30 Jan 2014
As we get closer and closer to the ‘Biggest Water Ski Race In The World’, teams are practising and getting organised for next weekends’ event, 7th, 8th & 9th February in Echuca.
Be sure to keep and eye out for our competitors who raced at the World Championships in September last year at Tenerife, Spain. A number of current world champions will be racing in the Southern 80, including Jack Harrison, Ben Gulley and Rachel Stapleton. These skiers are the best in the world in their classes, making us proud! Other Australian’s who competed at the World’s will also be in Echuca for the 2014 Club Marine Southern 80. They include Jake Tegart, Aaron Sheath, Kelsey Feros, Tayla Wright, Jake Vanzetta (local skier), Ellen Jones, Mark Weaver, Codie Rigg, Dani Coyte and Vanessa Eyles.
Friday morning is the Coates Hire Breakfast with the Stars, held at the Kerribee Soundshell in Moama. The whole grassed area will be filled with these magnificent boats, which are entered in the racing over the weekend. Not only will the boats be on display, but also a range of teams from all different classes – anywhere between Tadpoles and Superclass. This year look out for the panel of 9 water ski racers, available for photographs and signings. Be sure to bring your kids to this great event, where they are able to get up close to these competitors and ask any questions about what it is like to race. The competitors we have on the panel this year include:
Mark Cranny – Owner and driver of Hellrazor – Bakers Blitz and Superclass
Jake Tegart – Sydney skier behind Merc Force – Bakers blitz and Superclass
Daniel McMahon – Owner and driver of 99 Psycho Clowns in Superclass, Bakers Blitz and Senior Social
Ian Baker – Observer of 99 Psycho Clowns in Superclass, Bakers Blitz and Senior Social
Noel Griffin – from Queensland, owner and driver of Blazen – Bakers Blitz and Superclass
Mark Weaver – Queensland skier, behind Blazen in the Bakers Blitz and Superclass
Jack Harrison – Current WORLD CHAMPION, skiing behind Se7en in Junior Boys Social and Junior Boys Expert
Lloyd Woolman – Local Skier, skiing in the President’s Dash, F2 Expert and 16-19 Boys Expert, observing in Senior Social
Rachel Stapleton – an under 16 Girls skier, also a Current WORLD CHAMPION
The best spot on the river to watch the race is of course the Finish Line – where all the action happens! Entry for a day pass is $20 or $30 for a weekend pass. Heaps of fun activities are available for the kids and the whole family, along with trade sites and merchandise tents to keep spectators occupied while the racing is on. Another thing to keep an eye on, is the Southern 80 app and Facebook page. The Southern 80 has also conducted a number of ‘Corrine’s Chats’, where you can view interviews via the Southern 80 channel on YouTube.
We wish all competitors good luck and safe racing! You won’t be disappointed!
The Southern 80 app is now available from iTunes and Google Play. Official race programs are available for $10 from local newsagents and the Southern 80 shop in Echuca.
For more information on the event, please visit www.southern80.com.au
