Australia makes Early Statement in Water Ski Racing Worlds Opener

SEPTEMBER 11: MEDIA RELEASE from race organsiers: The Australian World Waterski Racing Team have kicked off their 2011 campaign in dominant fashion, winning five of the six classes in today’s championship opener, off the shores of Pelican Park, near Redcliffe, Queensland.

Severe winds yesterday meant a scheduled ‘lay day’ of the event, became the championship opener today. Conditions were perfect, with plenty of sunshine and challenging, yet manageable winds and ocean conditions.

The first race of the day, was to be the women’s F1 and F2 classes- however in yet another twist sent by mother nature, dolphins on the 5km course paused racing for three hours.

As tension built on the shores, with competitors itching to get started, it was an action pack beginning to the first Women’s lap, and controversial finish in the F1 class – however American Katelyn Wendt stayed clear of the drama, winning easily in front of compatriot Erin Saunders. With post protests and a subsequent jury meeting playing a part, it were kiwi Adelaide Cox, awarded with third place honors, in front of aussie favorite Lauryn Eagle.

In the F2 Class, it was Leanne Campbell taking line honors, in front of Belgian Lena Feringa and Trudi Stout from New South Wales.

In the Junior Boys class, defending champion Jack Houston, skiing behind ‘Stinga,’ proved why he a current and future star of ski racing and led race one today from start to finish, in front of Trevor Wendt (USA) and Jake Frame (GBR).

For the Junior Girls, Kelsey Fero’s from NSW would take the win over defending champion Yolein Bormans from Belgium and Taylor Wright (AUS).

When the men hit the water, the aussie hopefuls were not to be disappointed as countrymen Chris Stout, Pete Procter and Ben Gulley rounded out a domination of the F1 class. Stout and ‘Burnin’ took off in the early stages, establishing an insurmountable lead. Procter, skiing behind defending world champion boat ‘Tru Blue’ showed faster lap times than the leaders at some stages, however the gap was too much to close in the 60 minute race.

Showing incredible grit and determination, Mark Weaver (Team Weaver Racing), fought back from an average start in the F2 class to win comfortably over Grant Turner (AUS) and American Andy Anderson (373).

Visit the gallery to see a good selection of images from round 1 at the worlds web site here

Race Two of the 2011 Waterski Racing World Championships, commences tomorrow at 9:00 am.

Original copy of this press release here