Those at the European Championships in Arcos de la Frontera this year will recall the boat accident which Austria’s Georg Förstel suffered. Below is a note from Georg with an update and some special thanks.

Team Manager André Schürle has announced that he and Team Germany are proud, with one of the most well known families in water ski racing – The Brooks Family from GB; to have begun a new partnership for the future.

Below you can watch 45 minutes from the 4 rounds of the Mens & Womens 1991 World Water Ski Racing Championships from Darwin, Australia.

Click on the link below to visit the photo album with shots from the final round of the European Cup in Eguzon, France.

Footage of round 1 of the 1993 F1 British Championships, hosted by Peter Butler and former two time World Champions Liz Hobbs (MBE).

Coverage of the 1993 F2 British Championships – Round 1 Chasewater. Hosted by Peter Butler and former two time World Champion, Liz Hobbs (MBE).

Britain’s Donald Darby has passed away. Everybody in ski racing knew him as Dinky and his boat named “DD” was infamous on the British water ski racing circuit in the 70’s.

1938 race from Catalina Island to Hermosa Beach, California.

• 1968 British Cross Channel Race
• 1966 British Cross Channel Race
• 1955 New York to Atlantic City Race
• 1961 Sydney Australia Race
• 1969 Dutch International Race
• 1938 Catalina Island to Hamosa Beach Race

Great Britain, Belgium and Holland compete in this 45 mile race in 1969. Brendan Bowles from Penarth Water Ski Club won the race. Thanks to Geoff Watson for finding this.

26 teams race 26 Miles in this 1961 Water Ski race in Sydney, Australia.

Archived footage of the 1955 New York to Atlantic City Water Ski Race. The race took 8 hrs over 110 miles.. Many thanks to Geoff Watson for digging this up.

Great archived footage of the old Cross Channel Water Ski Race. Many thanks to Geoff Watson for sharing this.

Great archived footage of the old Cross Channel Water Ski Race. Many thanks to Geoff Watson for digging this up.

The 23rd Annual “Austin Dam to Dam Race” will be hosted by the Austin Barefoot Ski Club on Saturday, November 6th at Steiner Ranch Lake Club, Lake Austin, USA.

The first of SRV’s Junior Development day will be held on 14th Nov 2010. If you haven’t already registered please do ASAP to assist with catering, boat and instructor requirements.

Rob Harks captured plenty of action at the last Belgian race of the year at Grobbendonk last weekend.

Billy Lacroix has posted shots from Belgium’s racing at Grobbendonk on Sunday.

Region V Botany Bay Junior Training Day

NQOSSA will host the longest ocean water ski race in the world on 13th November 2010. Race 105 miles from Cairns to Cooktown.

Billy Lacroix has posted a pile of shots from last Sunday’s race  at Hasselt in Belgium.

Click here to see them

Wade Bennett is posting regular updates live from the Grafton Bridge to Bridge water ski race in Australia today and tomorrow.

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

Shane Wilson has asked that the following Ski Racing Australia rule be published here and writes; “we have a new rule added to the rule book that is effective immediately and will be in place for the Grafton Bridge to Bridge this weekend. All skiers need to be fully aware of this rule change.”

The U.S. Open Water Ski Racing Championships took place recently on the Colorado River’s Parker Strip in Parker, Arizona. Titles in 20 divisions were fought for and won.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, below are the final results of the 2010 British Water Ski Racing Championship series.

August saw the European waterski racing Championships held in Cadiz (Arcos), and Bernico Boats are pleased to announce that 8 out of the 10 titles where won with a Bernico. Bernico would like to congratulate all winners with their titles.

Courtesy of Vera Van Den Bossche (E&A Racing Council Secretary-General) below are the minutes of the Competitors meeting held at Arcos de la Frontera in Spain during the recent European Water Ski Racing Championships.

The Feros Hotel Group – Bridge to Bridge will be an action packed weekend on the Hawkesbury River, NSW Australia. On 20-21 November 2010, skiers at up to 130MPH over 112 kilometres will be at the heart of the action in this world class event.

See ww.waterskinsw.com.au/bridge2bridge/ for full details.

Visit The Feros Group

The British Racing Gala Dinner and Dance takes place on Saturday 27th November 2010. Below is the booking form.

Skirace.net can get a bit of a handful for me to maintain on times so help from others is always appreciated. Joining Julie Golledge of Victoria with direct publishing rights to skirace.net is Wade Bennett of Queensland. 

The final round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships takes place this weekend, as the 2010 British season comes to an end.

Check out this selection of superb shots which Rob Storum has shared with us from last weekend’s racing at Moreton Bay, Qld.

Australian ski racing photographer Rob Storum, of Rob Storum Photographics captured part of the Noizworks recovery after it sunk in Queensland recently.

Mick Kelly of www.skiracing.com writes; The World’s Course Trial Day at Redcliffe certainly lived upto its name, with some major trials being encountered.

Dozens of Australian world team hopefuls have flocked here this weekend, just 30 minutes north of Brisbane. The purpose is to try the 2011 worlds course and pit their wits against each other, as their new season gets underway.

Billy Lacroix from Belgium has shared a selection of shots below and dozens at his online album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/LacroixBillyPictures

Paul Mitchener in Australia has just lunched a new community website at www.skiracersworld.com – he’s also just published this video using footage of the H120 taken from 3 cameras in “Play’n with Fire” during their Veterans race at the H120.

After decades without a water ski race in Germany, André Shurle has announced that Team Germany Racing and Jetbootzentrum Lausitz plans to organise a European Cup Water Ski Race in 2011.

E&A Racing Council Secretary Vera Van Den Bossche has confirmed that the 2011 Viersel Diamond Race will be held on the weekend of 25-26 of June, 2011.

Update: Sept 11, 2010 – by Lauren Dunsmore
Fellow ski racers – please send 1 or 2 of your most prized photos of Byron Whipple and yourself… along with a favorite story/ funny moment/ or a crazy time with Byron to share with his family at his celebration of life on Oct. 9th, 2010.

Please forward to Casey Whipple as soon as possible: CaseW3@yahoo.com or mail to 4765 Lakeshore Blvd. Lakeport, CA 95453 USA.
Byron’s family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to brighten the streets of Lakeport by contributing to a Lamppost that will be named in his honor in downtown Clearlake.

Donations can be sent to:
“In memory of Byron Whipple-Lamppost donation”
C/O City Center Reality
975 North Main St.
Lakeport, CA 95453

Rest in Peace Whip, you are missed so much and will never be forgotten…too many great memories shared with great friends and family!

Until next time….Ski ya later!

Rob Storum was on the banks of the Hawkesbury to capture the action at the recent Hawkesbury 120. You can see more great shots like these below at

www.robstorum.com.au

You can see Hawkesbury 120 results online here: skiracingnsw.com.au

Rob Storum snapped up a lot of the action at the recent round 1 of Australia’s NSWSRA Championships. See a selection below and more at www.robstorum.com.au

The Stinga team of Greg Houston, Kevin Boylan, Grant Patterson and Daniel Campbell have swept the Hawkesbury 120, winning both the Sprint race on Saturday and the main event.

Start of Round 4 of Mens F1 & F2 – video

The quiet lake at Arcos de la Frontera in the Andalucian hills was brought alive with the roar of almost 100 ski racing teams representing various European countries. At the end of four fast rounds of racing, the event produced a new cast of European Water Ski Racing Champions who will reign for the next two years.

Last night in the splendid setting of Arcos Gardens Golf Club, Spain bid farewell to almost 100 teams, officials and many 100’s of supporting fans at the final presentation of trophies for the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships.

Courtesy of Pepe Escoda, the results from the 4th and final round of the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships in Spain are below.

European Champs – ARCOS 2010 – FINAL

Courtesy of Pepe Escoda, the results from the 3rd round of the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships in Spain are below.

European Champs 3rnds – ARCOS 2010

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

Courtesy of Pepe Escoda, the results from the 2nd round of the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships in Spain are below.

European Championships – ARCOS 2010

Courtesy of Wim Lamot, below is a brief report from the 1st & 2nd rounds of the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships in Spain.

Last Saturday the water conditions where bad, it was rough water with white topping. Today was totally different, flat water.

Where are very pleased that Darren and the team got his 2nd 1000 points.

So Stout was first, congratulate for this achievement. Darren was close behind 2nd.
Like last Saturday they put everybody on 2 laps at least. So it was really up tempo and working for boat, drivers, skier Normally Weckx was 3rd but wasn’t 100% sure about it

For the Ladies.
Great skiing by again a ‘Stout’ who got here 2nd win in a row. Lena, in really good shape got here 2nd 1000points on here sleeve, Unconfirmed, Vicky was third. She had a bad start and also took a dive.
Kathrien Ortlieb was not in this race because of mechanical problems.

The weather was 42°C & sunny

Rob Harks snapped up a taste of French racing at the final round of the 2010 European Cup series recently in Eguzon, France. Below are a few sample shots and you can see the full Robson collection here

Courtesy of Pepe Escoda, the results from the 1st round of the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships in Spain are below.

EUROCHAMPS ARCOS 21-08-2010

EUROCHAMPS ARCOS 2010 Country

Here’s a great video compilation which Stevie has put together of Force Boats in action in Europe.

Austria’s Martin Praschinger won Mens F1 at the final round of the European Cup Eguzon, France yesterday and Dave Vansteelant of Belgium took F2 honours. Britain’s Russell Cox won his 1st European Cup race in Seniors, with fellow countryman Rod Hawkins just 3 seconds adrift. You can see all the winners and full results here

The new host of the 2010 European Championships (21-28 Aug) is Arcos de la Frontera in Spain. Perched in the hills of Andalucia, with its tangled labyrinth of cobbled streets that lead up to a sandstone castle, Arcos was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1962 in recognition of its exceptional architecture and impressive location. Below are two videos which look at Arcos de la Frontera.

You can stay updated by following the skirace.net Twitter feed or by refreshing the Twitter feed on the front page of skirace.net
Note, some updates will also be on Facebook but Facebook automatically blocks Twitter posts if there are too many coming through.

Download the information pack – Note that Cadiz is no longer hosting the event (but the info pack has not been updated)
MS Word Version
PDF Version

The 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships have been scheduled for a long time to be hosted at Puerto Sherry, Cadiz, on the Southern tip of Spain by its national and local governing bodies of water skiing.

On 29th July 2010, the Spanish organisers were advised by the owner of Puerto Sherry, Pedro Bores, that he had decided to cancel the event.

Two weeks later on 11th August 2010, (just 10 days before the event) the organisers informed national Federations of this issue with this letter.

On 12th August 2010, local media company LavozDigital.es published the following article (translated by Google Translate from the Spanish original). According to the web site, the article was written by Puerto Sherry.

Statement in relation to the European Water Ski Championships

Given the variety of information disseminated in relation to the cancellation of the European Water Ski Championships, organized by the Andalusian Water Ski Federation chaired by Fernando Vega de Seoane, Puerto Sherry wants to communicate the following:

1. The reasons for the cancellation of the event are solely the responsibility of the Andalusian Federation of Water Skiing
2. Puerto Sherry has no responsibility for the reasons why the competition has been canceled
3. The Andalusian Water Ski Federation did not have sufficient economic resources for the organization of the Championship, or permits required to conclude
4. In the absence of sponsors, the Andalusian Water Ski Federation to Puerto Sherry required to bear all expenses for organizing the event, something that had never been referred to the agreements reached between the two entities
5. Puerto Sherry has worked and contributed from the beginning all the resources provided to the Andalusian Water Ski Federation to hold Championship
6. Puerto Sherry deeply regrets the lack of foresight of the Andalusian Water Ski Federation in organizing the competition and the resulting damage caused to Spain in the context of international water-skiing

The original in Spanish is here

In my view, regardless of the reasons, the consequences being suffered by many are suffice to indicate that the organisation of this event has been poorly managed. As a result, competitors and supporters have and will incur a great deal of inconvenience and expense. This is not how international sporting events should be managed.

Many similar views can be read across Facebook and if anyone else wishes to air their view or respond to Puerto Sherry’s article above, in public, they are free to do so in the comments section below (but keep it decent).

Furthermore, Arcos Gardens (the recommended accommodation for the new venue) yesterday advised Karen Brooks “We are fully booked. The accommodation was taken over by a Waterski Group two weeks ago“. You will raise your own questions, most of which I’m sure, will be similar in nature.

I am sure that people have worked hard to organise this event and then recover from the problems that have resulted. But questions need to be raised about the oversight that the IWWF has maintained over this event, the late communication of change in venue by the Spanish authorities, and the fact that the recommended accommodation is said to be full. Everyone means well, but goodwill and enthusiasm alone is not enough to organise international sporting events properly.

I am certain that the Europe and Africa division of the IWWF will investigate this issue and do what is both necessary and deserved by the competitors it represents, to provide a sufficient public report, appropriately address those accountable,  and ensure that such an embarrassment to the sport of water skiing on an international stage, never happens again under IWWF jurisdiction.

In the meantime, it’s worth noting that the event has not yet started. For the sake of the sport, its competitors and supporters, and in light of what has already happened, I do hope that all official bodies involved (local, national & IWWF) will do whatever is necessary, to ensure that there are no further blunders during the course of the event.

The first of the NSW Series days will be held on 14-15 August 2010. The day will be held at the Ski Gardens, and being a World’s selection year, and with the H120 2 weeks later, we should see everyone pumped and primed for the season to unfold.

For event information and results visit www.skiracing.com.au

The letter below from Organizing Team and Spanish and Andalusian Federations of Wakeboarding and Ski Racing has this afternoon been circulated by British Water Ski to its Racing Members who are travelling to Cadiz:

Suddenly the 28 July the Harbour Capitanery informed to us, by telephone, that the owner of Puerto Sherry Mr. Pedro Bores had decided to cancel the event there. Luis Mussach tried to know which the reason was for it but the reply was that they could not say anything.

Immediately, the Spanish Racing Council including the President of the Federation had a meeting to comment the situation arriving to the decision that we could not cancel the event and giving our support and help, when possible, to Fernando Vega to find a place were to have the event.

As when Jules Leysen came to Spain we visited the lake of Arcos de la Frontera, as an alternative, for a situation of bad weather at sea, which was approved as it is detailed in the report of Jules, Fernando has put all the efforts to make the Championships in Arcos de la Frontera. You can see fotos of the Arcos Lake at: http://www.wskreame.org/?q=Calendar.

The FULL  letter is shown below – you can also download it from here

See subsequent response from Puerto Sherry here

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)

10 Aug Update: The 2010 European Championships start on 21 August at Spain’s most Southern point – Cadiz. 130km south of Seville, Cadiz is said to be the most ancient city still standing in Western Europe and is packed with historic sights.

The European Championships follow the same format as a World Championships. 4 races for each category over a week or so. Updates will be available via the Twitter feed throughout the event.

Dear All European Ski Racers,

An E&A meeting will be held during the week of the European Championships in Spain. I will be putting my report together next week, please let me know if there is anything you would like me to address?.

Kind regards
Kim Lumley

+44 7768 916865
kiminaus2000@hotmail.com

Sandy Frey put together a great compilation of shots from this year’s Catalina.

Australia’s Geoff ‘Cisco’ McDonald passed away yesterday when he took his life after a long fight with depression. Deb Oben passed on the sad news to me and said; “He is a oldie but a goldie. I can’t think what to write as I’m so sad”.

Funeral details are as follows:

Wednesday, 11 August @ 10am
Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.

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

Roger Lincoln has made this video from boat-cam footage when Aussie Ben Gulley took part in the 2008 European Championships in Ramsgate back in 2008. Driver is Frank Fleming and observer is Stephen Young.

Wade Bennett has created a great selection of race videos which you can watch below.

The 2011 World Water Ski Racing World Championships will be held September 6 -18 in picturesque Moreton Bay, Queensland.

More at : ourbrisbane.com

Samantha Impy of  Image Extreme has sent in a couple of shots from the weekend’s racing at the Cardiff British National. You can see and buy more like this at the Image Extreme web site.

Catalina organiser Ken Vaughan has sent in a couple of great ariel shots of the weekend’s big event.

Ken wrote;

Queensland Ski Racing is arranging an opportunity on 12 Sept 2010 for teams to see the 2011 World Championships Venue and race on one of the courses.

Click here or on the screenshot below to download full details and the entry form.

The official web site for all 2011 Worlds info is www.skiracingqueensland.com.au

Thanks to Ken Vaughan for the official results of the 62nd Catalina Water Ski Race. I know that Ken has put so much into this event and I congratulate him on what I’ve been told was a tremendous event.

Courtesy of Carlos Rosas of CR Productions, below is a video of the interviews he did with Pete & Lauryn after the race.

After another great win at Cardiff Bay, Darren Kirkland, skiing behind The Lions Team 10 with Steve Cox driving and Steve Bird observing, became 2010 British Formula 1 Men’s Champion.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, the full results from the weekend’s event are posted here:

Cardiff National Results – Revised 21 July

America’s top ski racing photographer has kindly provided a selection of great shots which he took at Catalina. See and order all Catalina photos by Daren Van Ryte at www.darenvanryte.photoreflect.com and www.justintimephoto.photoreflect.com

The first shot is a photo finish between Todd Haig (closest) and Peter Procter (you can just see his ski) and it goes to show how incredibly close the finish was.

The AGM for SRV will be held on Wednesday 4th August, 2010 at the Skyways International Hotel, Melrose Drive, Airport West commending at 7.30pm.

After a nail biting race with 9 time Catalina winner Todd Haig, it was Peter Procter & the Warpath Team that became the winners of the 2010 Catalina Water Ski Race today.

Watch the video and see who wins in the Ducati, Powerboat, Audi R8 & Helicopter Race at Viersel In Belgium – home of the Diamond Race. Ski Racing’s Micha Robyn was on the bike and Jules Leysen in the Cat.

17 July Update: Teams will get up very early today (Saturday) in Long Beach to get to the start line for the 62nd Catalina Water Ski Race.

9:00am Long Beach time is:
5:00pm in the UK
6:00pm in Central Europe (Belgium, Austria, Spain, etc)
2:00am (Sunday) in Sydney
4:00am (Sunday) in Auckland

The schedule is as follows:

8.53am – Start between Islands White & Grissom in Long Beach Harbor.
Split start – minimum 7 minutes apart (weather permitting)

• 8.53am: 1st flight (21ft boats)
• 9.00am: 2nd flight (all other boats)

4.00pm Prize Giving

Weather Forecast at Avalon:
Wind at 8:00am: 3 km/h East
Wind at 11:am: 6 km/h West
Click here for latest forecast

Weather Forecast at Long Beach:
Wind at 8:00am: 2 km/h South
Wind at 8:00am: 6 km/h West
Click here for latest forecast

WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS.
W SWELL 2 TO 4 FT AT 10 SECONDS.
PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING.

The latest Australian events calendar is published here

Watch 2009 – Catalina Island Video footage.

Luc & Pepe of Powerboatracing.be have shared a few sensational shots from Geel in Belgium last weekend. Click any photo to enlarge.

Thanks to Samantha Washer, the British National Race results from Brixham on the weekend are downloadable below.

British Water Ski Racing has once again produced a top quality 48 page programme for the year which is on sale at all British national events. This gives people a chance to read about racing and organising clubs a chance to make some money from the proceeds.

Below is a selection of shots taken by Tim Tapping at the Brixham national water ski race in Britain on the weekend. You can see all Tim’s shots from the event here.

Needless to say, a good day for the Stout family in Belgium today with wins in F1 Men’s and Women’s – all behind Robbie Wright’s beautifully turned out “No Mercy”. Courtesy of Martine Ciroux below are the official results and Wim Lamot kindly contributed the superb close-up shots.

Once again the magnificent Hawkesbury River will host the longest 2up River Race, which will be the first race in the SRA Super Series for the 2010-2011 season. As in previous years, there will be racing on Saturday and Sunday.

If you don’t already know, the world’s best water ski racers are in breeding season. Wayne & Natalie Mawer, Kim Lumley & Robert Manchett and Todd & Amy Haig are all expecting arrivals in the early part of 2011.

Queensland is home to many world water ski racing champions including the current champ, Wayne Mawer. Water Ski Racing in North Queensland is alive and kicking with the North Queensland Off Shore Ski Association with their tremendous series of offshore races.

At the 25th Diamond Race, Britain’s Scott Brooks launched Europe’s latest taste of fun to water ski racing in the form of a sweepstake. It was a huge success which:

Powerboatracing.be of Belgium has published some terrific photos of the 2010 Diamond Race. You can see all of them at www.powerboatracing.be

Britain’s “Image Extreme” captured dozens of great shots at the Diamond race last weekend. A few are below and you can see more here.

On Sunday 27th of June, Belgium hosted the 25th Diamond Water Ski Race. Belgian boat manufacturer Bernico International would like to congratulate all class winners and their teams with their victories.

• Eurokids A: Lee Holland (GB)
• Eurokids B: Marvyn Praschinger (AUT)
• Juniors: Robin Marien (BEL)
• Ladies F3: Aghneta Van Houten (NED)
• Ladies F2: Paula Newland (GB)
• Ladies F1: Trudi Stout (AUS)
• Seniors: Patrick Dom (BEL)
• Mens F3: Neil Coppens (BEL)
• Mens F2: Dave Van Steelant (BEL)
• Mens F1: Darren Kirkland (GB)

Bernico International owner Nico Bertels said; “we are pleased to let you know that 7 out of 10 class wins were achieved with Bernico Boats”.

Bernico International
Victor Dumonlaan 6
Willebroek
Phone: +32 (0)3.455.87.28
Fax: +32 (0)3.455.00.88
E-mail: info@bernico.be

Shane Wilson has sent in the 2010-2011 Ski Racing Australia Membership Form which you can download here.

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

Courtesy of Martine Ciroux, below are the current standings after 2 rounds of the 2010 European Cup. The 3rd and final round is in Eguzon France on 14/15 August.

Cameron King is organising the Catalina Ski Race Go Kart Tournament – Region 2 Fundraiser.

Wednesday, 14 July 2010 at 18:00
K1 – 17221 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA

Before the big race on Saturday come down to Irvine to find out who is King of the track. Everyone is invited and all profits will go towards local ski racing and getting new skiers into the sport.

You can sign up as a single driver, $50, or as a team of 4, for $175.

Teams will be awarded points for each finish a driver makes, like the 800 point system (1st-800, 2nd-600, 3rd-450, etc…).  The further a driver moves on in the tournament, the more points a team can receive. Only 60 drivers can enter so hurry before all the spots are taken!

Even if you dont want to race, come out and support friends that are racing. Hope to see you all there!

Send this to anyone that would like to attend and see the Facebook page for the event

You can send entries to c.king.mb@gmail.com

The 25th Diamond Water Ski Race was set to be a tremendous event with almost 100 teams making up the biggest Diamond Race in history.