Urgent Message re Cardiff Race Docks Access: Because of security concerns with the Port Authority, we have had to change the entrance that we are using to access the venue. The post code for this entrance is CF10 4LY.

The best approach is exit 33 M4. Follow the dual carriage way approx 8 miles until you pass under a short tunnel and arrive at a roundabout. Take the 2nd exit (this is nearly back on… yourself) and travel 200m to a T Junction. Turn Left at the T. Be careful after a in few meters the road splits. You must keep to the left and follow the road straight ahead. The right hand split is a dead end. I will try and get a sign there for tomorrow. There will be NO ACCESS after 10.00pm & before 8am Saturday & Sunday.

Ski Racing Australia’s calendar for the 2012 / 2013 season has been released, with an exciting combination of Classic River Racing, State Point Score competition and Grand Prix’s.

See the attachment below for a full listing of events, including a breakdown for each state.

The calendar is subject to additions and amendment, World Championship Selection dates will be confirmed for the latter half of 2013 upon the confirmation of a venue and date by the IWWF.

If you have any questions, please email kristie.middleton@skiracing.com.au or call 0409 418 791.

SKI RACING AUSTRALIA CALENDAR (PDF)

Cathy Bird has kindly provided the results from Lochearnhead. A big thanks to the Scottish for putting on a great weekend of ski racing.

After doing a terrific job, Derek Blackmore has stepped down as British Water Ski Racing Team Captain. Derek has been racing and contributing to our sport for decades and given a lot, and he will continue to do so as he now focuses more on his role as an International judge.

The 2012 Catalina ski race will take place July 21st at the Hotel Maya Long Beach California .Download the entry form HERE

Scott Brooks has put together a clip of Team Brooksy racing at Hunstanton in the 2nd round of the British National Championships. Click here to view http://youtu.be/ADVRQZ_zTK0 or watch below.

Scott Brooks produces another outstanding movie of Team Brooksy at the Lyme Regis British National.

Roger Lincoln has provided excellant coverage of the Hunstanton National  available to own on DVD with printed disc and professional DVD cover with slip for just £20 in the UK and £25 for the rest of the world including postage. 

Thanks to Sue Fleming, attached are the results from the Hunstanton British national on 27th May 2012.

The main race results are below and you can these and all other results in the results spreadsheet here: Results Hunstanton 2012

The 1 Up Sydney Bridge to Bridge is on this weekend, coinciding with the annual Power Boat race up the mighty Hawkesbury river.

* Hit the link below to view it.

Bridge to Bridge 1up Draw

Best of luck to everyone this year : )

Filmed,Edited & Produced by Krizmik Industries www.krizmikindustries.com.au

Muckendorf was the venue for round 2 of the European Cup. Thanks to the Austrians for a great 2 days of racing

Download the official results

Luc Belde has captured a can of the action from the Beringen race in Belgium.

Luc Belde has put together this terrific compilation of canal action, which is all set to kick off on 1 July 2012 in the shape of the most gruelling race water ski in the world …The Diamond Race.

Tulln Austria hosted round 1 of the European Cup. Teams from Europe competed on the infamous River Danube. The racing was a mixture of fast and choppy conditions. Round 2 will be held Sunday May 20th at Muckendorf Austria  Download the official results HERE

The competitors’ information pack is now available for the 5th round of the British Nationals at Cardiff Bay on 17th June 2012.

• Cardiff 2012 National Information Pack 
• Cardiff 2012 National Information Pack – Eco
  Use less ink printing this version

Share the news about this great event with your friends via your social networks and get thousands of spectators to witness the racing.

The event web site is at www.cardiff.skirace.net

You can also follow on Twitter @cardiffski

Mandy Rix has provided the racing pack for round 2 of the British National Championships being held Sunday 27th May

Download the full race pack for Scotland’s National Ski race .

Ski the loch 2012

Round 1 of the British Water  ski racing championships were held at Lyme Regis this weekend. Thanks to Lyme Regis club for hsoting a great weekend of ski racing,it was good to see some old timers return to the sport. Download the race results HERE

Click the poster below to open and download the PDF contain 11 pages of full details about the Tulln European cup water ski race in Austria on 17th May 2012.

Team #111 are looking for an observer for formula 3 this weekend. If you are available to observe please contact Dave Lllewellyn 07986 076072

STOP PRESS: Danny Cropper of DC Waterskis in Australia
has kindly sent 2 sets of wraps to help these guys.

Good luck to Dominic, Mark, Edward & Chris in their challenge!!!

———————————————————————-

A team of 4 skiers are urgently in need of 2 sets of wraps to do the 150 mile around Lands End water ski challenge this July for charity.

Details at www.skicornwall.co.uk

Please contact me at robbie@skirace.net if you can lend the guys 2 sets of wraps ASAP as they need time to practice.

Click the poster below to open and download the 10-page programme with full details of the European Cup race in Muckendorf Austria on 20th May 2012.

After 12 years of organizing Water ski racing events, and the organising the 2009 worlds race in Antwerp, the 13th EuroRace will take place at Geel on 7 & 8 July 2012.

Download the information below and if you require more information, contact the General Secretary Office for the EuroRace.

Information Bulletin

Entry Form

Ski racing has lost one of its great characters, namely Mike Bemis from the USA.

On 23rd Septemeber 2008 skirace.net reported on Mike Bemis’s condition

Sadly 3.5 years later we are reporting that on Saturday 21st April 2012 Mike Bemis passed away.

Mike was a US National Champion on multiple occasions. He was a lively presence on the beach and along with his skis, binding, handles, rope, tape and other accessories, will be missed by many.

Mike was a long-time member of the Lake Arrowhead Water Ski Club, a former World Speed Barefoot Record Holder, and was a fixture of US Ski Racing manufacturing his own racing, training, and fun ski’s. He was also part of an episode of the TV Show “Baywatch” back in 1990 where they did an episode on the “Avalon Ski Race”, a re-creation of the Catalina Ski Race.

He will be greatly missed. There will be an open house gathering on Saturday, May 5th at Mike’s sister’s home in Rancho Cucamonga.

Sincere condolences from the around the world go to Mike’s family and friends.

Stone Watersports Club – Just to let you all know a little more about the format. We have 4 races with 6 different classes. The classes are 2Up Open, U14s, Novice, U18s, Womans Open, Mens Open. These can be seen on the PDF document posted on skirace.net about the e…vent. The top 6 boats in each race will score points, the highest total point boat of the day will win a cash prize! If your a skier but havent got a boat, we will find you one. The same if you have a boat but no skier. We Look forward to seeing as many boats as possible in each race and newcomers to the sport in the novice class.

Ski Racing Australia have opened a Youtube account and have been adding heaps of interviews and races.
Subscribe today to receive the latest movie uploads.

Click here to check out Ski Racing Australia's page

After a long wait the Speedweek Club Marine Southern 80 special (the Sunday show) is available to view @
www.speedweek.com.au

The Beechworth Bakeries Bakers Blitz 2012 is also there to view.

British skier Dan Ellis & the Stand & Deliver Team capture 9 mins of their 1 hour race at Burnham GB in April 2012.

Hi All,
I’ve put together a few movies from this season’s racing here in Oz.
Once you’ve watched the movie hit your ‘Back’ button to come back to this page.
As I’m not paid at all for my work, please take the time to click on a Google Ad on my YouTube movies ‘Badlad77’. (the bigger the better!:)
It costs you absolutely nothing more than a single mouse click.
Cheers, hope you enjoy all of these clips.
Wade B )

The top 2012 Southern 80 Water Ski Race Finishes

Hellrazor & Burnin' 2012 Southern 80 Bakers Blitz starts

BUNNY HOPS & QUICK STARTS 2012 GTS MILDURA 100 WATER SKI RACE

2012 TOP FINISHERS GTS MILDURA 100 WATER SKI RACE

2012 TOP SOCIAL CLASS FINSIHERS GTS MILDURA 100 WATER SKI RACE

Sapphire Racing @ 108mph finish 2011 Mercury Marine H120 Water Ski Race

Sudden Force @ 115mph @ 2011 Mercury Marine Hawkesbury 120 Water Ski Race

HAWKESBURY HOTSHOTS 2011 SYDNEY BRIDGE TO BRIDGE WATER SKI RACE

Mandy Rix has provided the attached race pack for the Hunstanton Regional 29th April

Tina Veater has provided the full racing pack for Lyme Regis National

The participants’ info pack for this year’s Diamond Race in Belgium is now available for download. Click here or on the poster below to open.

Good luck to the fundraisers:

Chris Cole, Robert Manchett, Kim Manchett, Robert Manchett, Kim Manchett, Jack Lynch, Jack Lynch, David Sewell

Sponsor the team at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/KB222

Stevie of Belgium has pulled together a few glimpses of what’s to come in the Belgian / European water ski racing season this year.

Congratulations to the team of Hellrazor for their win in the 40th Anniversary of the Mildura 100 – this years GTS Mildura 100. The team of Mark Cranny, Damien Matthews, Peter Proctor & Chris Gelle won in a time of 33.47

Full results can be found on the Mildura Web site Mildura Ski Club

The GTS Mildura 100 has started on the Murray River at Mildura.
Sunday’s racing will see Hellrazor first away with Top Gun leading the rest of the field. This starts at 8.30am AEST.
Full results from Saturday’s racing can be found on the Mildura Ski Club Website. www.milduraskiclub.org

Former British  Team Captain Tony Williams has joined the list of water ski racing fraternity selected to carry the Olympic Torch ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Glenn Geary has announced that the Ski 4 Kids with Cancer is on again for the 4th year in a Row

• The Event will be on Sunday 17th June 2012
• Skiing from Sydney to Newcastle
• The Worlds Longest and Hardest Ski Event
• Again raising funds for research into children’s Cancer

ENTRY FORM

Richard Hernaez has launched a brand new web site for the 2012 European Cup race in Eguzon France.

Go to www.eguzon-skirace.com for the latest news on this great international event in he heart of France.

We have pleasure in sending you herewith the Information Bulletin regarding the European Water Ski Racing Championships 2012
in Belgium – Genk.

If any further information should be required, please do not hesitate to contact the secretary’s office.

Kind regards,

On behalf of the organizing committee,

Guido Bollen – Secretary

Vera Van den Bossche – Race Secretary

Download the programme

Download the poster

All is geared up for the 40th running of the Mildura 100 proudly supported by GTS Freight Management and lots of other local businesses.

We are all set to go and entries are now all in.  There are 40 more boats than last year and with over 430 entries there promises some exciting action on the water.

Race numbers will be placed in the mail this week, so please check your mail boxes.

Friday

Show N Shine

Between Lime and Deakin in 8th St, River End,   Langtree Ave, Mildura   9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.   Prizes presented for   Best Presented Inboards and   Best Presented Outboard.   Show ‘n’ Shine entrants may be scrutineered on site.

SCRUTINEERING   will be held at G.T.S. Transport   Corner of  14th Street and Benetook ave, Mildura on Friday, 6th   April 2012 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Saturday

Social Class events – start 8.30am

James Transport Dash for Cash – start 3.00pm

Sunday

Expert Class event – start 8.30am

For further information visit Mildura & District Ski Club

Sunday the 27th May 2012 heralds the 76th running of the Bridge to Bridge Power Boat Race on the picturesque Hawkesbury River.

The Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club will again host the historic Power Boat event and have asked Ski Racing NSW to be a part of the event by holding the Ski Racing NSW 1 Up Bridge Ski Race.

This year we have been limited to a total of 120 ski race boats.

Although we are limited to 120 starters all SRA members not running the ski race are invited to run the Power Boat Race with the UHPBC.
The UHPBC will issue a day licence for all SRA members who wish to run their boat up the river and this can be done with or without an observer.

Unfortunately we are not able to include skiers from the Under 10’s classes in any class of racing for this event.

As in previous years the Ski Racing will commence once the power boats have completed their event, with a proposed start time somewhere around 11am at Brooklyn .

The start of the Ski Race will be as per previous years with ‘Grid Starts in classes’ the order of the day, so each class can ‘fight it out’ in side by side action.

The event attracts some of the fastest ski racing boats in the Country and will provide another great spectacle to see if our guys can beat the times laid down by the power boaters.

** Entries close Thursday 3 rd May, 2012 unless the quota is filled before this date.
Entries will be accepted in a date logged order.

** Remember that we are limited this year to no more than 120 boats to compete in the 1 Up Ski Race.

Entry fee $230.00

Come along and compete !

Enquiries to Mark Jamison Mob: 0417 656392
Email: mark@digitalrush.com.au

Forward Entries by one of the following:
Mail: SRNSW Race Entries, 39 Farrer St , PARKES NSW, 2870
OR by Fax (02) 6863 4697
OR Email: entries@skiracingnsw.com.au

**IMPORTANT Bridge to Bridge 1up & NSW Calender changes**

Due to a number of changes to the 2012 NSW racing calendar, please find below the updated calendar of events for the remainder of the season.
At last week’s NSW committee meeting the following amendments were made:

Bridge to Bridge 1up – Change of Date

Due to a predicted king tide on the Hawkesbury during the week leading up to the 1up Bridge, SRA has removed the sanction for 6 May.
Ski Racing NSW in conjunction with the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat club would like to announce that the new date for the 2012 Bridge to Bridge 1up will be 27 May.

Entry Forms will be available on the NSW website

http://www.skiracingnsw.com.au/

*** Please check the new calender carefully.***

1 April – Wisemans Ferry

AM: Series Race round 4 2up race only – Entries close 29 March
– Entry forms are available from NSW Website
PM: Washed out races from Series Race round 2
– Entries will be carried forward from Round 2.

Please advise if any of these entries need to be amended.

28 & 29 April – Wisemans Ferry

Combined State Titles and Series Race round 4 (1up races only).
All points accrued during the races will go towards the 2011/12 pointscore.
State Titles entries received prior to the washout will be carried forward to this date.
Please advise if any of these entries need to be amended.

12 & 13 May – Wisemans Ferry

Series Race round 5

27 May – Bridge to Bridge 1up

It’s been talked about for a while and now it’s official; Britain’s two-time world water ski racing champion Kim Lumley will carry the Olympic torch.

Team The Beast Racing 2011 Bridge to Bridge.

Michael De Cock has presented the 2012 Belgium Race calender

Burnham On Sea are hosting an International Open Water Ski Race 15th April 2012. Download the competitors information pack HERE

More ski racing movie action from Krizmik Industries. Contact sales@krizmikindustries.com.au

Jason Hayward captured some terrific action at the 2012 Southern 80. Two of his shots are below and you can check out dozens more on his Facebook page here

Kristy & Michael Geddes have produced this video of Superman at the Bakers Blitz Southern 80 2012 using Liquid Image Goggle Cameras available through Krizmik Industries, editing done by Krizmik Industries also.

From Speedweek speedweek.com.au …2012 Southern 80 Show 1

2012 Southern 80 Show 1 from Speedweek on Vimeo.

Water ski racing 1979 – 2005 from Belgium

Memories 1979 – 2005 from Waterski Racing Logistics on Vimeo.

Ken Vaughan has published the poster for the 64th Catalina Water Ski Race which will be held on July 21, 2012.

The host hotel is Hotel Maya at Long Beach, CA.
Click the image below to open the PDF. More details to follow.
Official site: www.catalinaskirace.net

Official site: www.catalinaskirace.net

A reminder that the entries close this weekend for the GTS Mildura 100 which occurs on the Murray River at Mildura over the Easter Weekend.  Entry forms can be entered online at http://www.milduraskiclub.org/ or download an entry form from the same site.

NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED

The 1st of the Club Marine Southern 80 shows, covering the Beechworth Bakeries Baker’s Blitz and the Fearless President’s Invitational are now available to view on the Speedweek website.

Check out all of the action from this years sprint for pole positions !

Commentated by Dave Bishop and Troy Kennedy, this show also shows the incredible images of Blazen’ burning, and The Syndicate losing their rudder from previous years.

Brace yourself for the 100mph+ fall by Daniel Shipp !!

Click here to watch !

Pics – www.robstorum.com.au

* Press Release..
BULLET BOATS hold numerous records and awards, they have achieved more in their history than any other similar vessel.
This makes Bullet Boats the thoroughbred and leader in ski boats and ski race boat innovation, proving over their long history that they are still the best designed boat available today.
Bullet Boats still holds a world water speed record with a 1750 tunnel deck bullet called Bullet One.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP !

A new factory on the Gold Coast signifies an exciting new era for Bullet Boats.
Visit our website for more info & build specifications or call us on 0417 173 257

All Bullet boats are manufactured on the Gold Coast in our new factory using only the best materials and latest design construction that is second to none.

All Race models in the bullet boat range hulls will be constructed by the way of vacuumed infused, this is the latest technology in boat building that gives maximum strength whist keeping the weight at a minimum.

The new owners of Bullet Boats and Bullet Racing have a strict quality control system in place.
A new hand picked boat building team is in place that has extensive knowledge, Passion and experience in creating custom built
race boats.

This puts Bullet Boats at the fore front of the industry and with the above mentioned this means our product has unbeatable build and strength quality. With unmatched attention to detail we intend to exceed our clients expectations.

These are exciting times for bullet boats and bullet racing with new models to be released this year.
Bullet Boats was established in the 1970’s and have been the benchmark for Ski Race boats and Ski Boats throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Bullet Boats info & prices

1950 BULLET JUST RELEASED!

1950 Bullet release

Bullet Boats Pty Ltd
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS BOATS

Factory Address:
6/2 Gateway Drive, Coomera,
Queensland, 4209

Two great Southern 80 compilation videos from Nat Martin of Team Bullseye

Bernico international unveiled the new Bernico F1 extreme, built for Andre Schurle of Team Germany, at  the Gent boats show in Belgium this weekend

The Aussie world record holder for marathon water skiing is Harry Luther or “Canguro”, who skied over 5,000 km from Morocco to Italy in the 1970s. Written by Rochelle Williams

The Europe & Africa Racing Council has published the E&A Racing Rules for 2012.

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

Click here to download

Team Germany F1 Skiers Kurt Brooks & Russell Cox will unveil the brand new Bernico F1 Extreme boat, built for the team at the Gent Boat show in Belgium at 8pm Friday February 17th. Team Germany’s Andre Schurle has said how excited he his at the complete new look of the Bernico F1 Extreme. We  at skirace.net will look forward to putting pictures of the new Bernico F1 Extreme on here as soon as the boat has been unveiled.

Check out this 8 minute video of the 2012 Southern 80

http://vimeo.com/36626186

Courtesy of Vera Van Den Bossche, below is the list of (re)elected Council members as voted at the E&A Congress in Thessaloniki (Greece) on January 28th, 2012. Click here to open and print the list with contact details.

Click the poster below to download the 13-page programme for the 2012 European cup final water ski race at Eguzon in France.

Official web site at www.eguzon-skirace.com

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

5th February 2012

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

Earth Wind and Water sells Sports Action Cameras and accessories, ie: GoPro, Contour, Liquid Image etc.

Maybe one of the best kept secrets… Not anymore..  

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.

 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.

British Water Ski & Wakeboard 2012 Racing Pack. Download  Racing License Renewal Pack HERE .. 2012 Racing Rules HERE… BWSW Racing Team Selection Criteria revised HERE

Skier Lukas foerstel is looking for a boat to tow him in the European Cup 2012. If you are interested in pulling Lukas please email him at l.foestel@gmx.at or Tel: +43 676 4880729

Well there are 2 weeks to go to the biggest ski race in the world- the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80 February 10^th – 12^th.

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

Shots from the 2012 Harbour Master Tribute – “Stephen Robertson We Salute You”

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 2012 European Cup race in Eguzon, France will take place on 29 July 2012.

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.

Thanks to Geoff Watson for sharing this great piece of archived (silent) footage from the 1950’s

On 11th January 2012, the IWWF announced (here) that Australian Chris Stout from Racing and Belarusian Tournment skier Natalia Berdnikova had been selected as 2011 IWWF Athletes of the Year.

Planning and preparation is well underway for the 2012 Club Marine Southern 80.  All is set for a terrific weekend of racing on the water and plenty of entertainment on land – February 10^th to 12^th.

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.