced of skiers, observers and boat drivers to their limits. Like a game of chess; one wrong move could cost you the race, or worse, the title. “Racing in Belgium requires an enormous amount of skill and fitness from the skier, and nerves of steel from the driver and observer. The water is rough, choppy and unpredictable,” Wayne explains. The Australian skier would need to be in peak physical and mental condition if he was to win. His training routine was carefully worked into family life and running his small business. “It took a lot of organising and balance to make it work,” he says. Wayne’s training consisted of weights twice a week, cycling three times a week, and skiing three times a week on a fence paling, race ski or freeboard. Being 12 years older this time, the body’s recovery was also a little less forgiving.

Together with his new team, driver Mark Cranny and observer Damien Matthews, the trio were selected for the Australian team. Having only been racing together for a short time, they quickly grew a strong bond. “Mark and Damien make up one of the most professional teams I have been involved with. As a team, we had been together for nine months; not long in the world of ski racing,” explains Wayne. That mutual respect would turn out to be the most important ingredient when the trio headed to Belgium on July 5, 2009.

The Australian team that was selected for the Worlds was strong, as were teams from the USA and Belgium. The first race was held at Gent, in Northern Belgium. “Our team’s mechanic had the boat, Tru Blue running perfectly,” Wayne recalls. “Mark and Damien were cool and calm as ever and I was ready to race. Two flags went up and I can remember seeing thousands of people lining the concrete walls and looking down into the boats and I thought, ‘this is it.’”

The circuit course was marked with single-buoy turns, making the corners very tight and dangerous if they weren’t approached properly. “We used rope lengths for each race between 50 and 60 metres (165 and 195 feet,) and I can remember how fast the first straight felt that day with such a short rope. There wasn’t much wake left for me to ski in,” he says. “As we approached the turn buoy to complete the first lap, we were positioned in pole three, about half a rope length ahead of the field. By the time we pulled out of that turn, we were already more than a rope length behind. This really set the scene for how hard we had to work just to stay in the race.” At around the 40-minute mark, Prime Time, towing American skier, Todd Haig made their charge. Todd finished in first place, Wayne finished second and Dimitri Bertels from Belgium came in third.

Race two was held in Genk and team Tru Blue had its work cut out for it once again. Cranes winched the boats into the water with enough time to allow the teams to do a pre-race lap for the spectators along the canal. It was during that lap that Mark noticed the right-hand extractor of the engine had a small crack in it. There they were, just 15 minutes before the start of the second race, a race they needed to win, and Mark had a tough decision to make. They could either take the risk, unsure if the engine would handle the hour-long race, or use a substitute boat. In a split second, the crew was heading back to the dock. They would need to swap the intercom, helmets, rope and spare rope into another Australian boat, White Noise, all in just minutes.

The Australians had a very tough job on their hands, especially considering neither Mark nor Damien had ever raced with the boat before. With the clock ticking, the crew still needed to find a crane driver to winch the boat into the water. After overwhelming help from other Australian teams and with just five minutes before the start of the race, White Noise was finally in the water. “Cranny and Damien got us to the start line just as the 30 second flag dropped. It was really amazing,” recalls Wayne. “We got a clean start and we were in with a shot, taking a slight lead after the first lap. Prime Time was hot on our heels.” But that lead was soon lost, as Prime Time once again took full advantage of the single-buoy turns and traffic, making tight, fast turns. White Noise fought for the lead for the first fifteen minutes of the race, but as the boat traffic got heavier, they began to fall behind. “Cranny decided to move into Prime Time’s wash, where we settled until about the 45-minute mark. Then Damien gave me the signal ‘we have to go.’ We managed to wind them in within three laps and with just one lap until the finish we were racing alongside the Americans. The pressure was on as we both approached the finish line and with only half a lap to go, we were still side by side. With just 300 metres to go, we really put the pressure on and started pulling away,” explains Wayne. In one of the closest finishes in a world title race, White Noise crossed the line first. Todd Haig finished closely behind in second place and crashed straight after he crossed the line. Australian skier Chris Stout came in third place behind No Mercy.

The third race took place in the beautiful Belgian city of Antwerp. Tru Blue was again running perfectly and the team was ready. This would be the fastest of the four races and was yet another extraordinary show down between Wayne and Todd. “On one side of the course we were hitting speeds of approximately 145 kilometres per hour (90 mph) and on the home straight, speeds were back down to 96 – 112 K/ph (60 -70 mph),” says Wayne. The race came down to the wire with Tru Blue finishing just two seconds ahead of Prime Time.

After a day’s rest, competitors woke to the morning of the final race. This race would decide the 2009 World Champion. The fourth race was held at Viersel, the home of the annual world-renowned Diamond Race. This canal was the narrowest of all, at just 110 metres wide (360 feet.) Depending on the overall time of the race, the Australians would need to finish within at least two seconds of the Americans to win the World Championship. Wayne recalls the final moments before that race, “Two flags went up and I went into the water. The rope pulled tight and I had a short pause, preparing for the flag to drop.” Away they went. Tru Blue got off to a great start and by the 20 minute mark they were about one rope length in front of Prime Time. That lead increased to about four rope lengths about 35 minutes into the race. At 40 minutes in, Prime Time began closing the gap. Within two laps, they were level with Tru Blue. “Turning around the single-buoy turns with Prime Time right next to us was exhausting, both physically and mentally. Each time we approached the turn among the heavy boat traffic, Prime Time moved to the inside of the course, while Mark stuck close to the wall. This meant the Americans had the lead coming out of every corner,” adds Wayne.

With two and a half laps to go, Tru Blue became caught up in boat traffic through a corner and fell one rope length behind Prime Time. One rope length soon became four as the Americans continued to pull away. “Urgency became a priority and I knew we had to go. In one lap, we managed to wind in Prime Time by two rope lengths. The blue flag went up indicating one more lap, and we were chasing hard,” recalls Wayne. Todd and Wayne rounded the final turn with half a lap left to decide the 2009 World Title. “My rope length took me about 48 metres (160 feet) behind the boat and I knew we needed to finish at least two seconds behind Prime Time to win,” Wayne explains. On the second half of the final straight Tru Blue made more ground and with only 300 metres left, they were just half a rope length behind Prime Time. Tru Blue was now just metres from Todd. Wayne and Todd were both charging for the finish line. “We had 100 metres to go and the acceleration from Tru Blue was intense,” Wayne recalls. “We had the inside position and I could see the chequered flag when all of a sudden, there was a wall of water and I got a heap of slack rope. As I looked up, I saw Mark do a huge power turn to avoid contact with Todd.” Prime Time had turned in front of Tru Blue, leaving Mark with nowhere to go, forcing Wayne to sink into the water just metres from the finish line. “Mark’s quick thinking avoided a major incident from occurring,” Wayne says. Prime Time had continued on to do another lap, claiming they didn’t see the blue flag. Tru Blue picked Wayne up and pulled him across the line to finish the race. After deliberation, the judges ruled the overall positions – Wayne first, Todd second and Chris Stout third. Wayne Mawer was the new World Champion. But what had happened?

This is a big question that I know my brother Wayne has asked himself time and time again. When Wayne claimed his first Ski Racing World Championship in Sydney in 1997, he won four out of four races and became the first skier in history to do so. Family and friends watched him cross the finish line first during the deciding race, run up onto the beach and throw his hands into the sky, tears streaming down his face – the new Champion of the World. This incredible victory has inspired all of those people who were there to witness it and continues to do so even today. An unknown skier from Cairns had just beaten the world’s best, and he was just 21 years of age.

Belgium didn’t unfold like that. It wasn’t the fairytale finish both Todd and Wayne had hoped for. It was however, a privilege for everyone involved to have been able to witness the two fastest men on water fight what they wanted. They both deserve the utmost respect for their incredible guts and determination and while Wayne came away with the World Title, he or Todd would have been worthy of the crown.

Wayne’s experience in Belgium has made him a stronger person. Back home in Cairns, he is now focusing on growing his small business and spending time with his family. Earlier this year Wayne and his wife, Natalie welcomed a beautiful daughter, Jada into the world. “Life is good. I am enjoying every minute of it.”

Although his life has changed, Wayne hasn’t ruled out ski racing in the future. His 5-year-old son, Sunny is now ski racing and Wayne also gets out on the water to social ski every chance he can. “Skiing is more than a sport for us, it’s a lifestyle. It will always be a part of my life.”

In every athlete’s life, there comes a time of monumental decision making; a cross roads, and as my brother now looks towards life beyond ski racing, the possibilities are endless.

Liz Langham (B2B Promotions) writes …

As you may be aware this year marks the 50th running of the Bridge to Bridge Ski Race Classic. In order to mark the occasion there are many celebrations planned to coincide with the race. I have attached a flyer letting you know how you can become involved in the weekends’ events.

Please feel free to send this out to anyone who you may think will be interested in the 50th running of the race and the celebrations as I only have some contact details, I’m sure you all know many other interested people.

Regards

Liz Langham
B2B Promotions

Click on the form below to open the full size PDF

The Worlds greatest ski race has been captured by photographer Scott Shanklin & fellow shooter partner Daren Van Ryte. Between them they have captured over a 1,000 images. A few samples of the images shot by Scott & Daren

Click here to vote !

Which sport will join the Olympic Games programme?

With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announcing its shortlist of sports vying for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympics, SportsPro is asking its readers, which one of the eight contenders will be added to the programme for the 32nd Olympiad?

Baseball

While baseball still remains as popular as ever in America, the IOC clearly deemed it to have less appeal on the world stage when, in 2005, it announced that baseball, like softball, would make its final appearance at the 2008 Games in Beijing. Despite making the latest shortlist, the sport is unlikely to be chosen so soon after being excluded, but will the IOC be convinced enough by the new bid to perform an uncharacteristic about-turn?

Softball

Softball’s high proportion of female participants may be its advantage over other sports in the list, mainly because the IOC is looking to increase female involvement in the Games. In fact, while the IOC noted the sport’s lack of global appeal for its exclusion from the programme, many were shocked by its decision, considering its well-publicised commitment to gender equality. Though softball has the support of Australian Olympic Committee president, John Coates, will the sport gain enough backing from other members of the board to see it reinstated on the Olympic roster?

Wakeboarding

The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) was recognised by the IOC in 1967 and, since then, it has grown to include over 90 member nations and organise a number of international competitions. Of the eight sports vying for inclusion, wakeboarding is the only watersport and its popularity is growing worldwide. IOC president Jacques Rogge said the sport “provides great entertainment for the spectators and adds further youthful appeal,” but will that be enough to see it included in the 2020 programme?

Squash

Squash’s campaign for a place on the 2020 sports programme has been led by one of the sport’s legends, six-time World Open champion Jahangir Khan. President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) until 2008, Khan believes that, while squash has been trying for inclusion for several years, it should be included “on merit.” Now, the WSF has turned to Vero Communications, run by public relations strategist Mike Lee, who previously worked on the successful summer Olympic bids for London 2012, Rio 2016 and the Qatar 2022 football World Cup bid, as well as the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Having narrowly missed out on the 2012 and 2016 Games, will it be a case of third time lucky?

Sport Climbing

While many in the climbing world doubt whether the sport will actually be included in nine years time, merely being considered by the IOC is widely regarded to be a huge step forward for the multi-discipline event. In 2007, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) was recognised as the world governing body for the sport, giving the newcomers the necessary organisational backing in the face of widespread criticism. Amongst other things, huge costs to build venues, a lack of popularity and doubts about broadcasting appeal have been outlined as reasons why the sport will not be included come 2020. However, despite its opposition, the sport remains popular in Europe and is growing rapidly, so will it be chosen when the IOC meet to announce the winner in Buenos Aires, 2013?

Roller Sports

In its review of roller sports’ previous bid for Olympic inclusion, the IOC cited the sport as having relatively low worldwide reach, little media appeal and small revenues for its failure to include it in the London 2012 programme. On the plus side though, the sport would cost little to stage, as it requires no new facilities, and would appeal to a younger audience. Roller speed skating, one of the sport’s sub-disciplines, is currently present at events like the World Games, the Pan-American Games, the Asian Games and the Mediterranean Games, but will roller sports win over the Olympic committee skeptics?

Karate

Despite being put forward, along with squash, to the final two in the selection process for the 2012 Games, karate missed out on being included due to receiving just a third of IOC member votes, well short of the two thirds required for inclusion. Over the years, the sport has been championed by Ticky Donovan, who helped Great Britain to five consecutive World Team Championship victories. According to him, “it’s the tenth most popular sport in the world and there’s 50 million people training now. We should have been included in the Olympics many years ago – it’s long overdue.” Do you agree with Donovan?

Wushu

As taekwondo is to South Korea and judo to Japan, so wushu is to China. Based on traditional Chinese martial arts, wushu is a full-contact discipline and would make for interesting viewing for foreigners who haven’t ever seen any action. But, despite the sport’s novelty factor for many, its obscurity and vast array of styles and judging criteria will most likely see it overlooked by the IOC, especially with the better known karate in the running. One proponent of the combat sport is film star Jet Li, himself a former Chinese wushu national champion. According to Li, realistically wushu will not be included for many years to come, but will the IOC take a gamble on the lesser known martial art?

*source – Sports Pro Media

About SportsPro Media

SportsPro Media provides a range of multi-media communications for the B2B sports industry.

Our team delivers the latest news, insights and analysis from the international business of sport, principally through our monthly SportsPro magazine, the DailyDeal e-bulletin and via our website: www.sportspromedia.com.

The SportsPro Daily Deal website offers details of every broadcast, sponsorship, personal endorsement, infrastructure, sports property and agency deal done in sport with a value of more than US$500,000.

We also produce a range of specialist supplements and annual reference reports (such as the F1 Black Book) that enable our clients and subscribers from the sports industry to make informed and efficient business decisions.

Working in partnership with an international portfolio of rights holders, sports sponsors, marketing professionals, broadcasters, governing bodies, federations, sports agencies and manufacturers, we have built an enviable reputation for the quality, depth and integrity of our products and services.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Ski Racing Victoria

The AGM for SRV will be held on Wednesday 3rd August, 2011 at the Skyways International Hotel, Melrose Drive, Airport West commending at 7.00pm.

Meals are available in the Bistro prior to the meeting.

Please come along and show your support for your committee.

The agenda and blank Proxy Form is available on the web site . Please note there is no vote required for Directors to the board of SRV as there were four nominations received to fill vacancies of four of the outgoing directors.

Any questions please contact our secretary or any of the SRV board members.

Regards,

David Bishop
Acting Chairperson
Ski Racing Victoria

In a generous and warmly received donation towards the success of the 17th World Water Ski Racing Championships, Mercury Outboards have generously donated an $18,000, 150hp Mercury Optimax Outboard motor, for someone to win !

There are a maximum of 2000 tickets to go on sale @ only $10 a ticket, or $100 for an entire book of ten.

The winner of this fantastic prize will be drawn at the World Titles Closing Ceremony on September 18th.

All proceeds will go towards the running of the World Titles, which are proudly sponsored by the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

If you would like to help join in the success of Queensland’s 1st ever World Titles and would like to help sell, or indeed purchase some tickets, please contact Eloise Anderson @ eloisun@optusnet.com.au

Many of the Australian Team Members also have a book of tickets to sell.

The 17th World Water Ski Racing Championships will be held @ Pelican Park, Redcliffe, Qld, from the 9th – 18th September.

For more info and event details please go to www.skiracingworlds.com.au

All Ski Racing Australia members, you should have received your SRA renewal notice via email by now, however there have been quite a few enquiries about when they were being sent.

If you have not received your SRA Membership renewal by email then please contact SRA @

memberships@skiracing.com.au or Phone 02 6259 9548

Office Hours are Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm

It is important that you follow up with SRA, either they don’t have your correct email address or you have recently changed your email address.

Ski Racing Australia website – click here

Danny Cropper of DC Waterskis writes; Your only contact with the boat is probably the most neglected part of your water ski racing equipment.

One of Britain’s brightest Junior skiers has suffered a blown engine on his twin, just days before the Diamond Race.

Vera Van Den Bossche has supplied the participants information pack for the 20011 Diamond Race at Viersel Belgium

Hunstanton Ski Club host a club race Sunday June 12th all skiers are welcome to come along. If you are a racer from another club, you are welcome to join them for a days racing,

Hi everyone,

I am participating in the relay for life this year as my brother Charles is a Cancer survivor.

I would like to raise $5000, with Barb and Marty Osborne already sponsoring me $500.

I am writing to get more sponsors as it is for a very good cause and being a ski racer my self, I know that my brother is not the only one in the sport that has been touched by this horrible illness.

All the money goes to cancer council to help find a cure for cancer.

If anyone would like to sponsor me they can go to the link below and click on my name to sponsor.

Any donation over $2 is tax deductible and I will be trying to walk for at least 12 hrs straight myself.

If i raise the $5000 (or more!), I am going to do my best at making the 24hr walk, as people with cancer go thru a lot more pain than I, who will be just walking for 24hrs.

I have given full details of the event below and the team that i am walking for.
People can sponsor just me or our team as a whole.

You can call me on 0432 82 44 16 if you need to discuss anything.

Thanks
Karen Follington

“Relay For Life is an overnight, community event where teams participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

The event brings the whole community together for a night of fun, entertainment, celebration and remembrance.

In NSW alone, around 40,000 people take part in the relay each year.
The event is not just about the amazing experience of spending the weekend with your local community. It’s also about the fun ways your team can raise money in the lead up to the day.

The Relay For Life is a truly amazing occasion where tears are shed, hopes are raised, fun is had and friendships are forged”.

In the 2010 Relay, Advantage Tennis Academy raised $2677.60.

In 2011, we have joined forces with the Hawkesbury District Independent News and hope to smash our 2010 fundraising effort.

We would love it if you (and/or your families/friends) could join Advantage Tennis Academy and The Hawkesbury District Independent News in the 2011 Hawkesbury Relay for Life.

The Hawkesbury Relay For Life is being held Saturday 28th May to Sunday 29th May 2011 at the Hawkesbury Showground.

We will have a great time and it will be an experience to remember.

Give up one hour of your weekend to relay for life.

The relay commences at 10:00am on Saturday 28th May and ceases at 10:00am on Sunday 29th May.

Our team is implementing a roster in which every team member is required to do a stint of at least 1 hour (Kristina Dimech managed a massive 9 hour stint last year… let’s see if she can beat it this year!!!).

Those members that wish to stay for the full 24 hours are obviously more than welcome and we will be camping overnight on site if anyone else wants to join us with their tent and sleeping bag.

To join our team, click the link below and join up today!

If you are not able to join us at the relay but would like to make a contribution to our teams fundraising, please click the link below to go to our teams site and make a donation.
Remember any donation over $2 is tax deductible but more importantly, every dollar makes a difference.
We appreciate any support you can give.

If you aren’t able to make a monetary donation but would like to donate an item or service that we can use in a raffle, please feel free to contact me so we can get a raffle started.
No item is too small (or too big!).

http://relay.cancercouncil.com.au/2011/hawkesbury_2011/Advantage-Tennis-Academy/

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this email and also hope that you can help our team make a difference.

Cheers,

Kaz xx

Link to Cancer Council – Hawkesbury Advantage Tennis Academy\'s sponsorship page

Please find attached the Hospitality and Social Events booking form for the 17th World Championships.

Confirmation due by July 31st 2011.
* Please refer to the PDF for prices. *

VIP Corporate Hospitality

Enjoy this unique event and it’s racing up close and personal and in style with our VIP Corporate Hospitality.

Located on the waterfront you will have the ultimate viewing of the racing for the 4 racing days.

Our VIP Corporate Hospitality package includes, buffet lunch, soft drinks and water, tea and coffee in the comfort of the VIP marquee with inside and outside seating.

Beer, wine and spirits will be available at bar prices.

You will also be treated to guest speakers attending the VIP marquee throughout the event and free pit access.

* Bookings Close 31st July 2011

Final Presentation

The official final presentation of the 2011 World Waterski Racing Championships will take place on site at Pelican Park.

Enjoy a sit down buffet lunch on the foreshore with official proceedings closing the event.

Buffet lunch included with ticket entry fee, drinks at bar prices.

Competitors and teams entry is free, however booking is essential. (Competitors and teams will need to produce their event credentials at the venue to gain free access)

*Friends, family and guest passes available via this form.

**Competitor and team passes are strictly non transferable.

* Bookings Close 31st July 2011

Official After Party

The 2011 World Waterski Racing Championship Official After Party will be held on site Saturday 17th of September, 7pm to 12am.

Unwind Saturday night after the inaugural World Waterski Racing Championship in Queensland.

You will be treated to finger food, soft drinks and water, live music, entertainment and more!

This event will be held in our VIP Corporate Hospitality Marquee on the waterfront.

* Bookings Close 31st July 2011.

World Event Booking Form 2011

Confirmations may be faxed, emailed or posted to the below details.

For all enquiries and bookings please contact:
Southside Promotions Pty Ltd 5 Woolboard Rd, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Ph: 03 9646 6922 Fax: 03 8612 3623  rikki.dryden@southsidepromotions.com.au

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the second Bulletin. The final of the selection series is drawing closer and the Team is nearing its completion.

Britians  Jake Frame Junior 2010 British Champion is looking for a ride in this years Catalina Ski race.

SKI FOR KIDS WITH CANCER
Location:SHELLEY BEACH, MANLY, SYDNEY – NEWCASTLE HARBOUR, N.S.W.
Time: 8:00AM Sunday, June 12th

Hi Guys

Just to bring you up to speed with the Ski 4 Kids with Cancer 2011

I have spoken to Kerry Eagle who is happy that we name the outright single skier events the Peter Eagle trophy, We will have a Men’s and Women’s Plaque, I will need to know if there is any interest in any under 16’s single skiers (boys and girls)

Hogs Breath Cafe Newcastle has been confirmed as the finish line. Our
problem last year was getting fed and watered, (this year we will have our own bar and a fixed menu so shouldn’t be any delays)

In case in inclement weather on the 12th June, I will have an aquatic license for the 2 following Sundays 19th and 26th June

We will be limited to 50 Vessels competing in the event (for the obvious logistic and safety precautions), so please get your entries in to avoid disappointment, Due to the success of last year and the Catalina and World titles not long after the event there has been a lot of interest from crews wanting to use this as a training run

We will also be having prizes for the highest fundraising teams, one popular suggestion is to sponsor the skiers per Kilometre Skied, (20 cents a kilometre is $24)

Don’t forget as much as this is a fun event and a great day out I will be unashamedly trying to extract as much needed funds to support HMRI and their research into childhood cancers last year we raised 3k this year who know?

I am also looking for volunteers to assist on the day; at least 2 course boats are required to follow the fleet 120km up to Newcastle, 1 for the Paramedic and safety equipment and also safety boats, if you can help out in any way please contact me on the numbers below

For the Teams who competed last year once again a very heartfelt thank you and any suggestions on how to improve this year would be very much appreciated please feel free to contact me anytime on the numbers below.

Have a Great weekend

Glenn Geary JP

Proprietor
Kotara Homemaker Centre
Mobile 0413-440888
Shop (02) 49-418000
Fax (02) 49-418001

glenngeary@thegoodguys.com.au

The race pack for the National ski race at Allhallows is now available to download

The Karl Brooks Memorial Golf Day is a fund raising day as well as remembering a dedicated water ski racer karl Brooks. Proceeds go towards The Karl Brooks Sk Training Fund.

Most people in ski racing around the world are well aware that Rob Storum has been contributing his superb ski racing images to Skirace.net for quite some time.

The 2011 Karl Brooks Annual Golf Tournament is being held on Friday 15th April at Warley Park Golf Club Essex.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Karl Brooks Ski Training Camp

It will be a Shotgun start playing Texas Scramble (4 ball,best ball)

The day will begin with Bacon Rolls & Coffee, 18 Holes, Evening meal with entertainment.

£240.00 per Team or £65.00 individual golfers 

For those who are not golfers then you can book the evening meal for £27.00 per head

To register your team or book just the evening meal contact Karen Brooks 07958 605335 karen@skirace.net

www.warleyparkgc.co.uk

With the approval of NSW Maritime, Clarence Valley Council, Ski Racing Australia, and the Moama Water Sports Club, the committee of the Big River Ski Club will be hosting the re-running of the 2010 East Coast Commercials Grafton Bridge to Bridge on Sunday 13th February, 2011.

For Sale – Cyclone 21 2003 sterndrive carbon/kevlar build. Hull and deck including  a pair of seats & fuel tank. Could be converted to an outboard boat . Price £5999.00

Alan Taylor : October 1923 — December 2010 (87)

A Legend in Water Ski Racing in His Own Time

Alan was a founder member of Whitstable water ski club. He was involved along with keith rose in the first visit to Belgium to experience their river ski racing in the 1960’s.

Alan was one of the organisers of the inaugural Cross Channel ski race which included both British and Belgian skiers, and most notably Tony Armstrong Jones who was later to become Lord Snowdon, and Tony Richardson the secretary general at the time of the British Water Ski Federation. Alan was also a member of the BWSF racing committee with Keith Rose, Ron Gee and one – John Hoiles in those formative years.

His contribution to the sport was immense over many years. Alan’s involvement extended well beyond these shores as he become a very highly regarded and very competetent national and international judge, being the chief judge at many national and international prestigious events. His contemporary judges at the highest level were Arthur Dawe, Ted Rawlings, Peter Felix, Keith Rose and his very good friend John.

Alan was on the panel of international judges at the very first world water ski racing championships held at Whitstable, Allhallows and Welsh Harp all here in the south east of England back in 1979.

As water ski racing developed and became recognised in its own right as an international sport, then with the frame work of an European council and indeed a world racing council, Alan was always there to give wise counsel to his peers and was I know of great support to John Hoiles who later became chairman of both bodies.

Alan was always a gentleman, a scrupulously fair judge, and a really popular guy who earned the respect and affection of all with whom he came into contact within our sport.

I have been asked to pass on the respects of many national / international water ski officials from down under, from the United States, and particularly Europe, and of course from GB, all of whom have only the very best memories of Alan. “We will all miss him”.

I am indebted to John Hoiles for his guidance with these notes

Mike Waterman, President, IWWF Region Europe & Africa Racing Council
January 2011

I have attached the form for your team entry in the Racing Programme for 2011.

The TV coverage is on again on the 23rd January on SBS – Speedweek & Inside Speed on Foxtel and continuing through this season.

Locked in as an on-air date are the first two shows (#1 was on January 2), the second;
• Feros Hotels 2010 Sydney Bridge to Bridge – January 23, SBS Speedweek
(12:30pm AEST – * Please check local guides.)

Speedweek is repeated on Foxtel’s SPEED Channel the following week as ‘SPEEDWEEK’ and ‘Inside Speed’ (check local Foxtel guides for on air times – usually Thursday and Friday).

*** Please note that Sean Henshelwood of Insportmedia is now in charge of all media and sponsorship dealings for Ski Racing Australia. Mob 0419143267

Ski Racing Australia announces 2010 TV schedule
21 September, 2010

Ski Racing Australia has announced today that television is firmly back on the agenda for the 2010/2011 season after agreeing terms with inSport Media at the AGM in Sydney.

After putting an announcement about the continuation of television on hold earlier this season to source more  information, members of the SRA board held lengthy discussions with inSport Media about how to better manage the sports profile, and incorporate other forms of media into a more complete package for the current season.

“We’re very happy with what inSport Media have presented,” SRA’s Rick Love confirmed.

“It’s a more complete package than we’ve ever had in the past, and it will more closely link the sport to the fans and the viewers of the sport on television.

“It’s always great to have ski racing televised, but it was important for us [SRA], and for our members, to make sure we achieved the best deal possible, and we’re all very excited about what’s in store.”

The agreement for the remainder of the 2010/2011 season will see one hour of SBS coverage on the high-rating Speedweek program, and one hour of FOX Sports coverage for the following events;

• 30-31 October, 2010 – Murray Bridge 110 (Berri)
• 20-21 November, 2010 – Sydney Bridge-to-Bridge
• 11-13 February, 2011 – Southern 80, Echuca
• 12-13 March, 2011 – Euston 80, Robinvale
• 9-12 April, 2011 – Australian Titles, Wisemans Ferry
• 23-24 April, 2011 – Mildura 100

“It’s a comprehensive program compared to what Ski Racing has enjoyed in the past,” inSport Media’s Sean Henshelwood confirmed.

“We’re planning a complete revision of the television format to include two half hour shows for each round – one of which will provide a magazine style format with interviews, technical pieces and features, whilst the other show will showcase racing at the top end of the sport, with detailed coverage on various other classes at different stages during the course of the year.

“And it’s not just television, the marketing program we’re planning aims to significantly increase the media profile of the sport, with regular press releases and stories provided to print and electronic media, news clips provided to national television networks, and the supply of footage to international networks as well as the worldwide web.

“We’re very excited about the prospects of working with Ski Racing Australia to assist them with the ongoing promotion and profile of what is one of Australia’s favourite summer sports.”

Ski Racing Australia
For more information on Ski Racing Australia membership and services, please visit www.skiracing.com.au, or call 02 6529 9548, or email memberships@skiracing.com.au

inSport Media
The management team of inSport Media have been actively engaged in the administration, media (television, print and web) and promotion of local, national and international motorsport events for a collective period of more than 50 years.

inSport Media have access to free-to-air television (on a number of national networks), PayTV opportunities, internet and live-streaming television, print media, public relations, event management and sponsorship services.

For further information, please contact inSport Media’s Sean Henshelwood on 0419 143 267 or email: 321ignition@austarnet.com.au

www.skiracing.com.au

The United States-based high performance fiberglass powerboat manufacturer Donzi Marine has committed to participate in the 2013 Cowes-Monte Carlo Grand Prix, becoming the first American entry in the 2,400 nautical mile ocean race.

Just before the New Year I announced that I would no longer run Skirace.net because of the time it required. Since then, I’ve received dozens of messages from people who were disappointed, and from people who offered to help keep the site going, and I appreciate all of these.

The entry forms for the 2011 Club Marine Southern 80 are now available online at www.southern80.com.au You can complete and print a pdf file, to be faxed, posted or hand delivered to the Moama Water Sports Club or you can complete an entry form online using your Visa or Mastercard.

Please ensure your SRA details are correct, as this is what we utilise to contact you.

Please do not leave it till the last minute, get your memberships organised and your entry in for the 2011 Club Marine Southern 80.

Entries close on Friday 31st December 2010.

In the interest of safety, the SRV Junior Development Day 14th November, is being moved to Greens Lake.

Same time, same plans.

Those who have registered will be notified and evey attempt will be made to contact those who have not.

If you kow of someone who is coming PLEASE let them know the event is being moved to Greens Lake. email tonymithen@bigpond.com for further details.

In 1987, Darren Osmotherly completed the Bridge to Bridge Ski Race, skiing backwards to raise money for kids with cancer in a time of 84 minutes after suffering the battling disease himself. The Bridge to Bridge is an annual event held from Brooklyn to Windsor, attracting crowds in the thousands as the all vie for the best vantage point to witness such an event.

Region V Botany Bay Junior Training Day

Great video footage of the 2010 Green Island Ski Racing Classic from Cairns, Australia.

Robbie Llewellyn founded Skirace.net in 1996 and the site became a central source of water ski racing information throughout the world. It started with 6 readers and now enjoys several thousand on most days, rising to 20,000 during major events.

Skirace.net is run for the sport of water ski racing by a small group of committed people who have been involved in the sport for many years.

The Team

Robbie Llewellyn
Manages the site in general, front page content and distributes bulletins
Email: robbie@skirace.net

Scott Brooks
Scott has volunteered to report as much as possible from the 2013 World Championships, in an effirt to keep those who can’t be there, as close to the action as possible
Email: scottbrooksy@gmail.com

Karen Brooks
Any news that was previously sent to Robbie should now be sent to Karen for publication. Karen posts news, results, photos, videos & racer profiles
Email: Karen.skirace@gmail.com

Julie Golledge
Publishes any Victorian or Australian news, results, photos, videos that she has to share & racer profiles
Email: Julie at golledge@echuca.net.au

Wade Bennett
Publishes any Australian news, results, photos, videos that he has to share & racer profiles
Email: waddlesinc@optusnet.com.au

Chris Rydl
Publishes information in her role as the Europe & Africa Athletes’ representative

All of the above have direct publishing access to Skirace.net so contact them at any time with news.

Contact Robbie if you would like to join the team and become a regular contributor to the site

Race Promotion

If you want to promote a race that you are helping to organise, Skirace.net will post a logo free of charge on the right hand side of the site. Simply contact Robbie with your logo. Any of the Skirace.net team can post press releases, news and results etc about your event.

Kenny Weckx is an official dealer for Wing Wetsuits, DC Skis & Bonehead Helmets. Contact him at the European Championships in Spain NOW to take advantage of his 10% discount on all skis & suits until 15 Sept 2010.

Mobile: +32 478 558 033

Email: kennyke10@hotmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kenny.weckx

Karen Brooks has a contact in Cadiz where you can rent Bikes by the day or week. They will even deliver the bikes to the Port or your accommodation.

If interested email karen.brooks@futuretravel.co.uk or tel 07958 605 335 (+44 7958 605 335)

Position filled

Britain’s Rod Hawkins has an F2 boat available if anyone is looking for a competitive tow at the European Championships in Cadiz.

If you’re interested, contact Rod ASAP at rod.1@blueyonder.co.uk

Russell Cox who won 3rd position in the 2010 Diamond Race Seniors is now looking for a fast boat for Eguzon.

The following two skiers are looking for boats for the Diamond Race this month in Belgium.

Photo’s now available for Sunday’s racing at www.photoboxgallery.com/simpeyphotography

The Viersel Diamond Race (full details) is coming closer and Vera Van den Bossche has this notice about accommodation:

The Viersel Diamond Race (full details) is coming closer and Vera Van den Bossche has this notice about an F2 available:

Vera Van Den Bossche has issued the official 16 page participant information pack for the 2010 Viersel Diamond Race.

Download the 2010 Diamond Race Participants’ Information Pack

Watch the 2008 Diamond Race video at the bottom of this page

Take a look as this team spins out in this year’s Southern 80 on the Murray at high speed. Nicely captured wholey dooley!

Charlie Cox is looking for a tow in the Juniors in GB Nationals. He’s training hard with his uncle Russell Cox ready for the season.

If you’re interested in teaming up with Charlie, contact Russell at:
Email: russellcox44@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 0797 050 6266

Norm Griffin is one of those people in ski racing who has been known all over the world for decades. He has done what most people in ski racing dream of and raced at the very top of the sport on the international stage as well as throughout Australia. A wonderful personality and a tremendous competitor.

Karen Brooks writes …The 2010 Ski Training Camp will be held at The Fevaca Inn Belgium / Bernico Boats HQ , April 22-25th. I need to know as soon as possible if you are attending as I have a wait-list from European skiers that would like to come along.

The 3rd Karl Brooks Memorial Golf Tournament in the USA takes place on Friday, April 16, 2010 at Temecula Creek Inn

The Netherlands’ water ski racing committee has plans to organise a training weekend from 2 to 5 April 2010. You can download the information sheet by clicking the image of it below.

The 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 starts on Friday 12th February , 7am to 9am, with the Cantech Breakfast with the Stars. Here you can mingle with; current and former world champions, skier’s of the future and view the awesome boats.
330 boats have entered the event with the majority of them from Victoria, with NSW following close behind.
Over 1200 competitors are competing in the event as either a driver, observer or skier. They are travelling from all around the world and Australia to participate in this great event. We have 7 current and former world champions competing. Including the current World Junior Champions; Yolien Bormans (Belgium) and Jack Houston (Australia).
The 60 mph class is still proving to be very popular with 45 entries in the expert race and 41 entries in the social class.
The oldest driver is Doug Kennedy the driver of Sharp As, whilst the oldest male and female skiers are husband and wife team of Nessie & Roger Hicks from Queensland – they are skiing together in the Veterans class.
Carter Robertson is skiing in Tadpoles and is the youngest skier.
The sport of water ski racing is essentially a family sport and the teams of Argo and Money Muncher epitomise this with their whole team from the one family.
In Open Women Social – it will be interesting to be in the boat of Tantrum. The husband’s are in the boat – Dale Linaker and Christian Apps, whilst the wives are out the back skiing Jenny Linaker and Justine Apps.
The race action starts on the water on Saturday morning at 8.30am with the social classes on the water. These teams are competing on the whole course from Torrumbarry Weir to Victoria Park Boat Ramp.
The best place to capture all the action is at the Victoria Park Boat Ramp, where the boats finish. There is the McDonalds Entertainment on the water including the VWSA Ski Show and the some Jet sprint boats; during breaks in the racing. There are also trade displays and activities for the children such as jump castle, face painting etc. The area is fully catered with a range of foods and drinks available. Admission is free for children under 13, a day pass is $20 and a weekend pass is $30.
The ‘big boys’ the Superclass boats will be on the water at around 3pm on Saturday as they compete in the Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz. There are 15 boats in Superclass; Blazen, Hellrazor, Stinga, Burnin, The Mistress, Fastcash, Merc Force, Argo, Superman, Top Gun, Omen Racing, Gassa, The B, The Gun,The Syndicate.

These boats are the top boats and crews in Australia. Due to the Black Saturday bushfires last year, the event was cancelled before these boats could race for the outright winner & the winner of Super class. So they are keen to take the outright trophy this year. Five of the Super class boats come from Victoria, six of them from New South Wales and Four from Queensland. For these teams and others – the race is a drivers race and the most challenging aspect of the event according to Mark Cranny, a four time winner of the event is the ”123 bends in the river”.
Blazen won the Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz last year, so they will lead the field onto the water. This season has seen a number of boats take out the outright placing in the classic ski race events. Superman won the Hawkesbury 120, Stinga won the Grafton Bridge to Bridge & the Sydney Bridge to Bridge, whilst Blazen won the Berri 110.
The Hellrazor and Stinga teams are the only ones which have won the event outright before. Can Hellrazor make it a record 5 outright wins, or will another team step up to the podium.
Catch all the action on the water at the Victoria Park boat Ramp, Echuca on Saturday 13th Feb and Sunday 14th February. Race programs are now available in the Echuca /Moama newsagents for $10
For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754

The 2009 event saw many records broken; including the number of entries, but the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 is tipping to eclipse this, with 614 entries received and accepted.

NSW State Titles 2009/2010 at NSW Ski Gardens, Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW on 27th and 28th February 2010.

The SRV web page has been updated with:
• the 2010 Robinvale entry form, ready for you to download
• Classified have been updated
• Victorian Titles – don’t forget entries close this Wednesday 25th November – No Late Entries
• Victorian Titles – Business Kerang will be sponsoring a show n shine on Friday 4th December in Township of Kerang from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Prize money on offer with a first prize of $700. Anyone who is interested in attending needs to contact Michael Brooks on 0418 356 802 or email michael@dimensionhomes.com.au by no later than Tuesday 1st December. This will help verify numbers for the organizers in Kerang. It will be great to see boats get involved with this event and help support Kerang township for putting it together to promote our sport.

As most people would already know, in January this year, I was involved in a tragic accident on the M7 motorway, which claimed the life of mine & everybodies great friend, Dave Morris.

Sunday 29th November – (Sunday after Bridge to Bridge) @ Kanahooka Reserve – 1st of 3 races to be held

Ski Racing Victoria State Titles Entry forms are now available to download on the Ski Racing Victoria Website. www.waterskiracing.com

The State titles will be held on the weekend of the 5th and 6th December at Lake Charm, Victoria
Please note the following;
1. No Late Entries Accepted.
2. Entries close Wednesday 25th November.
3. Note change of Fax Number for entries. Please fax entries to (03) 5480 0670 or send to SRV, P.O. Box 1005, Echuca, Vic 3564.
4. Briefing will be held at 8.15am Saturday Morning and again at 8.15am on Sunday for competitors who were not briefed on the Saturday.
5. Racing will continue through till 6pm Saturday as per the program. Please note no races are designated Saturday or Sunday.
6. Important Condition of Entry – All people entered will be added to the roster and expected to help out when required. Please check the website for the roster on Wednesday prior to the event to find out when you are rostered on. If you cannot volunteer during the allocated time you will be expected to find a replacement or you will not race. By entering you accept this condition of entry.
7. Any enquiries in regards to entries please contact Di Touhey on (03) 5480 0670

The SRV web page has been updated with the results from point score 1. Please note that there have been changes in the contact details for the SRV secretary. Classifieds have also been updated. Visit SRV web page for more details

The pre-worlds international race at Geel took place in Belgium today with teams from Great Britain, Australia, Holland, Austria , USA and of course Belgium taking part.

As the 2009 Catalina approaches, many of the world’s best prepare for the 61st event. Even with the Worlds starting in Belgium on 19 July, the likes of Kim Lumley, Todd Haig (both 2008 winners) and others will be heading to Long Beach to participate in the great race, before flying to Belgium in a bid to secure more World titles.

Below are a few photos of the Hotel Maya. The host hotel for Catalina 61.

The Canadian Water Ski Racing Team is looking for an F2 boat and driver for the Worlds. If you can help, please contact Vera Van den Bossche as soon as possible:

Tel: +32 (0)3 252 83 79
Mobile: + 32 (0) 479 697362
E-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be

The Force F21 Team of “TUFF ‘E’ NUFF” that includes Brent Wisemantle driving, with Andrew Fyfe observing and Daniel Cotton skiing. The team have successfully qualified to represent Australia in the Men’s F2 Class in the up and coming World Water-ski-Racing Championships in Belgium.