Nigel Newland has provided the racing pack for an open race at Folkestone

British Team Captain Darren Kirkland has announced the British Water Ski Racing Team that will represent GB at the 2011 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Australia.

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,

The River Danube Vienna Austria is host to the 1st round of the European Cup 2011.

Twitter
To get live news, updates and  results from the race, follow @ScottBrooksy on Twitter.

http://www.twitter.com/ScottBrooksy

It’s with great sadness to announce that Terry Sleap has passed away. Terry synonymously known for building Marshan boats in the 70’s & early 80’s . A member of the Varne Boat & Ski Club Terry drove for skier Gary Brooks in F1

Stone ski club were hosts for the 5th round of the British Ski Racing Championships. With 2 races already cancelled it was imperative to the championship &  team selection for the world’s that the race went ahead.

Keith’s funeral will take place on Monday 13th June at 2.30pm at Sutton St Andrews Church followed by a service at The Fenland Crematorium, March at 3.45pm. There will be refreshments at the Sutton British Legion afterwards.

Keith was quite a charachter on the circuit and I know he still has many friends who are still involved with the  UK SKi Racing.Keith Young 75 sadly passed away in the early hours of today Sunday 29th May after a short battle with his illness.

Lyme Regis was the host for the 4th round of the British National Championships. Due to high winds & rough water the venue was unfortunately cancelled due to safety reasons.

Roger Lincoln published this Boat-cam footage from the 7th May Hunstanton Club Race in GB.

Marnham hosted round 3 of the British Water Ski Racing Championships. Unlike any of the other races, Marnham is held on the River Trent.  Skiers are set off in 30 second intervals for the 80 mile round trip.

The video below is of James Bartlett and Team “Bubblin Hot” at the 2011 Marnham National Race.

A promotional airfare is available for Europeans travelling to Brisbane. Cathay Pacific have a lead in air fare from £797.00 departing from London Heathrow.

The French Federation of Waterski & wakeboard welcome ski racers to a weekend of racing at Lake Eguzon France the weekend of July 9th-10th

Here’s 20 minutes of action from the stunning Lochearnhead in Scotland and one of the rounds of the 1993 Worthington Speedski Challenge produced by Peter Butler and Liz Hobbs (MBE). Another 20 minutes to be published next week.

Round 5 of the British Racing calender takes place at Stone Watersports Club Essex 05Th  June. Download the racing pack.

Round 4 of the British Nationals take place the weekend of May 28th.

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

World Titles Marquee Garage bookings are essential.

** Limited number available.**

Marquee garages are powered, have lighting and enclosed.

Allocation of garages will be on a first in first served basis.

Marquee garages will be available from Wednesday7th September to Sunday 18th September.

Garage Marquee booking cut off date is 31st July 2011.

Please fax, email or post in your booking to Southside Promotions on the attached details.

Southside Promotions Pty Ltd
5 Woolboard Rd Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Ph: 03 9646 6922 Fax: 03 8612 3623
rikki.dryden@southsidepromotions.com.au

World Titles Marquee Garage Booking Form 2011

Vera Van Den Bossche has provided an information pack and entry form for the European Cup being held 02-03 July 2011 Geel

Round Three of the UK National Championship – May 14th and 15th 2011

The Official Hotel for the World Championships is the MON KOMO, located on the beach at Redcliffe. 99 Marine Parade Redcliffe.

This is a 5 minute drive from the race site.

The Hotel consists of hotel and multi room apartments.

OAKS MON KOMO fact sheet

All bookings need to be done through Peta Smail her email is smail.peta@gmail.com

Rick Love says ‘ I cannot express how much I think it is important for the whole Australian Team to stay together.’

‘ There has been a lot of discussion regarding accommodation, there is an Official Hotel and all Team officials will be staying there as well as International Competitors. To create a great Team environment as we had in Belgium I think it would be great if we were all in the same location.’

Round 2 of the British Racing Championships were cancelled this weekend due to bad weather. Brit Kids were due to race Saturday Morning while the main & support races on Sunday.

Burnham On Sea hosted round 1 of the 2011 Championships. Full results are available to download. Photos provided by Tim Tapping.

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.

The Official Racing Programme for the British Ski Racing series is now available to download. Read profiles on each team entering the championships in 2011

Steve Bird has provided the following information on the 1st National ski Race being held at Burnham on Sea April 23rd

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

The Ravenol German Grand Prix has been cancelled. The event was due to take place on Geierswalder Lake, Lausitz Ring Berlin. Andre Schurle Team Germany writes

Robbie & Gabi were married on Saturday 26th February at Zbiroh Castle 

Please find available to download the British Racing Renewal Pack for 2011

Alan Symonds funeral will take place at St Michael And All Angel’s Church Somerton at 12 O’Clock Thursday 24th February

It is with great sadness that on February 9th after a short illness Alan Symonds passed away.

Vera Van De Bossche has provided the Official E&A Racing Calendar for the 2011 Racing Season

Vera Van den Bossche has provided the following invitation from Europe & Africa Racing Council Officials.

Steve Bird has put together a Race Pack for the Nationinal Ski race being held at Burnham On Sea

As everyone in ski racing knows, Karl Brooks tragically lost his life in 2007, but the memory of Karl and the wonderful person he was, is still with all of us.

Roving reporter David Whiteley from BBC East programme Inside out joins Women’s World Champion Kim Manchett for some tips on waterskiing

The British Waterski Racing calender is now available to download and print off.

 Team Team Germany took part in the legendary “The White Ring” race held in the resorts of Zurs/Lech in the Arlberg.

As many of you will have read New Year’s Day brought the sad news that my dear friend Bunny Howell had passed away

In the late Sixties Bunny, a keen water skier himself at the Penarth Water Ski Club became a well respected observer and a gentleman of a driver.  His successes included British Championships, European Championships and in 1979 he drove in the first World Water Ski Racing Championships.

He was part of the British team for many years competing in Europe, USA and Australia where he made many friends who like Alison, Jack and myself will miss him dearly.  I have so many memories and stories of the time I spent with him as my driver which I will cherish for years to come.

Our thoughts are with Cherie who has asked me to thank everyone for their kind messages of support and especially to those of you who attended Bunny’s funeral.

Billy Rixon

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.

At the end of 2010 I posted an article here that I wrote about Darren Kirkland after he wrapped up the European Championships, Diamond Race and 33 years of racing.  The article was originally written for Britain’s “Waterski & Wakeboard” magazine which was published last month. Courtesy of British Water Ski & Wakeboard, the PDF of the magazine’s 3 page spread, is available below for download.

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.

Britain’s World Champion Kim Lumley and her husband & observer Robert were proud to announce the arrival of their baby girl; ‘Darcy Mary Manchett’ who was born on 7th Jan at 7.21pm weighing 7 pounds.

Alan Taylor a former founder member of Whitstable Water Ski Club has died at the age of 87.

Tuesday 18th Janaury @ 12 o’clock Lady Chapel , Cathedral Close , Llandaff Cathedral Cardiff CF5 2LA

A terribly sad New Year’s day for ski racing as Britain’s Bunny Howell suffered a heart attack this morning and passed away.

A PDF of the magazine version of this article is available for download here

It will be unusual to watch international water ski racing without Darren Kirkland competing at the very highest level. When he started racing behind boat number 33 as a young boy, his destiny was perhaps written on the side of his boat in the form of #33, for him to compete for another 33 years. This is something that very few racers ever have and ever will do. People come and go, enjoying short glimpses of the limelight on a ski, but ‘Kirky’ has enjoyed over three decades in the spotlight on an international stage.

Ann and Brian Eastwood are delighted and thrilled to announce the safe arrival of their grandson Harry David Thomas Eastwood born 11pm 1st December weighing 8lb 13oz.

A wonderful baby boy for the proud parents, Damon and Joanna.

Congratulations to former international racer Damon, Joanna & the proud grandparents.

Here’s a great video from the 1993 British Water Ski Racing Championships. Hosted by Peter Butler & former two-time World Champions Liz Hobbs (MBE), the event was the final round held in Dundee Scotland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

Britain’s Dave Sewell is looking for an F1 or F2 tow for the European Championships in Cadiz.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, below are the results from rounds 3 & 4 of the British National Water Ski Racing Championships held in Hunstanton last weekend.

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

Britain’s Chairman of Racing, Barry Frame visited the venue for the 2010 European Water Ski Racing Championships at Cadiz in Spain. You can read his report here.

Ski racing’s Dave Ellis is raising money for Latch, the childrens Welsh cancer charity that does such tremendous work for, not only the young unfortunate sufferers, but their families during their most distressing times.

If you didn’t already know, British Water Ski Racing has it’s own dedicated web site at www.britishwaterskiracing.net You’ll find the full programme of races, results and lots more throughout the year.

Steve & Cathy Bird have produced this video of Round One of the British Waterski Racing Championships in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, below are the results, and thanks to Tim Tapping, some shots too,  from the first round of the British Water Ski Racing Championships which were held in Lyme Regis on Saturday. 

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

18 year old Will Newland of GB is looking for a tow in this year’s Catalina, ideally in F2.

The 2010 River Trent Ski Race will be hosted by the Marnham Boat Club on 12/13 June.  The event will be held over two days – the social event will be held on Saturday 12th June and the race event will be held on Sunday 13th June.

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.

Britain’s official season of races for 2010 is published on the British Water Ski & Wakeboard site and the latest version at 11 March is shown below. Torquay national has been removed.

It was 20yrs ago on 26th February 2010 that Britain’s infamous Reg King passed away.

The British Waterski Racing Committee are pleased to announce that Darren Kirkland has been formally appointed as GB Team Captain, effective as of now for the 2010 season onwards.

On 9th February 2010, the current and two-time Women’s World Water Ski Racing Champion Kim Lumley-Manchett and her observer-husband Robert met the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at No. 10 Downing Street in London.

Following on from the success of the glossy programme which was produced for the 2009 British Water Ski racing season, a similar publication is being produced for 2010.

For those of you in the UK thinking about starting 2010’s training what about giving this a go: www.toughguy.co.uk

The EAME Water Ski Council has named Kim Lumley the overall EAME Women’s Athlete of the Year (2009). This is a tremendous achievement for Kim (current World Champion) and for international water ski racing.

Karen Brooks has announced;

“It is with great pleasure that the 2009 Karl Brooks Memorial Trophy for the under 21yr  overall skier goes to Jack Lynch from Hunstanton Ski Club.”

Congratulations Jack!

Remember lots more about Karl here

Roger Lincoln will be doing another run of the worlds DVD for Christmas.

Short film about Britain’s Team 10 – The Lions – Skier: Toby Duggan.

Linda Searle died suddenly whilst on holiday with her husband Richard recently. The Searle family was the main sponsor of the 2005 World Water Ski Racing Championships at Hunstanton, UK.

The World Champion couple, Kim Lumley and Robert Manchett got married in Hawaii on Thursday 8th Oct.

Courtesy of Sue Fleming, the results from the Stone national are now available.

Results Stone 2009

Courtesy of Sue Fleming, the results from the Torquay national are now available. The delay was a result of jury deliberation.

Download Torquay Results

You can find a selection of shots from the weekend’s racing at Torquay by Tim Tapping here

Britain’s Will Newland hits 18 today (25 Aug) and we wish him a happy birthday and every success for the future.