The SRV web page has the entry form for the Ski Racing Victoria Mercury Marine 2010 Victorian Titles .

Competitors entries are now open for the Victorian Titles being held at Lake Charm on the 4th and 5th of December at Lake Charm. Please note entries close on Wednesday 24th November 2010 and No Late Entries are accepted after this date. Please ensure you fill in your entry forms correctly and read the conditions of entry.

On both days their will only be one briefing as per the advertised times on the entry form. If you attend the briefing on the Saturday you do not have to attend the briefing on the Sunday.

A roster for helpers will be posted on the SRV Website – Wednesday evening prior to the event. Please ensure you check the roster.

The results from the SRV Mercury Marine Point Score 2, held on the weekend at Lake Bullen Merri near Camperdown, are now available on the SRV web page. The SRV October newsletter is also available to download.

The SRV web page www.waterskiracing.com has been updated with the roster for this weekends event at Lake Bullen Merri near Camperdown in the South Western area of the state. A record number of entries have been recieved for the two day event.
The web page has also had the classifieds updated.

The results from point score 1 are now available on the SRV web page

Message from the Noizworks crew
Hoggy, Mike + Pete would like to thank all of the people who helped us after our unfortunate accident at Redcilffe on Sunday 12 September. Special thanks to Brent Wisemantle and Andrew Fyfe for their quick actions to help us, and to Troy and all of the guys at Trask Brothers Racing. Without them the boat would still be on the bottom. A big thank you to everyone that helped on the boat ramp on Monday to get the boat on the trailer and to Chris Anderson who helped us get the boat ready to take home. All of the people who offered us accommodation and places to clean up was very much appreciated. And last but not least Shippy. Who stayed in Brisbane with me and spent 5 hrs on the rescue boat with us and without a hat and sunscreen ( hope your ears have recovered ) helped clean an cover up boat then drive home with me when he had a flight booked to fly home on Sunday.

Just a short note to let you know that the Barrie Beehag entry forms are now available via the Southern 80 web page. Entries close on the 8th October 2010 and remember that there are limited entries, so get your entries in early. Please ensure that you have completed your SRA memberships and that you medical and first aid information is all up to date, these will be checked.

The MWSC has registered the Southern 80 to win ‘Win Australia’s Favourite event. Please click on the link and nominate us with the code Southern80 and help us to ‘Win Australia’s Favourite event’
http://www.australiasfavouriteevent.com.au/ This survey finishes on the 14thSeptember, so please place your vote quickly.

The MWSC has registered the Southern 80 on the site below, please click on the link and nominate us with the code Southern80 and help us to ‘Win Australia’s Favorite event’
www.australiasfavouriteevent.com.au

The Victorian Tasman Challenge team are bringing the Tasman Challenge Cup back to Victoria, after winning the event in New Zealand today. They won by 40 points in a closley contested event. The team arrive back in Melbourne on Tuesday – Congratulations from all SRV members.

Quick up date from N.Z, All races have been run for today (Saturday 10th April) and at this point teams are almost even on points. 8 wins and 8 seconds per team.

Yesterday the Hellrazor team of Mark Cranny, Damien Matthews, Peter Proctor and Jason Walmsley won the Superclass event and the 2010 Mildura 100 outright in a time of 32:09.

Well in under a week, the Mildura 100 will be on the water. Here is the schedule of events

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & RIVER CLOSURE TIMES FOR THE 2010 MILDURA 100
FRIDAY:

10.00am to 4.00pm Scrutineering at GTS Transport Depot
9.00am to 1.00pm “Show n Shine”
4.30pm Briefing at GTS Depot after Scrutineering

SATURDAY River closed at the City ramp all day

River closed 1km downstream from the Club to Wickets 7.30am to 2.00pm
River closed 1km downstream from Club to Psyche 2.00pm to 5.00pm

7.00am Breath testing for all Social Classes at Ski Club and Baldwin’s.
8.30am First Social Boat away
10.30am(approx) Punt Racing / Ski Show / Power Boats
11.00am Breath testing for Saturday afternoon competitors
11.30pm Estimated restart time from Wickets
3pm(approx.) James Transport “Dash for Cash” followed by Invitational Dash, Veterans, Senior Social, Tadpoles & Disabled.

5.00pm River open for all remaining areas.

SUNDAY River closes from Ski Club to Wickets 8.00am to 5.00pm

8.00am Breath testing at Club and Baldwin’s for ALL competitors
9.30am First Expert Boat away
12 noon Punt Boat Racing / Ski Show / Power Boats
1.30pm Estimated restart time from Wickets
3pm(approx) Power Boat demonstration
Class Scrutineering
Presentation for all classes
5.00pm River open for all traffic

The 2010 Robinvale Euston Ski race has been run and won under extremely different weather conditions than what has ever been seen at Robinvale before.

Congratulations to the team of Blazen who had amazing run on the river. Well done to a very professional team.

To the teams who have all travelled to the event, thank you for being a great lot of competitors. 

On behalf of Ski Racing Victoria we would like to thank all helpers, volunteers, judges, race controllers, chief judges, starters and organisers, tractor drivers, SES, local community and anyone else involved.

A great weekend, was had by all.

Results now available on the SRV web page – www.waterskiracing.com

Most teams who competed at the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 have been captured by RMI Images. Check out the RMI Images website for all the photos www.rmiimages.com

A Service celebrating the life of Mr Timothy Driver will be held at Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham on FRIDAY (Feb. 19, 2010) commencing at 1 p.m. Followed by interment at the Eltham Cemetery, Mt Pleasant Rd, Eltham arriving approximately 3 p.m. No flowers by request Donations in lieu to HeartKids would be greatly appreciated. Envelopes available at the Service.

Official results are now available for the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 at www.southern80.com.au

Media release sent out Sunday 14th February.
At 4.08pm Saturday 13th February, a boat competing in the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 was involved in an accident in which 2 skiers fell.

One skier collided with the bank & sustained a broken collarbone and was airlifted to Bendigo. He has since been released.

The other skier Tim Driver, 43 from View Bank, Melbourne was attended to by bystanders & paramedics but died at the scene.

The water ski racing community is shocked and saddened by the tragedy and in the spirit of ski racing, the racing is continuing today.

The cause of the accident is under investigation by the NSW Police and the coroner.

On behalf of the President Alan McDonald & the directors of the Moama Water Sports Club our thoughts and prayers are with the Driver family and friends and fellow ski race friends of Tim.

Julie Golledge
on behalf of the
Moama Water Sports Club

• Reminder that if skiing on the Murray River – please observe No Ski Zones – if crews are reported to the MWSC for disobeying this rule, you will be disqualified from the event, along with the penalties from NSW Maritime.
• Schedule of events:
Friday 12th Feb
o 7am – 9am – Moama Sound Shell, Cobb Highway Moama (just over the bridge) – Cantech Breakfast with the Stars
o 12 noon – 5pm – Scrutineering & Briefing at the MWSC Office in Annesley st Echuca – reminder that there is no parking on the railway side of Annesley st. There is also a RIGHT turn ONLY out of the car park at the office. Here you can collect your ‘goodie bag’ at the completion of your scrutineering or presentation of your exemption from scrutineering.
o 8pm – 12 midnight – Quest Apartments Launch Night at the Corporate Area Victoria Park Boat Ramp

Saturday 13th Feb
o Total Tools Epping Static display in Hare st Echuca 9am to 12 noon, Best Presented Boat award from Total Tools Epping. TTI – TOOL KIT 223 PCE AF/MET WALL CABINET VALUED AT: $1,295.00
o Social Classes on the water from 8.30am from Torrumbarry to Echuca
o During breaks in the racing – McDonalds Echuca entertainment, including the VWSA Ski Show & the Jet Sprint boats.
o Veterans, Senior Social, Juniors, Sub Juniors, 70mph, 60mph,Disabled – from Five Mile Reserve starting 12 noon.
o Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz & the Presidents Invitational starting at 3.30pm from Five Mile Reserve .
o Approx: 4.30pm Presentations at Victoria Park Boat Ramp Compound.

Sunday 14th Feb
o 8.30am Expert Classes 14-20 leaving Torrumbarry Boat Ramp
o 12 noon Blitz Boats in order of finishing then Presidents Invitational and the rest of classes 1-13
o During breaks in the racing – McDonalds Echuca entertainment, including the VWSA Ski Show & the Jet Sprint boats.
o Approx. 5pm Presentations of the Sunday racing at the Victoria Park Boat Ramp Compound.
• For information about camping along the Murray River, check out the Parks Victoria website www.parks.vic.gov.au (actual page with Murray River info is www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=241)
• For information about fire danger ratings and total fire bans, check out the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au
• For information about campfire regulations, check out the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s website at www.dse.vic.gov.au (actual page with campfire information is can be found here

• Check out the team profiles on our twitter page http://twitter.com/southern80

Well in just over a week, we will be watching the biggest water ski race in the world take place on the Murray River – the 2010 Club Marin Southern 80.

Programs have been available in Echuca / Moama since Australia Day and they can be purchased from the Newsagents and the usual outlets.

A reminder for those on the river before the event: OBEY NO SKI and NO WASH ZONES. If your boat / crew is reported to the MWSC you face disqualification from this years event and penalties from NSW Waterways. Follow Maritime Law.

The Briefing sheets can now be found on the web page via the competitors page

A reminder regarding River Closure

The Murray River is closed for exclusive use on Saturday 13th February – 6am to 11.30am Torrumbarry Weir to Victoria Park . 11.30am to 6pm – Goldsborough rd to Victoria Park
Sunday 14th February – 6am to 6pm – Torrumbarry Weir to Victoria Park

Well it has been raining here today and the weather forecast for the coming week is low 30’s and shower or two developing (source: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/vic/forecasts/echuca.shtml )

Make sure you are registered to follow twitter – over the past week, we have been placing profiles of some of the teams competing in the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 and will continue to do this over the next week.

Looking forward to a great weekend of racing.

The entry forms for the Mildura 100 are now available via the Mildura & District Ski Club web page www.milduraskiclub.org

Entries close on the Sunday of the Robinvale event – Sunday 7th March – No late entries accepted.

The SRV web page has been updated with new classifieds and information regarding the Robinvale Ski Race Classic and the SRV Presentation Night.

“ Important Notice”

2010 Robinvale / Euston Ski Race Entries CLOSE – Friday 29th January 2010

For an entry form and all event details please go to the downloads page.

“ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED by the above date.”

Entries will be seeded and processed prior to the Southern 80. Any boats wishing to withdraw from the Robinvale event can do so with FULL refund by the Wednesday following the S80. Anytime after this money will NOT be refunded.

2010 Presentation Night

Will be held again at
Power House, Lakeside Drive, Albert Park Lake
on Saturday the 10th of July

Organise your full table of 10 or 12, send payment and booking form to Jo Martin.
Pay SRV – by VISA & email jo.martin@live.com or fax to 9438 1374,
Or send cheque to Jo Martin made out to SRV, 13 Lotus Court, Diamond Creek, 3089.

Call Jo on 0407 044 996 with any queries. Tickets will be posted out.
Tickets on Sale till 20th of June!
Ticket Prices – Adult $ 75.00
Teen (13 -Under 18) $ 50.00
Child $ 30.00

The 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 starts on Friday 12th February , 7am to 9am, with the Cantech Breakfast with the Stars. Here you can mingle with; current and former world champions, skier’s of the future and view the awesome boats.
330 boats have entered the event with the majority of them from Victoria, with NSW following close behind.
Over 1200 competitors are competing in the event as either a driver, observer or skier. They are travelling from all around the world and Australia to participate in this great event. We have 7 current and former world champions competing. Including the current World Junior Champions; Yolien Bormans (Belgium) and Jack Houston (Australia).
The 60 mph class is still proving to be very popular with 45 entries in the expert race and 41 entries in the social class.
The oldest driver is Doug Kennedy the driver of Sharp As, whilst the oldest male and female skiers are husband and wife team of Nessie & Roger Hicks from Queensland – they are skiing together in the Veterans class.
Carter Robertson is skiing in Tadpoles and is the youngest skier.
The sport of water ski racing is essentially a family sport and the teams of Argo and Money Muncher epitomise this with their whole team from the one family.
In Open Women Social – it will be interesting to be in the boat of Tantrum. The husband’s are in the boat – Dale Linaker and Christian Apps, whilst the wives are out the back skiing Jenny Linaker and Justine Apps.
The race action starts on the water on Saturday morning at 8.30am with the social classes on the water. These teams are competing on the whole course from Torrumbarry Weir to Victoria Park Boat Ramp.
The best place to capture all the action is at the Victoria Park Boat Ramp, where the boats finish. There is the McDonalds Entertainment on the water including the VWSA Ski Show and the some Jet sprint boats; during breaks in the racing. There are also trade displays and activities for the children such as jump castle, face painting etc. The area is fully catered with a range of foods and drinks available. Admission is free for children under 13, a day pass is $20 and a weekend pass is $30.
The ‘big boys’ the Superclass boats will be on the water at around 3pm on Saturday as they compete in the Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz. There are 15 boats in Superclass; Blazen, Hellrazor, Stinga, Burnin, The Mistress, Fastcash, Merc Force, Argo, Superman, Top Gun, Omen Racing, Gassa, The B, The Gun,The Syndicate.

These boats are the top boats and crews in Australia. Due to the Black Saturday bushfires last year, the event was cancelled before these boats could race for the outright winner & the winner of Super class. So they are keen to take the outright trophy this year. Five of the Super class boats come from Victoria, six of them from New South Wales and Four from Queensland. For these teams and others – the race is a drivers race and the most challenging aspect of the event according to Mark Cranny, a four time winner of the event is the ”123 bends in the river”.
Blazen won the Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz last year, so they will lead the field onto the water. This season has seen a number of boats take out the outright placing in the classic ski race events. Superman won the Hawkesbury 120, Stinga won the Grafton Bridge to Bridge & the Sydney Bridge to Bridge, whilst Blazen won the Berri 110.
The Hellrazor and Stinga teams are the only ones which have won the event outright before. Can Hellrazor make it a record 5 outright wins, or will another team step up to the podium.
Catch all the action on the water at the Victoria Park boat Ramp, Echuca on Saturday 13th Feb and Sunday 14th February. Race programs are now available in the Echuca /Moama newsagents for $10
For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au or contact the Moama Water Sports Club on 03 54806754

The SRV web page has been updated with the following information:

• Roster for the VictorianTitles this weekend
• Amended results from point scores 1,2 & 3
• Classifieds have been updated

The SRV web page has been updated with:
• the 2010 Robinvale entry form, ready for you to download
• Classified have been updated
• Victorian Titles – don’t forget entries close this Wednesday 25th November – No Late Entries
• Victorian Titles – Business Kerang will be sponsoring a show n shine on Friday 4th December in Township of Kerang from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Prize money on offer with a first prize of $700. Anyone who is interested in attending needs to contact Michael Brooks on 0418 356 802 or email michael@dimensionhomes.com.au by no later than Tuesday 1st December. This will help verify numbers for the organizers in Kerang. It will be great to see boats get involved with this event and help support Kerang township for putting it together to promote our sport.

Well the Barrie Beehas Ski Race is over for another year. All results are available via the Southern 80 web page www.southern80.com.au

Some thoughts on the event:

• Blazen from Qld won the event in a record time of 23:16, the team of driver Noel Griffin, Observer Bernard Simpson and skiers Chris Stout & Grant Turner were the skiers
• 9 records were broken
• In the 6 litre class the top 4 boats broke the class record
• Records were broken in the Unlimited class , Blazen 23:16.0; 8 Litre Sportspage 24.40.18;6 Litre Mojo 25.44.22, Shady Ace 26.56.22, Toey As 27.08.02, Sythetic 27.12.26; SMOC Expert Stalker Evinrude 28.57.4, Evinrude Racing 28.59.08; Under 16 Boys & Girls Revenge 27.12.93
• There were no reported injuries
• Hellrazor, winner for the past 3 years, had engine trouble in the first leg of the race and withdrew.
• Local Boat – The Mistress was first to the turnaround point, but with drew at Torrumbarry due to engine troubles
• Fastest Local competitor was Greg Watts (Shepparton) observe ring in the boat Fastcash.
• There were about 1000 people at Deep Creek Marina to see the boats leave and return home again.
• 132 boats fronted the starter
• There were hundreds of people on the banks between Deep Creek Marina and Torrumbarry Weir.

Don’t forget that the entry forms for the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 can be downloaded now from the Southern 80 web page.

Entry forms for the 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 are now available on the Southern 80 web page Entry’s close on the 31st December, so please do not leave it till the last minute to get your SRA membership organized and get your entry in.

Don’t forget the Barrie Beehag Ski Race on this weekend – updates will be posted on the S80 twitter page regularly. Full results available on the Southern 80 web page on Saturday night.

The Barrie Beehag ski race is conducted by the Moama Water Sports Club, in conjunction with Murray Rivers Edge and Deep Creek Marina Hotel; as a memorial to past President, Director & Life Member, Barrie Beehag.

The start / finish of the Barrie Beehag Ski Race is at Deep Creek Marina; which will see the first boat starting at 10am. Briefing for the competitors is at 7.30am and the Deep Creek Marina site will have on-site catering, plenty of activities for the kids such as jumping castle, face painting and lucky dips. Once all the boat have started their journey to Torrumbarry Weir, there will be an on-water display of wakeboarding, air-chairs and barefoot skiing. Entry to the Deep Creek Marina is $2 per person or $5 per family

The first boat away is Hellrazor, the past winner for the previous three years. The team of Mark Cranny, Damian Matthews, Paul Robertson & Peter Proctor will lead the Unlimited Inboard and Outboard class which a record of 27 entries. Local Echuca boat The Mistress is next away. Fastcash, who led the event at the halfway mark last year is third away. Blazen & Burnin – both from Queensland make the top 5.

During racing, results will be updated on the Southern 80 twitter – http://twitter.com/southern80 Full results and pictures will be available on the Southern 80 web site after racing has finished (www.southern80.com.au )
The 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 is to take place on 12th, 13th & 14th February 2010. Entry forms for this event will be available online at www.southern80.com.au from Friday 13th November. These entries close on Thursday 31st December 2009.

Ski Racing Victoria State Titles Entry forms are now available to download on the Ski Racing Victoria Website. www.waterskiracing.com

The State titles will be held on the weekend of the 5th and 6th December at Lake Charm, Victoria
Please note the following;
1. No Late Entries Accepted.
2. Entries close Wednesday 25th November.
3. Note change of Fax Number for entries. Please fax entries to (03) 5480 0670 or send to SRV, P.O. Box 1005, Echuca, Vic 3564.
4. Briefing will be held at 8.15am Saturday Morning and again at 8.15am on Sunday for competitors who were not briefed on the Saturday.
5. Racing will continue through till 6pm Saturday as per the program. Please note no races are designated Saturday or Sunday.
6. Important Condition of Entry – All people entered will be added to the roster and expected to help out when required. Please check the website for the roster on Wednesday prior to the event to find out when you are rostered on. If you cannot volunteer during the allocated time you will be expected to find a replacement or you will not race. By entering you accept this condition of entry.
7. Any enquiries in regards to entries please contact Di Touhey on (03) 5480 0670

There has been updates made to the SRV web page:
• Classifieds have been updated
• Ski Racing Australia Scrutineers have advised that they have observed a lack of professionalism in the standard and condition of competitor’s equipment. In response to this on going scrutineering will be stepped up and the following equipment will be checked Ski’s, Helmets and Wetsuits. It is the competitors and their crews responsibilities to ensure the gear being worn is correct or a penalty may occur or at worst being unable to race. (Dated from 20.10.09 no exceptions) Please check your SRA Rule book.
• To All Victorian Competitors Racing in Engine Classes Please read the below ruling. Ski Racing Australian (SRA Rule Book) Season 2009 -2010 Rule 9.2. Measuring and Sealing of Engines ALL ENGINE CLASSES MUST BE SEALED BY SRA APPROVED ENGINE SEALERS BEFORE COMPETING Names of SRA approved sealers are available from the SRA office. Exception to this rule applies to MOC, Unlimited Inboard/Outboard, 60mph and 70mph. Without exception as per SRA Rules, all classes listed must be sealed prior to competing. Please do not attend racing and expect to race if you do not conform.
• New SRV Director – Dean Trickey has advised us that due to work commitments he would not be able to fulfil his duties as a board member. Additionally he has advised us that he has appointed Tony Wilson as his alternate director as per Clause 20.1 of the SRV constitution. I know the decision would of been difficult for Dean knowing his strong passion and commitment for our sport. We thank Dean for his invaluable contribution and we look forward to him hopefully re-joining us on the board in the future.
• Write up from Point Score 2 now available from the media pages

The SRV web page has been updated with the results from point score 1. Please note that there have been changes in the contact details for the SRV secretary. Classifieds have also been updated. Visit SRV web page for more details

Louis Newbury-Smith uploaded 14 minutes of video footage of the 1st ever world championships which took place in 1979. This a superb look back at water ski racing history – 34 years before the forthcoming 2013 World Championships in Tenerife.

Due to Technical difficulties, the RMI Images web site is temporarily off line. You can contact Dick at rmi52852@bigpond.net.au if you need to order an photographs. It is hoped that the website will be back online shortly.

Stinga, with Greg Houston driving, Kevin Boylan observing and with skiers Grant Patterson & Daniel Campbell, took out The Edge Mildura 100 over the Easter weekend in a time of 32:35

All results can be downloaded from the Mildura Ski Race site now.

Entry forms for the Mildura 100 are now available on the Mildura Ski Club Site at www.milduraskiclub.org

The Moama Water Sports Club hosts the biggest waterski race in the world – “The Club Marine Southern 80” – on the Murray River at Echuca/Moama. It was held over last weekend but was abandoned at 1.50pm on Sunday due to ambulance & paramedic crews being called away for the Victorian Fires. All spectators (100,000) & competitors (2,200) were keen to begin a fund raising effort, thus we instantly raised $1,475 at presentation time.

Instantaneously, Moama Water Sports Club pledged the remaining prize money of $8,000. Ski Racing Australia and Ski Racing Victoria both pledged $5,000 each.

In all, a total of $19,475 has been raised to kick off “The Southern 80 Bushfire Relief Appeal”. This money was donated via the Channel 9 appeal held on the 12th February 2009

You too can contribute to the appeal via following the link to this website, where it will be recognised as coming from the Ski Racing Community www.everydayhero.com.au/southern80bushfirerelieffund

History was made this weekend in the running of the Club Marine Southern 80. The event was stopped twice over the weekend, an event which has never been witnessed in the running of the event.

On Saturday during the running of the Tip Top Bakeries Bakers Blitz and the Presidents Invitational – a race boat lost control whilst competing colliding with two houseboats near the Merool Boat Ramp. The incident saw two spectators inquired. The incident is being investigated by the NSW Maritime in conjunction with the NSW Police. The crew involved in the incident were not injured. Due to the incident, the race was stopped with only a couple of boats to finish the event.

A number of race records were broken during the day’s racing, despite the hot and tiring conditions. Crews were happy with the new format. The crowds of around 60000 which lined the river banks to watch the event were generally well behaved. It was disappointing that some spectators chose to swim on race day, but overall the crowd was well behaved.

Sunday racing started on time, with the Expert classes leaving from Torrumbarry.
At 1:57pm Sunday, Ambulance services Victoria advised the MWSC that they had to leave the event to be deployed to other areas of the state, as Victoria came to grips with the worst bushfires in history.

Without the support of emergency services, the MWSC had no choice but to abandon the event. Most competitors competing in the Expert classes were on the river and / or home; this meant that most classes were able to register a completed result.

The outcome meant that the top 40 boats which included the Superclass boats were not able to run. The results in the classes affected meant that these results are incomplete.

The support shown by the crowd and competitors to the abandonment of the race, was amazing. People continued to support the event, by enjoying the river and peoples company.

MWSC President – Alan McDonald said that “ The safety of our competitors is paramount in our minds. Without adequate Paramedical support the event could not continue. The people of Victoria affected by the bushfires deserve our support.”

During the presentation of the Completed classes, the driver of Stinga, Greg Houston got up on stage and pledged $1000.00 towards the support of a Victorian Bushfire Appeal. A number of other competitors have since donated their prize money. Every ski racer present on the weekend, could recount a link to someone affected the bush fires which have ravaged Victoria.

President Alan McDonald, pledged on behalf of the MWSC the prize money from the classes which were not presented to an appeal.

Results from the event can be found on the Southern 80 website at www.southern80.com.au

In under 2 weeks we will know the winner of the 2009 Club Marine Southern 80.

Check out the Southern 80 website for all the competitor information, including briefing sheets, schedule of events, purchasing of entry passes and race day programs.

Watch a podcast of an interview with Mark Cranny from Team Hell (Hellrazor, Hellbent, Tru Blue), a 4 time past winner of the Southern 80.

Catch all the action about the 2009 Club Marine Southern 80 on the Southern 80 website.

Well the 2009 Gannawarra Shire Australian Speed & Marathon Championships have been held. Final results can be downloaded from the SRV website
Photos will be available soon on the In tha Zone website.

With over 500 entries and 250 boats, the entries are now closed for the 2009 Club Marine Southern 80. This promises to provide plenty of action on the water.

The 2009 format has been changed dramatically from previous years events. With some races cut and more events on the water on Saturday.

Friday 6th February, will see the Breakfast with the Stars take place in the Aquatic reserve, Heygarth st Echuca. Over 50 boats and their teams will be on display from around 7am to 9am. People will be able to wander through the display, chat to the teams, have breakfast and meet some of their ski racing heroes.

There will safety scrutineering for selected boats only (boats will be notified by special mail at least one week prior to the event) , occurring at the MWSC’s office in Annesley st Echuca from 12 noon. Briefing for all team captains will also occur in the Annesley street from 12 noon to 5pm, on the half hour.

Friday night will see the official welcome to sponsors & supporters of the event, at the Launch night to taking place at the Victoria Park boat ramp. Tickets can be purchased online via the Southern 80 website at $75 per person.

Saturday morning (7th February 2009) will see the social classes start at Torrumbarry at 8.30am. They will make the journey to the Victoria Park Boat ramp, with them arriving by around 12 noon. This means that the river will be closed to all boats between Torrumbarry & Echuca, for the running of the event.

In Hare street Echuca, the Super Class boats will be on display, along with many other teams. Why not wander through the street, see the teams and visit some of the local Echuca stores. Entry is free.

From around 12 noon the action moves to the Five Mile Boat Ramp, where the Veterans, Junior Social, Sub Junior Social, Senior Social, 60mph and 70 mph, and Tadpoles, all leave for the journey to Victoria Park Boat Ramp.

At the conclusion of a sweep of the river and then the top 40 boats will leave at 1 minute intervals to determine their starting places for the Sunday run. First to leave will be Team Hell in Hellrazor (last year’s winner) with the other 6 Superclass boats following.

Following them will be 14 Superclass B boats, including, Chief, Fastcash, Mirror Image, Syndicate, Mistress and others.

Then the Presidents Invitational Dash will see a further 19 boats tussle out for their pole positions in their relevant classes.

Presentation of the Saturday classes will take place on Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of racing.

The Victoria Park Boat Ramp area is an esky free zone with entry to the area $30 for a two day pass or $20 each day. The area caters for all the family with food and drinks, car simulations, trade sites, drag boats, junior power boats, Moomba Water Ski Show and much more.

Sunday will see those boats not in the top 40 leave Torrumbarry in expert class order at 1 minute intervals from 8.30am. Gunbower Lions Club will be providing refreshments and food at the Torrumbarry start area for competitors and spectators.

Once all of those boats are accounted for around 2.30pm, the top 40 boats will leave Torrumbarry for the 30 odd minute journey to the Victoria Park.

At the conclusion of racing, around 4.30pm, presentation of trophies to the winners will take place at Victoria Park.

For further information regarding the event you can visit www.southern80.com.au for all the latest results as they happen you can download the results via your mobile phone (provided you have internet access) at www.southern80.com.au/mobile.htm – this page will be updated constantly during the weekend.

Congratulations to the Hellbent team on winning their Third Barrie Beehag Ski Race in a time of 24:35.61 Full results available here

1st: Hellbent
Driver: Mark Cranny
Observer: Damien Matthews
Skier: Peter Procter
Skier: Paul Robertson
Time 1: 12:20.61
Time 2: 12:15
Full Time: 24:35.61
Ave speed: 146.440 kph

On Saturday 13th September, Cameron Wymer passed away suddenly. He died peacefully in his sleep.

Cameron was an observer in many boats over the years including, Chief, Revial, Heat, Status, Shipprek. He represented Australia at several world titles. He was a respected observer and competitor in the sports that he loved including water ski racing.

His family – wife Fiona, daughters Emma, Brittany, Tamsyn and Brylee along with his family and friends our thoughts are with you. Our thoughts are also with his ‘matey’ – Bernie Elliot

President Steve Shipp & Members of Ski Racing Victoria

A celebration of the wonderful life and times of Cameron Wymer
will take place at 11am Friday 19th September,
Macedon Spa and Conference Centre, 652 Black Forest Drive Macedon Victoria.A private cremation will follow.

A wake will be held following the service at the Riddells Creek Hotel 12 Hamilton St Riddells Creek.

It would be appreciated if Australian Water Ski Racing Team blazers can be worn and a guard of honor by water ski’s.

No flowers by request, donations may be made to Junior Sport Development.
Envelopes will be available at Macedon and Riddells Creek.

Macedon Spa is approximately 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD up the Calder Highway, 25 minutes from Tullamarine airport and 15 minutes from Riddells Creek.

Left to Right: Bernie – Luke – Cameron

On 10 Aug 2008, Nicole Mitchell writes;

Hi Robbie,

Through your website I would like to thank everybody for their phone calls, emails, cards, flowers and well wishes on Dennis’s passing. All of your support and the overall response has been overwhelming, there is nothing like the Ski racing family,I am proud to be apart of this as Dennis was. Please accept this as my personal thanks,

Kind Regards
Nicole

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It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Dennis Rowbottom. His death was a result of an accident on Saturday 26th July.

Dennis Rowbottom and his boat Island Cooler have won the Southern 80 outright in 1989 and 1990. Dennis recently returned to the sport of water ski racing competing in this years races, driving ‘The Mistress’.

Funeral details have not been finalised, but will be placed on the Southern 80 web page when they are known.

The funeral for Dennis Rowbottom is to take place at the Paramount Theatre 392 High st Echuca, Victoria, Australia at 1pm on Wednesday 6th August 2008. Following this service there will be a graveside service at Echuca Cemetery (Warren st Echuca), with the wake taking place at the Echuca Aerodrome (Echuca – Kyabram road)

Official photographer Carl Broadis has some fantastic shots of the European Water Ski Racing Championships for sale at www.auto-sport-images.co.uk

The Hellbent team with driver Mark Cranny, observer Damien Matthews and skiers Jason Walmsley and Chris Gelle have taken out the Mildura 100 in a record time of 31:30.

Boat numbers are now available from the Mildura site for those teams who have entered the Mildura 100, so please check them out. Visit the Mildura site

The Mildura & District Ski Club -the organisers of the Mildura 100 – have made available on their website – the entries for the 2008 Mildura 100. Due to the short turn around from when entries closed and when the race – NO notification of entries or Race Number allocations will be sent to team captains. This information is available on their web page.

Available today – 14th March – those entries received, please check them very carefully and let the MDSC know of any errors by Saturday 15th March AM please.

Calender of events with briefing information will be available on Saturday 15th March
Race Numbers will be posted on the web site on the evening of Tuesday 18th March

Yesterday on the Murray river at Echuca / Moama, Team Hell with the boat Hellbent won the outright title for the 2008 Club Marine Southern 80.

The Mildura 100 entry forms are now available via the Mildura website

Note that entries close on Sunday 9th March – NO LATE ENTRIES

There will be no acceptance of entries or notification of numbers posted out prior to the event. We will endeavour to have this on the website by Wednesday 19th March.

General Enquiries Meliss Hassall 0419032133 AH or email skirace@milduraskiclub.org

The 2008 European Ski Racing Championships is off to a great start this season with strong sponsorship backing from Thanet District Council and a champagne launch at the London Boat Show … as featured on BBC news.

Check out the British Water Ski site for Youtube video of this news feed.

More details of the European Championships are here

Only a few weeks to the 2008 Club Marine Southern 80. Entries are now closed and well over 500 have been recieved.

Race numbers will be advised to team captains via email later this week and via snail mail on Monday of next week.

There have been a number of updates on the Southern 80 web page – here are some of the information that you can find on the web page: –
* There is a video of the Bakers Blitz course for people to view (it takes about 8 minutes to view).
* There are photos taken each week of the Murray River at Victoria Park boat ramp. To check out the previous weeks photos, check out the S80 Blog.
* Briefing is going to be held for all drivers and observers on the Friday night this year. The venue is the Echuca Recreation Centre behind Echuca College in College Drive (although some maps say it is Tech drive). Starting time is 6pm and aiming to be finished by 7pm.
Scrutineering is again at Byfords on the Cobb Highway Moama from 11am to 5pm on Friday 8th February.
* On both days at the finish line, the Freestyle Motorcross show featuring the Crusty Demon Riders will be demonstrating some of their skills at various times
* Saturday night and there are a number of events on in Echuca / Moama. There is Southern 80 River Rock Party to take place in the Aquatic Reserve featuring Screaming Jets with Future role models and DJ Owen. Tickets for this are available at the Southern 80 shop in Anstruther st Echuca.

Check out the Southern 80 web page for all the information about this years event.

Roger Lincoln has forwarded a link for a video of the 2005 worlds

The Australian titles are to be held at Grafton between the 8th & 12th January 2008. Lex Jones and Tracey Jones have provided some photos and the proposed course. Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge.

The 2008 Club Marine Southern 80 is ON. The event, to take place on the Murray River at Echuca / Moama on the Victoria / New South Wales border in Australia takes place on the 8th, 9th & 10th of February 2008.

Chuck Stearns, Mike Avila and Marsha Fitzgerald – As in most sports, water ski racing has seen its fair share of accomplished athletes over the years.

Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a water ski racing fan? RMI Images has two 2008 calenders, which will make an ideal Christmas gift for the ski racing fan.

USA Water Ski has today reported that the American Water Ski Educational Foundation’s 10-member Hall of Fame Selection Committee has announced that Kris LaPoint and Water Ski Racing’s Marsha Fitzgerald will be the 2008 AWSEF Water Ski Hall of Fame inductees.

Congratulations to Hellrazor on winning another Barrie Beehag in a record time of 23:23.15. with skiers Chris Gelle and Jason Walmsley.

It was great to see the crowds on the banks of the river at Deep Creek and along the river enjoying the racing and so many families out enjoying the sport of water ski racing.

I hear (but did not see) the mankinis on display – can’t wait for the photos.

Great to see many records smashed – congrats to Sportspage, BL Marine, Petty Cash & Ace Racing (all in MOC). SMOC – Kaned it and Stalker broke records. Breakaway was the record holder in 60mph.

Thanks to the competitors for a great days racing

All results are now available at www.southern80.com.au and follow the links to the Barrie Beehag race.

Some photos from the event should be available in the next couple of days.

The Victorian Water Ski Racing Fraternity will be turning its attention to the Murray River on Saturday 13th October for the 2007 Barrie Beehag Ski Race.

Dick Minchin from RMI Images has just uploaded hundreds of pictures onto his website www.rmiimages.com.au.from the South Australia Ski Race titles held in June at Murray Bridge. Visit the site to see if you boat and skiers have been captured.

Due to low water at Lake Mulwala – the calender for Ski Racing Victoria has been modified. The first point score is now on the 8th & 9th September, at Lake Mulwala. Please check out the web site www.waterskiracing.com for the new SRV calender.

The Moama Water Sports has released the entry form for the Barrie Beehag Ski Race to take place from Deep Creek Marina to Torrumbarry Weir (on the Murray River at Echuca / Moama) on Saturday 13th October.
The entry form is now available on the Moama Water Sports Club web site www.southern80.com.au .

Entries close on the 7th September.
Please remember that the entries are capped at 105 entries.

Please note this important notice from SRV Administration.

The Mildura 100 ski race was held on the easter weekend on the Murray River at Mildura. The website has been updated with some photos from the event. There are many more photos available from the RMI Images website.

On the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of April the Trans Tasman Challenge was run in the beautiful town of Metung on the Gippsland lakes in Victoria. This was a new venue which had never seen ski racing before. Well all we can say is it was the best venue Australia has ever seen for a Tasman Challenge bar none!