Complying within the IWWF racing rules, the latest design to be released from Bernico HQ showpieced the hard work that has been put into the design and development of the boat with outstanding results.

Nico Bertels said ” I’m excited with the launch of the new F1 extreme. The boat has been especially built for Team Germany. Powered by a Mercury Racing 700sci engine and Mercruiser #6 Drive package, the boat will perform to the highest level in canal and river racing.”

Below are some pictures from the launch at the Gent boat show.

‘Canguro’ was the nickname given to Harry Luther by the Italian people in the 70s. It translates to Kangaroo, a fitting title for the world’s top marathon water-skier and professional cyclist.

He lived a life of complete dedication to his sport and his passions, born with an internal desire to be the best in all his ventures, eventually leading to his death in 1987 after crashing in the final stretch of a cycling road race in Perth, Australia.

His most significant achievement was when he waterskied from Tangiers in North Africa via the coasts of Spain, France and Monaco arriving in Cervia on the east coast of Italy. A distance of 5,010 kilometres, taking 10 days 5 hours and 36 minutes to complete, covering an average of 482km per day.

To get to know Harry, a man that lived a life beyond expectations and without fear, his grandson Alex Luther will now follow in his footsteps and complete the same epic water-skiing feat.

Alex said, “I hope by facing the very same physical trials and personal challenges that somewhere down the coast of Italy I’ll finally have a chance to meet him, and realize some of his amazing personal qualities within myself.”

“Until that day, I’ll be Chasing Canguro.”

It would be great if there is interest amongst the community, especially if someone emerges who knew Harry Luther or skied with him in the 70s.

Head over and LIKE the Canguro Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Canguro/161266250583501

Note that any new or re-worded rules are indicated in red.

Click here to download

http://vimeo.com/36626186

PRESIDENT: Mike Waterman

SECRETARY-GENERAL:  Vera Van Den Bossche

TREASURER: Franz Hebenstreit

MEMBERS:
Jules Leysen (Technical and rules issues)
Thea Klarenbeek (Boat numbers / Homologation)
Josep Escoda (Calculation / Computer)
Richard Hernaez (Promotion)
Chris Rydl (Athletes’ Representative)

Issued 02/02/2012 valid for 2012/2013

Racing in the Southern 80 started yesterday with the social classes on the water.

Racing was delayed 45 minutes because of a houseboat not in position and a social skier on the river.  With a modified program for the rest of the day – the racing continued.

The winner of the main event of day the Beechworth Baker’s Blitz was Hellrazor in a time of 6:44.74.

This gave Hellrazor the pole position in Sunday event, which started at 12.30pm.

Sunday’s event’s went to schedule with the Superclass teams on the water from 12.30pm.  Out of the 12 Superclass boats that started – 11 of them finished and with a close procession crossing the finish line,  in the form of Blown Cash, Top Gun and Mistress – it made a great spectle for the spectators.

The overall winner was Hellrazor in a time of 30:37.54. Driver Mark Cranny, Observer Damien Matthews, Skiers Peter Proctor & Mick Kelly.

Second overall was the Syndicate in a time of 31:32.40. Driver Garry Rudd, Observer, Boyd Edwards, Skiers Kevin Vahtrik, Danny Cropper.

Third overall was Stinga from the 16-19 Boys with class record time of 32:09.20, Driver Greg Houston, Observer Kevin Boylan, Skiers Jack Houston & Ben Hackett.

The weekend was an outstanding success with fantastic racing on the water, great crowds enjoying the entertainment and the athleticism of the skiers and admiration the skills of the drivers in the actual racing.

Out of the 593 entries that entered the event, 538 entries finished the course – great statistics for the weekend.

Two skiers are in a Melbourne hospital under observation, with 3 other competitors reporting minor injuries.

Full results from the event can be found on the Southern 80 web site – www.southern80.com.au

Well under a week and the Murray River comes alive with sounds and adrenalin of the biggest water ski race in the world – the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80.

The Victoria Park Area, is starting to gear up for the event which takes place the 10^th – 12^th February.  The Scenic Drive, Victoria Park area Echuca is starting to resemble a mini town as tents, generators, and fences are constructed in preparation for the Biggest Water Ski Race in the world!  The ramps for the Moto X display and the big screens will arrive later in the week as the site slowly transforms for the weekend of exceptional racing on the water and plenty for all ages on land.

The Victoria Park is the place to be – a $30 weekend pass (purchased at the gate) will get you in for the whole weekend. Children under 13  are admitted free.  Trade sites; from Official Merchandise, Tools, boats on display and activities for the kids including air brushing, Jumping Castle, etc. are all available.  This is a fully catered event, so no eskies allowed.

There will be at least 2 demonstrations per day (Saturday and Sunday) on the Moto X ramps, featuring Cam Sinclair, Jackson Strong and Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams as they flip, turn and make the most the huge ramps thrilling the crowd with their antics on their Moto X bikes.

The Total Tools Static Display kicks off on Saturday in Hare Street Echuca with the Superclass boats (Sapphire Racing, 99 Psycho Clowns F1, The Mistress, Burnin, Elm Street, Superman, Top Gun, The Syndicate. Hellrazor, The B, Omen Racing, Blown Cash, Gassa, Argo), along with other teams who are not competing in the Social classes, will be available for spectators to get up close and see these immaculate machines before they hit the water in the afternoon.

The social classes start on the water at Torrumbarry Weir, where the Gunbower Lions Club have set up their food stall for the competitors for many years.  The action starts at 8.30am, with Sportspage first on the water. The social classes will make the 80km dash to Victoria Park with the last boat leaving Torrumbarry Weir at 10:01am.

The start line then moves to the Five Mile Reserve in Moama for the Veterans, Senior Social, Tadpoles, disabled, Junior Social & Sub Juniors who start at 12noon.

The Beechworth Bakers Blitz, starts at 3.30pm with last year’s winner of the Southern 80 Hellrazor, first away – Mark & Damian are towing Peter Proctor & Michael Kelly – can they win? So that that they have pole position for the Sunday event?

Presentations for the Saturday events will take place on Saturday afternoon, after results have been posted at the Victoria Park Compound.

Sunday and the racing starts at 8.00am with the Junior Boys Expert team of Rush first on the water, they will be towing Shantelle King and Jack Harrison.

The Superclass boats will start at 12.30pm with the winner of the Bakers Blitz from Saturday’s racing first away.

The last expert class team of Melt Down leaves Torrumbarry at 3:49pm.  Once all teams have been accounted for and results have been posted, the presentations will commence at the Victoria Park Compound.

For updates, when boats cross the line and results over the weekend, make sure that you join the Southern 80 twitter feed; here the official word about the event will be broadcasted over the weekend –  www.twitter.com/southern80

For further information about the event visit www.southern80.com.au  or phone the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754

Visit their YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/earthwindnwater which shows their latest noteable camera test / ski racing video also shown below

Water skiing, wake boarding, windsurfing…. take a look at Stone, based on the river Blackwater in St Lawrence Bay Essex, the Stone Water sports club has been established for over 40 years with a history in water ski racing, Water sports and jet skiing.See more of what The Stone Watersports Club has to offer to it’s members HERE

 The Syndicate

What class/es are you competing in: Bakers Blitz, Veterans, Superclass

Hull: Racecraft

Motor: 540 twin turbo chec

Driver: Garry Rudd

Observer: Jim Edwards

Skiers: Kevin Vahtrik, Danny Cropper

Sponsors:

• Rudds Plumbing
• DC Water Skis
• Eagles Plumbing Supplies
• Burrells Sand and soils
• JE Trailers
• Pitbull kick boxing and Muay Tahi Gym
• New Start health and fitness

Web page, Facebook or My space page: Search for Brandon Cropper and Aidan Vahtrik – they have plenty of pictures of the crew

Achievments in the 2011-2012 season so far: New boat

What is the most challenging aspect of the Southern 80? Finishing

What do you love the most about he Southern 80 – that makes you keep coming back? The Crowds, atmosphere and unique layout.

Where is the team from? New South Wales

Who do you think will win the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80? Team Syndicate!

Do not expect any aerial tricks from the boat this year.

People from all around Australia travel to Echuca / Moama to participate in the Southern 80, one of the prestigious events on the ski race calendar.

10% of the competitors come from the Echuca-Moama and the majority of competitors coming from Victoria  (see map for indication of where competitors are travelling from)

The first boats on the water, at 8:30am on Saturday are the social boats. This will see Sportspage be the first boat from Torrumbarry in the Unlimited Inboard class. They are favourites to win this class.

The Unlimited Outboard class and Twisted from Queensland will be leading the way from the new boat, Optimus Prime, which will keep them honest.

5.2 and 6L will see Bandit first away and then 2 Leg Boats will be hot on their heels.

SMOC and Sonic Boats, Alien Force and Bustin Out are the first 3 boats away.

Stock 6 Litre social, the smallest class of the weekend, will see Hollow Point, Team Clog, Wasted Nights and Rocket race for the podium.

Open Women’s Revival and Pigs Arsenal are the lead boats.

Saintn and No Fear lead the field in the 200HP Outboard class.

Saturday afternoon races and Veterans are on the water at 12 noon, with Syndicate leading the way. This year they promise no aerial acrobatics and are towing Danny Cropper and Kevin Vahtrik.

The current record holders in Senior Social are Revival with Darren Purdon and Stuart Cox skiing they will lead the 18 boats in this class on the water.

Junior Social and Rush towing, Shantelle King and Jack Harrison lead the class.

Sub Junior Social, the Under 13 skiers and Labdance and Coldys are the first teams away in this class.

70 mph Social, Supa Duck and Pumped Up lead the field.

60 mph social is the biggest class for the event and with 42 entries it will be closely contested.

Disabled – there are 6 competitors. Wade Bennett will be a favourite to win but they are all superstars.

Tadpoles are the kiddies under 10. This year there are 4 sets of siblings; Kayne and Bryce Horne, Jaymi and Jack Clancy, Megan and Archer Hammond and Matilda and Lucy Proctor. Great to see the future of ski racing is looking strong.

Bakers Blitz and last year’s winner Hellrazor will race down the river at 3:30pm.

The Presidents Dash will see Agitator lead the way.

Presentation of Saturday’s events will be at the conclusion of the races.

Best spot to catch all the entertainment is at the finish line at Victoria Park. A weekend pass is $30. Available at the gate on the weekend or online now at www.southern80.com.au .

Sunday the action hots up again on the river.

Starting at Torrumbarry the 200hp expert class are on the water at 8am. Saintn, No Fear and Sky High look to be the teams on the finish podium.

Junior Boys there will be Rush, 99 Psycho Clowns and Wild Turkey to lead the way.

Junior Girls will see Revenge followed by Still Sparken, leading their class racing down the river.

70mph expert again is a hotly contested class. Any of them win could win from the field of 25.

Sub Junior Boys and Mickey D, Robertson Racing and Coldy’s lead the field away.

60mph expert again another big class with over 40 competitors.

The Superclass and Unlimited Inboard along some other classes, starting order will be decided on the finishing order of the Bakers Blitz and Presidents Dash the day before.

Unlimited Outboard could possibly see two twin rigs fight it out in Cyclone Racing 2 and 2 Wild.

8 Litre expert and Ultra Trouble Maker, Kryptonite and Kamikaze fought for their position in the presidents dash the day before, who will be in front of who on Sunday – will be reviled on the weekend.

MOC Expert and Evinrude Ace Racing, Twisted and Category 5 are the first away in this class.

SMOC Expert and Sonic Boats will be at it, to take the record.

Stock 6 Litre could see Pure Gold, The Sting 2 or Hallow Point on the podium at the end of the day.

F2 expert and Thundernuts will be out to make it 2 years in a row.

5.2 Litre and 6 cylinder class will see the Kelly boys in More Mojo and they will be chasing the record set in 2003 by Summertime Blues of 40.08 minutes.

Open Women and Revival leads this class with Prime Time and Out of Control not far behind.

16-19 Boys, Stinga towing current World Junior Boy champion Jack Houston along with Ben Hackett, and with Frantic will have gained their starting positions from the Presidents Dash.

16-19 Girls Tayla Wrights and Madison Boyer lead the field behind Strictly Business.

At the conclusion of racing there will be presentations at Victoria Park area.

Results and updates will be twittered all throughout the weekend at www.twitter.com/southern80

For further information about the event visit www.southern80.com.au  or phone the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754

Top Gun

Picture from Ultimate Image Capture

What class are you competing in: Bakers Blitz & Veterans

Hull: 21 foot Connelly

Motor: 570 CI, Twin Turbo

Driver: Russell Lewis

Observer: Clifford Bamford

Skiers: James Buser & Mark Weaver

Achievements in 2011 – 2012 season so far: 3 races, 3 fourths

Webpage: Top Gun Ski Racing

What is the most challenging aspect of the Southern 80? Getting to the end safely

What do you love the most about the Southern 80 – that makes you keep coming back? Great ski racing weekend event,the town really provides great hospitality,but more importantly we want to win the race.

Where is the team from: Picton NSW, Port McQuarie NSW, Belconnen ACT and Cairns Qld.

Who do you think will win the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80? Top Gun

Harbour Master Tribute 2012 Saturday January 21st, 2012 was a day that all of Ski Racing had an opportunity to pay homage to Stephen Robertson, WC9901, The Harbour Master. At 8am, in Stephen’s backyard, 31 boats and skiers congregated off North Head to follow a path up the coast to Lion Island. And back. That exact 50 mile journey is the training choice for many of the Robertson family. After completing the course, there are many of us who now understand that skiing in the unforgiving ocean, is one of the ingredients that makes the Robertson Family the mentally rich family that they are. A robust mental state of mind is but one ingredient to make a champion like Stephen Robertson. Without world class ability, mental strength would deliver only part of the result. Regularly skiing behind a single engine outboard, on a short ski, up or down the NSW coast, is what developed Stephen into the mentally historic and champion skier we remember him as. On a couple of occasions previously, Stephen invited those who rated themselves, to make the run with him. The very first invite brought the best of the best to his playground, and from that day in October 2009, the offshore training events became a massive talking point and created a thirst among skiers for more runs like it. Reports in the days leading up to the Harbour Master Tribute were that the ocean would be kind, and while she didn’t stand up on both her back legs, the ocean gave us a definitive insight as to what she was made of. For those who put both feet into a ski that day, or sat in a drivers or observers seat, were very quickly reminded of how this wasn’t an ordinary rodeo. This was going to be tough. Just the way it was supposed to be. Once the WC9901 tribute flag was dropped all 31 boats aimed for Lion Island. Included in the field were past and present world champions, regular super class and unlimited skiers, weekend warriors, and genuine friends and supporters of the tribute. Everyone completed the journey. Chris Stout took the flag in a little over 50 minutes, and Brock McMillan, age 11, crossed the line in a little over 2 hours. A truly humbling moment was to watch the one that Stephen rated the most come over the line. Tracey Robertson, our hats go off to you for so many reasons. From 70 foot princesses to 19 foot signatures, support boats bobbed around the ocean, paying tribute to a legend of our sport. Most spectators and participating crews returned to the Watsons Bay Hotel to spin yarns of the gruelling 50 mile session. Stephen’s biggest supporters, his Family, joined everyone at the Hotel where, bravely, Mr & Mrs Robertson presented the participants with a speech that brought the crowd to its knees. It’s not easy to get a ski race crowd quiet, especially when at a bar, but when Mr Robertson spoke, the entire place listened. It was with the greatest respect that all in attendance took in what was said. While we discuss and de-brief how we can make this an annual tribute, a sincere thank you is pointed at the entire Robertson Family for allowing so many of us to pay homage. While we were out there on the water, we never lost sight of why we were there. There are many more people who need thanks, but the most important thanks needs to go to Stephen himself. It’s a thank you for starting the offshore training days. It’s a thank you for showing us how to become champions. It’s a thank you for inviting us to your backyard. Never forgotten – WC9901.

Paul Robertson pays tribute to his brother Stephen by placing a picture of him on the front of his helmut

Chris Stout first home behind team "Sacrifice" Driver: Jason Waldon Observer: Brendan Stout

Over 30 boats line the beach at Watsons Bay to pay tribute to the great man

The organisers have just released the event poster and the web site www.eguzon-skirace.com will be updated in due course, with information about the 2012 weekend of racing.

Click here or  on the poster below to open and download it

Sportspage

What class/es are you competing in?   Unlimited Expert and Unlimited Inboard Social

Hull: Stephens

Motor:  565 Chev

Driver: Dean Johns

Observer: Aaron Martin

Skiers:

• Unlimited Expert – Steve Rowe & Nathan Glynn
• Unlimited Inboard Social – Darryn Williams and Paul Bruton

Facebook Page

Achievement in the 2011 – 2012 season so far: 20011 Barrie Beehag 8 Litre – 1st place in record time & 5th Outright

What is the most challenging aspect of the Southern 80? Corners

Where is the team from? Naree Warren Nth, Victoria

Who do you think will win the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80? Dark horse in Sapphire Racing

Without a doubt this is the race that means the most to us to win.

Chris is the first Racer to be named IWWF Athlete of the Year and it’s a fitting close to 2011 for the 23 year old from Sydney who first started winning world titles in 2003 when he became the Junior Boys World Champion at Long Beach, USA. He followed that by becoming the Men’s F2 World Champion in 2007 at Rotorua and Taupo in New Zealand and then he became Open Men’s World Champion at Moreton Bay, Australia in 2011.

2003, 2007, 2011 …a tremendous example of a consistent rise to the top of the world in all of water ski racing’s categories at world level. Not to mention dozens of other wins across Australia, USA and Europe.

Natalia Berdnikova won 1st in Tricks and 2nd in the jump at the 2011 Moomba Masters with a string of 1st and 2nd spots, and became World Champion in Tricks, Jump and Overall in Tournament. She followed this by securing the World Cup in Jump and set a new World Jump Record.

Chris Stout - 2011 IWWF Mens Athlete of the Year - photo by Wim Lamot

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.