Ski Race Review is a new publication that covers all the major events of the 2010-11 Australian ski racing season, including:

* Sydney Bridge to Bridge
* Southern 80
* Grafton Bridge to Bridge
* Mildura 100
* Hawkesbury 120
* Berri 90

Plus there’s 12 pages of action from the 2011 World Titles, held at Moreton Bay, with two pages of coverage for each category:

* Open Men’s
* Open Women’s
* Junior Boys
* Junior Girls
* Formula 2 Men’s
* Formula 2 Women’s

In addition, there’s feature articles on:

* Noel Griffin – the day Blazen burned
* Lester Freemantle – Won every major race with his Moonshot boats

In total, it’s a 48-page, full colour magazine jam-packed with stories and photos.

It will be available at the Victorian Titles, Southern 80, Robinvale 80 and Mildura 100, or alternatively it can be posted out – just email skiracereview@gmail.com for details.

Click on the selection of pages below to enlarge them

The Stone Water sports club Essex held a minutes silence in honour of 2 times World Champion Water ski racer Stephen Robertson . The chairman on behalf of the club send their condolences to the Robertson family.

Luc Beldé has shared a bunch more of his videos from Belgium and you can watch them by clicking any of the links below.

Chris Rydl from Belgium has been elected as water ski racing’s new Athlete’s Representative for Europe & Africa.

Thanks to Luc Beldé for this 4 minute video compilation from the 2011 Diamond Race.

In July 2012, the most gruelling water ski race in the world will see the toughest racers on the planet face up to the challenge of the year.

British Water Ski & Wakeboard in the UK needs to recruit a Athlete & Education Programme Manager based at their HQ in Chertsey.

Closing date Friday 23rd December – No Agencies

Click here for full details

Kelly Bickerton & the team at the Force factory wants to congratulate all Force winners on their achievements at the 5oth Bridge to Bridge this year. Force has produced the update below to remember the event. Click on it to download the PDF.

The USA’s preliminary schedule of race events for 2012 is shown below:

2009 Force F1 hull with 2 Mercury 300XS engines in perfect Condition. Race Ready, can be shipped worldwide

Gail, from the Aussie ‘Water Ski Racer’ newspaper, has offered ski racers a chance to submit their Vale messages for Stephen Robertson to be included in the up coming edition.

There is to be a special Tribute to Stephen in that issue.

The next edition deadline for the Aussie ‘Water Ski Racer’ newspaper is closing on Dec 02.

Please submit them to Gail on the following address,

waterskiracer@gmail.com

RIPWC9901

VALE Wally Hackett

Passed away suddenly 19/11/1932 — 16/11/2011.

Wally is remembered by many ski racers over many years as a great competitor and contributor to the sport.

Racing Thunderbolt at Cabrita in the 60’s, winning the 1976 Bridge to Bridge through to many other achievements including assisting in creating Wisemans Ferry as the NSW home for water ski racing.

Wally’s other race highlights were winning Classics, NSW series, Southern 80, Campaigning in the Worlds in the USA, setting records at Sackville (continuous skiing), Newcastle to Sydney endurance and many other titles.

Wally’s team many included notable ski racing identities including Bruce Robberds, Peter Ward, Terry Bennett, Lonnie Hogan, Robbie Woods as well as his sons Brad and Murray and many others.

Wally is remembered by his family and many friends.

Wally’s family extend a welcome to family & friends to celebrate his life.

Funeral details
2.00pm , Tuesday 29th November 2011
Newcastle West Chapel
984 Hunter Street Newcastle West.

After the service the wake will be held at the Chapel.

It is requested No Flowers. We prefer donations to the Heart Foundation on behalf of Wally Hackett.

Rest in Peace Wally.

Well the 2011 Barrie Beehag ski race, was won todayin drizzly conditions by the Hellrazor team – Mark Cranny, Damien Matthews, with Peter Proctor and Michael Kelly skiing. Second was Elm Street with Danny Timewell and Peter Strike in the boat and Kane Howard and Tom Smith skiing. Very closley third was Hellbent with Marcus Cranny driving, Graham French observing and Chris Gelle and Steve Morley skiing.

Records were broken in 8 litre and 6 litre.

The full results are now available to be downloaded from www.southern80.com.au

Stephen Robertson’s funeral was attended yesterday by up to 1,500 people as two chapels were filled and people poured out onto the areas outside. It was a moving celebration of the two time World Champion’s life as people from all era’s of water ski racing met at North Ryde NSW.

It was indeed an incredible send off for the man who touched the hearts of family and thousands of friends all over the world.

The results from the 2011 Bridge to Bridge in Sydney Australia have been published, some provisional and some official.

Stephen Robertson was honoured with a minutes silence at Hunstanton Ski Club’s annual trophy presentation Saturday 12th November. Hunstanton Ski Club pass their sincere condolences to The Robertson Family

The funeral of Stephen Robertson will take place Friday 10am November 18th Macquarie Park Crematorium, cnr Deli & Plassey Road North Ryde. A wake will follow afterwards.

The family requests no Australian Uniforms or ski guard of honour – they also request no flowers.

Courtesy of Scott Atkinson, Editor of ‘The Water Skier’ magazine published by USA Water Ski, below is a PDF of the “Down to the Wire” article which appeared in the November/December 2011 issue of ‘The Water Skier’ magazine.

In a week’s time the Barrie Beehag ski race is set to hit the Mighty Murray River between Deep Creek Marina Moama and Torrumbarry Weir.
There is a navigation restriction in force from 6am to 6pm will be established on the Murray River from 525m upstream of the 1662km River marker to the Torrumbarry Weir. All persons within the vicinity must comply with any directions given by NSW Maritime Officer or Police Office. No unauthorized vessels are permitted to enter the area during these times.
Competitors briefing starts at 7.30am at the top of the boat ramp at Deep Creek Marina. After briefing and competitor breath testing, the boats and crews enter the water, all leaving the marina by 9.30am, making their way to the river behind the start line.
Race Programs are now available in Echuca / Moama.
At around 10am the first boat – Blazen will be the first to leave the start area – it took Blazen 11:47 minutes in 2009 to make it to the Torrumbarry turnaround. Will they better their time this year or will the next boat away Hellrazor towing Peter Proctor and Daniel Campbell do a better time? Or one of the other Superclass teams such as Blowncash, Sapphire Racing, Recoverys Reflection, Gassa, Elm Street, Hellbent or 99 Psycho Clowns F1 – take the prize for the fastest time to the turnaround point.
Class 2, the Unlimited Inboard and Outboard class will be led by Temper towing skiers Gerard Atkins and Troy Barens.
8 Litre – Class 3 will see Sportspage lead the way – this team have been consistent performers in the Barrie Beehag event over the years and it will be interesting to see how they perform on the water this weekend, towing seasoned skiers Steve Rowe and Nathan Glynn.
Class 4 is MOC Expert with Thundernut leading the way towing Brett Dominguez and Anthony Pickles over the other 10 boats in this class.
6 Litre Expert – Class 5 is the biggest class of the day with 20 entries will see Ultra Trouble Maker lead the way towing Jason Cartledge and Grant Turner.
Class 6 is SMOC Expert with Sonic Boats towing Aidan Rowe and Brendon Brown first on the water for this class.
200HP Outboard is Class 7 – Sky High will lead the 3 other boats in this class, they will be towing Scott Collins and Lisa Clancy.
Under 19 Boys and Girls, will see the boys team of Frantic first off in this class towing Dylan Cuff and Beau Duggan.
Class 9 Junior Boys and Girls (under 16 years of age will see Mac Batchelor and Lloyd Woolman skiing behind Wild Turkey lead the class.
Class 10 is the 70mph class and Supaduck will the lead boat in this very competitive class with Don Haddrell doing the driving.
Class 11 is the last class for the event, with Em4Metal leading the teams away here with Emily Dykas and Isabelle Carlon doing the skiing.
The last boat away is Against the Grain with the Grech family, and they are competing in the 60mph class and they leave at 12:09pm.
Once all of the teams have been accounted for at Torrumbarry Weir, the return journey can start.
During racing, results will be updated via the Southern 80 twitter – http://twitter.com/southern80
The Deep Creek Marina area is a family friendly area, with an entry fee of $2 per person or $5 per family. Drinks and food will be available in the area, along with merchandise for sale, face painting and a great shady area to watch the action unfold on the river.
The event is conducted by the Moama Water Sports Club in conjunction with Murray Rivers Edge and Deep Creek Marina Hotel.
The 2012 Club Marine Southern 80 is to take place on 10th, 11th & 12th February 2012 Entry forms for this event will be available online at www.southern80.com.au from Friday 18th November These entries close on Saturday 31st December 2011.
For further information regarding this event, you can visit the Southern 80 web page www.southern80.com.au and follow the links to the BB Ski Race Classic or phone the Moama Water Sports Club on 0354806754.

Today the world of water ski racing has been shocked by the death of former two time World Water Ski Racing Champion Stephen Robertson of Australia.

For me the news is just sinking in of the loss of such a tremendous sportsman, a great guy and a wonderful family man.

Many thousands of people all over the world will be saddened by this news and thinking of Stephen, and his family who will be devastated by this event.

Stephen was training on the Hawkesbury River, ahead of the 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race, with current World Champion Chris Stout.

Stephen became the World Water Ski Racing Champion in Spain 1999 and then again in the USA 2001. His brother Paul was World Champion in 1991 and brothers Barry & Johnny crewed for both Stephen and Paul in the infamous Firebird race boats. Stephen achieved a great deal more than those world titles and gave back a lot to the sport. He is from one of the most well respected and talented water ski racing families in the world – The Robertsons.

Australian media
9 News reports

The Sydney Morning Herald reports

A Personal Message: Stephen you were a great friend for 20 years. I will always remember the hospitality you and your family extended to me when I first came to Australia in 1991. I will remember my visits to your family’s home in Five Dock and your time at my parents’s home in Wales. I will remember our great times on and off the water in the many countries that we met.

Thank you for your friendship Stephen. I am honoured to have known you as a friend before, during and after your years at the very top of our sport.

My thoughts are with your lovely family.

Rest in Peace now.

Scroll down to read more personal messages

With thanks to the Super Class crews for producing this, the 2010 Feros Hotel Group Sydney Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race Super Class Special.
Thanks also for allowing it’s public release.

This is the full length movie from last year’s race of the top crews.

Stinga, Hellrazor, Firebird, Blazen, Top Gun, Merc Force, Agitator, Superman, The B & Sapphire Racing do Battle.

2010 Feros Hotel Group Sydney Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race Super Class Special

** Update on Misty Coldwill **

Before the Mercury Marine Hawkesbury 120 the Aussie Ski Racing Community stood up to the plate to help 3 year old Misty and her Family, by raising $10,600 to go towards her ongoing Cancer treatment.

… just to let you all know Misty is going for an operation to remove the tumor off her lung tomorrow. She is doing great thanks to all of the ski racers donations.
So thank you to all that dug deep to help, you should all feel really proud of yourselves and your generosity : )

Gavin Casburn and the team at hawkesburyradio.com.au will be broadcasting live again from the Bridge to Bridge.

Put in your 50th Bridge to Bridge Calender, Thursday Evening: 10th November from 7:30pm. VENUE: The Lone Pine Tavern, 15 Rooty Hill Rd, Rooty Hill.

This promises to be a fantastic get together for all past and present competitors and followers of the Bridge to Bridge.

It will feature Photos and Footage of the entire 50 years of the great race.

Darryl Brohman, The Big Man, will be interviewing some of our Legends from 8pm.

Make sure that you don’t miss the stories of Ski Racers Old and New, they’re usually absolute crackers of yarns.

Johnny Gibbs, who will be talking with more Legends thru the night, will also be comparing the running of an Old School Calcutta of the Superclass and other top 27 Boats entered in the 50th Race.

The tickets will be $50 each and the winning Prize Money will go to the holder of the winning boat !

* You have a 1 in 5 chance of scoring yourself a Super Class boat crew, so come on down and join in the fun !

It’ll be a great time to catch up with past and present competitors and swap Bridge stories, also get the hot tips on this years Outright crews, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Bistro Meals Available.

The Barrie Beehag ski race is all set to explode onto the Murray River on Saturday 19th November 2011.
The race was not held last year due to a high river on the Murray – so the team of Blazen are all set to tackle the Mighty Murray in the ‘new Blazen’. The ‘old’ Blazen was destroyed by fire during the running of the 2011 Club Marine Southern 80. The team showing the true fighters that they are, will be back to defend their time of 23:16 set in the 2009 event. The team of driver Noel Griffin with observer Bernie Simpson and skiers Chris Stout and Stephen Robertson (current World Men’s Champion and the 2001 World Men’s Champion) are set to take control of the event from the prior winners of Hellbent and Hellrazor.
Hellrazor and Hellbent are both entered in the Superclass event with Mark Cranny driving Hellrazor, Damien Matthews will be in the observer’s seat, whilst Peter Proctor and Daniel Campbell will be skiing out the back.
Hellbent will be driven by Marcus Cranny (son of Mark) with Graham French in the observers seat and skiers Chris Gelle and local Echuca skier Steven Morley.
The event kicks off with the Competitors briefing at Deep Creek Marina at 7.30am. From there the boats and crews are placed in the water with an approximate start time of 10am.
First to leave will be Superclass competitors with Blazen leading the way – Hellrazor will then lead the rest of the field which leave at 1 minute intervals. There are 9 entries in the Superclass field – a new class this season to this event.130 boats are entered in this event, with the last boat to leave Deep Creek Marina at 12:09pm
The boats and crews have travelled mainly from Victoria and New South Wales for the event. The oldest competitor will be the Superclass driver of Blazen – Noel Griffin. The oldest male skier is Noel Cartledge, whilst the oldest female skier is Vicki Shipp. The youngest skier is Blaze Branson who is 10.
The biggest class of the day is 6 Litre Inboard with 20 entries, whilst the 60mph class has 15 entries and 70 mph has 12 entries.
The river is closed to all users from 7am from the Fraser Road boat ramp to the Torrumbarry Weir for the day.
Once all the boats have reached Torrumbarry Weir and have been accounted for (around 3 ½ hours). The boats will be sent back to the Deep Creek Marina.
On the NSW side, Deep Creek Marina is the place to be. Entry to the Deep Creek Marina area will be by $2 per person or $5 per family. Food and drinks will be available onsite. Activities for the kids at Deep Creek Marina include Lucky Dips, face painting and a plaster fun.
At Torrumbarry Weir, which is the turnaround point, the Gunbower Lions Club will be providing food and refreshments for competitors and spectators.
During racing, results will be updated via the Southern 80 twitter – http://twitter.com/southern80
The event is conducted by the Moama Water Sports Club in conjunction with Murray Rivers Edge and Deep Creek Marina Hotel.
The 2012 Club Marine Southern 80 is to take place on 10th, 11th & 12th February 2012 Entry forms for this event will be available online at www.southern80.com.au from Friday 18th November These entries close on Friday 30th December 2011.
For further information regarding this event, you can visit the Southern 80 web page www.southern80.com.au and follow the links to the BB Ski Race Classic or phone the Moama Water Sports Club on 0354806754.

Ski Racing Nsw –

Grand Prix Kanahooka + Series #2 Sunday washed out races
Sunday 27th November, 2011

Compulsory Briefing Drivers, Observers & Skiers: 7.30am
Racing Commences: 8.30am

Race 1 8.30am will be under 10 boys and girls. 2 laps
Race 2 Under 13 boys and girls 4 laps
Race 3 Under 16 boys 4 laps
Race 4 60,70 mph + novice 4 laps
Race 5 Under 19 boys 4 laps
Race 6 Under 16 girls 4 laps
Race 7 Under 19 girls 4 laps
Race 8 Womens and juniors grand prix race 30 mins + 1 lap
Race 9 Mens open and F2 grand prix race 45 mins + 1 lap

Contact Ken Cheetham 0414 995 513 or (02) 4655 6147

Late entries up to and including the normal Wednesday entry date for those that want to enter the G/P events and also for the age events. This is the carry over event that was rained out at Wisemans so entries that were in for that date will have been
paid for already.

Click here for Entry Forms.

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

The draw for the Feros Hotel Group Bridge to Bridge is up @ www.waterskinsw.com.au

Click Here

Go to ‘Bridge to Bridge’, then hit the ‘Draw’ button, on the site.

The NSW Water Ski Federation, in conjunction with The Feros Hotel Group, are proud to present this year’s iconic 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th November 2011.

From its humble beginnings in 1961 when 20 boats took part in the race and the boat Yogi Bear won the race in a time of 1hr33mins, we now see boats from all over Australia and competitors from all over the world try to break the current record time of 38mins.57sec.

New Zealand water ski racing is mourning the loss of Tony van Deursen , 57, who died in a water ski accident on Lake Taupo on Saturday 29th of October.

Daren Van Ryte has captured the most amazing photos from the US Open Ski Race that ki

Liz Langham writes …

Just a couple of weeks to go until the 50th Bridge to Bridge Race. There is still time for past competitors to be involved in the Weekends Celebrations.

Graham Evans from Cardiff sadly passed away last Saturday aged 72. In the 70’s and 80’s he was a long time member of Penarth Water Ski Club and a regular driver for many top skiers from Wales on the British & European Water Ski Racing circuit.

A Regional race will be in Weston GB on 22nd October 2011

David McMillan has today announced the tremendous news that his 80yr old grandmother Mary will now compete in the 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race in NSW Australia.

Since this request from David McMillan, many people have written to air their feelings about the issue of Mary skiing in this year’s Bridge to Bridge.

Read some of those letters here

It is with great regret to report that Britains  Tony Malpas has passed away after a long fight against cancer. The old skool water ski racing will remember Tony.

Rollo’s Marine Yamaha Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic is on the 3 & 4th of December 2011.
This year the race is just 2 weeks following the other NZ river race the Twin Rivers which is to be held in Paeroa/Thames on the 19th of November. The best ski racers from all over NZ and some out of Australia will battle it out for the premier titles in NZ ski racing. The teams will be trying to become ‘King of the Rivers’ with the Twin Rivers and Bridge to Bridge combing to recognise the best Ski Racing Teams in NZ.

The Bridge to Bridge is NZ’s premier Water Ski Racing event that includes Powerboat Racing, Social and Family Class as well as Jetski and Thundercat Racing. There is talk of boats coming from Australia and there is also the World’s greatest Ski Racing Commentator Dave Bishop from Australia is coming back to NZ for the event. There has been a boost to the open class field this year with a couple of international boats being imported by NZ owners/drivers for the event which will make for a competitive spectacle in 2011.
Thank you to all the amazing sponsors of both the Bridge to Bridge and the Twin Rivers as well as the organising team. Please come and be apart of this exciting ski racing action.
For more information as well as entries, check out www.skirace.co.nz

Once you have read the post here about Mary McMillan and her wish to ski in the 50th Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Race, as per her grandson David McMillan’s request, please write an email to the NSW Water Ski Federation.

Australia’s Mary McMillan is renowned throughout the world of water ski racing for an incredible history in the sport. She has skied all 49 Bridge to Bridge water ski races since 1961, she is now 80 yrs of age and had planned to ski the 50th Bridge to Bridge in November.

Rob Harks was at the final round of the 2011 Belgian Championships in Grobbendonk to capture the action from an amazing last race of the year.

Kelly Bickerton and the Force Boats factory are acknowledging the success of their teams at the recent World Championships in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Click here to see the full force of their results.

Ski racing’s Pete Mitchell tragically passed away on 22nd September 2011 while at Parker, Arizona, USA. Official news on the exact circumstances around the event are being awaited.

WORLD’S RACE #4

SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

Conditions for race #4 of the 17th World Titles, were once again, smooth as glass water with no wind at all. The temperature was to get to 27 degrees and things were warming up quickly.
The crowd numbers had grown a lot, with the ‘Celebrate Redcliffe’ Festival bringing a curious crowd to the shore to watch this extreme sport in action at its highest level.
The Moreton Bay Regional Council are the Major Sponsor of the World Championships and cannot be thanked enough for their support.

The first race of the day, with two World Championships still up for grabs, was the Open and Formula 2 Women.
Americans Katelin Wendt and Erin Saunders, Aussie Maddi Boyer, Kathrin Ortlieb from Austria and Adelaide Cox, from New Zealand, were all still capable of taking out the Open title, after dropping their lowest points race, should anyone else make a mistake on course, or in their timing at the finish line. Lauryn Eagle was not back to ski in a last ditch attempt to end her horror World Title bid, after her heavy round 3 fall and gutsy ski post fall.
In the Womens Formula 2 there were 3 different winners in the previous races, Leanne Campbell, Tania Teelow and Trudi Stout, all from Australia. They were up against Austria’s Katharina Hebenstreit and Sabine Ortlieb, Belgium super star Lena Feringa and American Lori Dunsmore Cheryl Ruston and Dawn Wallace, all able to either win, or place in today’s race, or overall on points. It was that close.
All boats lined up along the beach as crews anxiously awaited the hooter to announce 15 minutes until a start.
Channel 7, in live crosses to their morning show, ‘Sunrise’, had interviewer James Tobin try water skiing, as well as interviewing the round 3 crowned, Aussie Junior World Champions, Jack Houston and Kelsey Feros.
The live online feed was also active again, with the world class production beaming the World Titles out over 53 countries, live, to critical acclaim. By the worlds end the total was 27,479 total streams, with the Worlds website reporting 70,000 hits, on the first day alone. That does not include skirace.net and the Ski Racing Australia website hits and streams too. All were running the stream. It was great to see the embracing of newer technology to way beyond tweets and end of day result sheets to find out details of what was going on. The dvd should be a cracker !
Back to the racing though, and all of the Womens crews were now lined up for the race of their lives.
Commentators Dave Bishop, Troy Kennedy and Tim Dubios were running thru the run lists and explain to new comers on the shore, how things were being calculated and what was at stake for each athlete and their crew.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go ! was the call, as all Open Women skiers got off to a blinder of a start on the flat conditions.
Coming around for the first time it was Katelin, followed very closely by Erin, Maddi, Adelaide and Kylee Jones.
In the F2 Women, the first lap leaders were, Leanne and Trudi, with Trudi leading the 2nd wave, 30 seconds back.
Next lap Katelin had pulled out 2 rope lengths on Erin, knowing that a 3rd win would give her the title after 2 previous series wins.
Trudi Stout was now having a battle with Leanne Campbell, with both moving out huge amounts from Tania Teelow, in 3rd and the rest of the field. It was apparent that we were in for a real battle for each of the titles.
Over the next few laps the battle between Erin and Katelin was still underway, with Erin running alongside Katelin now. Maddi Boyer was still holding out 3rd place, but was starting to lose touch with these two super athletes, as was Kylee Jones, behind Merc Force.
Trudi and Still Kid’n were now only 4 seconds behind Leanne and Atomic Boats, needing to win by 40 seconds to take the title. Leanne knew this and was not giving her an inch without working her butt off to do it. They were absolutely flying in the now sloppy water conditions. Katharina Hebenstreit, behind Stormy, had now moved up to 3rd placing.
Erin now made a move on Katelin and was travelling quickly around the outside line, half a rope length up, then further and further until she was a whole rope length in front. Trudi made up another 2 seconds, then dropped 4.. would she run out of time or energy ?
Over the next few laps it was Erin Saunders, behind 99 Psycho Clowns F1 that had moved out 3 – 4 ropes lengths from Katelin, with Wendt Racing. Not able to lose touch with Erin, yet not pushing her to go faster, the Wendt’s only had a tiny window of time on points, that they could finish within.
Leanne and Trudi were now lapping at about 2 seconds a lap faster than the Open class ladies. Trudi was being forced to go around lots of boats on the corners, losing precious seconds that she needed.
With around 15 minutes left it was still Erin, Katelin, Kathrin Ortlieb was now up to 3rd, behind Still Smercn’, Maddi, then Kylee.
F2 was back to an all Aussie affair with Leanne leading a still fighting, but slower lapping, Trudi, followed by 2 time World Champ Tania Teelow, behind With Envy.
With about 2 minutes left in the race it was Erin Saunders leading by 9 seconds, needing 20 to win the title.
The Blue Flag was raised, signalling the last lap and Erin had increased that to 13 seconds.. she was going for it with about a 3 turn buoy lead !
In Formula 2 excitement was building for the Super-Mum of Aussie ski racing. One more lap with no dramas and it was hers. Trudi was now leading the day’s racing, but it would not be by enough.
Greeting the Chequered Flag was Erin Saunders, followed closely by Katelin Wendt. The American Team went nuts ! The World Title now belonged to Katelin Wendt, coming home just 10 seconds behind Erin, but winning on points overall. Both skiers won 2 races, but dropping her worst result it was Katelin by about 4 points. Kathrin Ortlieb, from Austria, came home third this super exciting race and also claimed the Bronze Medal overall on points.
In Formula 2 Women, the World Title went to Leanne Campbell, skiing behind Brent Wisemantel and Andrew Fyfe, in Atomic Boats.
Winning the day’s racing, but not the title was Trudi Stout, who really put in a huge performance trying to scrape back those precious seconds. Leanne finished just 12 seconds back, but 15 points up, securing the title, with Katharina Hebenstreit and the Stormy crew in 3rd place on the day and overall.
Leanne came thru with her Aussie flag held high, doing a drive past and the large crowd cheered loudly. Katelin received no less praise as she came back to shore, with cheers of ‘USA, USA, USA..’ booming from the bank. Both skiers had conquered the massive physical and mental battle that it takes to win a world title and had risen as the best in the world in Women’s water ski racing.

The Juniors race was next on the schedule, and although they both won their respective World Titles after clean sweeping the first 3 races, Kelsey Feros and Jack Houston, or ‘Back to Back Jack’ as the commentators were now labelling him, came to prove their dominance at the Titles and lined up once again to try for 4 from 4.
The minor placings for outright and all important team points were still on offer, so the racing was guaranteed to be at the same high standard as seen previously.
The Great Britain’s Jame Frame, Mitchell Horan from New Zealand, Trevor Wendt from the USA and Lloyd Woolman from Australia, were all still capable of gaining an overall placing. As was Tayla Wright from Australia, defending junior girls World Champ Yolien Bormans from Belgium and Columbia Cox from New Zealand in the Junior Girls.
Go! Was the call and the Junior Boys were off. All were away 30 seconds later in the Junior Girls. Almost everyone got away to a blinder and in an instant all crews were at top speed on the smooth water.
Coming around for the first time, with the race chopper overhead, it was WC Jack Houston and Team Stinga, leading by a rope length from Trevor Wendt behind 7, Thundernuts towing Lloyd Woolman and Jake Frame behind 99 Psycho Clowns F1.
Kelsey wasn’t having as easy a start as Jack, with Tayla Wright behind ORSM and Yolien Bormans behind Burnin’ on the outside of her around the turn buoy for the first time. Yolien gave a massive wave up and pulled alongside Tayla.
At around the 13 minute mark the placings were to look the same for the girls, Tayla really taking the challenge on to Kelsey, with Yolien dropping back about a rope length.
Jack was now leading the Junior Boys by a long way, as the battle raged between Lloyd Woolman and Trevor Wendt. 99 Psycho Clowns F1 had a short stop, with what looked like a motor issue, but were back into it later, a couple of laps down, with Jake Frame now out of the picture for outright placings, but still out to get some GB Team points .
The battle raged on in the Junior Girls class with all 3 top skiers still within a rope length of each other.
Jack Houston had moved so far into the lead in the Boys class that he was now overtaking the Girls and taking a lap from them. His dominance is remarkable in this class.
Trevor and Lloyd next caught the ladies, locked in their own battle. Lloyd had to beat Trevor by 55 seconds, so Trevor wasn’t letting him out of his sight.
Around 26 minutes into the race and Lloyd was now making up 7 seconds a lap on Trevor. By commentary calculations, he needed to keep this up until the last lap to win by just one second and take home the Silver Medal.
Tayla and Yoliens were still at it, and as the Blue Flag was raised there was just one rope length between them.
To greet the chequered Flag, to loud applause, was Jack Houston, the first skier to ever win back to back Junior World Championships, with a dominance of 8 World Titles races, for 8 wins all up. The crowd on the bank cheered loudly for him as he skied into history. Will he be our first Kelly Slater ?
But what of the race for the Silver and Bronze?
Over the line 44 seconds back, it was to be Lloyd Woolman and the Thundernuts crew, over a minute in front of Trevor Wendt. This gave the young Aussie from Victoria the Silver Medal, by just 12 points from Trevor overall.
Kelsey Feros also showed her complete dominance taking out her 4th race and a clean sweep of all races to add undisputed, to her World Title’s name.
Tayla and Yoliens were to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively in this race, but Tayla came home only 5 seconds in the lead. This meant that Yolien could add Silver to her Gold medal from Belgium’s 2009 Worlds. Tayla skied herself into the Bronze Medal position after the two of them really had some great racing over the 4 race series. It only came down to 5 points in the end.
Both teams did fly bys past an appreciative crowd, proudly holding their Aussie Flags up high and receiving the Aussie war cry back, ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi’ Oi’ Oi’!’

As the skiers were being interviewed on the main stage and podium area, the Open and Formula 2 Men all converged on the beach area for the last time.
Christopher Stout had already won the Open Mens Title the day before, with 3 from 3 wins, but still lined up to take on Aussie mate and rival Peter Procter, American Troy Hooker, and Great Britain’s Russell Cox and Dan Ellis.
The Formula 2 Men were the last class to be decided, with a World Title still up for grabs.
Aussies Grant Turner and Mark Weaver had absolutely dominated over the previous 3 rounds.
With only slight leads to Andy Anderson and Cameron King from the USA, Daniel Cotton from Oz, Marc Avella from Spain and Dave Vansteelant from Belgium, heaps of guys were still in the mix for outright medals.
The crews readied themselves to race and as they all took their grid positions in front of the starter, the massive crowd were on the edge of their seats.
Go! Was the call over the PA and the Open Men were away !
As they hit top speed, the F2 crews were also away and racing cleanly.
The first time around it was to be Chris Stout and Burnin’ by a rope length to Peter Procter and Tru Blue. Following closely in 3rd was Troy Hooker behind Merc Force.
The F2 men saw the start of the Turner vs Weaver battle for gold. Shooter vs Team Weaver respectively, with two of the best outboard drivers in the World, Peter Lewis and Brent Wisemantel at the wheel.
The spray was still settling on the other places but Marc Avella, behind Labsport Boats had the slightest lead from Daniel Cotton, behind Atomic Boats, boat 373 towing Andy Anderson, Dave Vansteelant, behind Still Kid’n, Dave Sewell and Bernico Boats and Cameron King, behind boat 73.
You could throw a blanket over them.
Around the 10 minute mark the Open Mens placings read Stout & Procter, with nothing in it, followed by Hooker, Cox and Ellis trying to hang onto the 2 flying Aussies.
In Formula 2 Team Weaver had pulled ahead from Shooter, with 373, Atomic, Labsport Boats, Still Kidn’ and Robertson Racing all still pushing hard behind them.
Mark Weaver knew that he had to beat Grant Turner by more than 20 seconds and this champion skier was not going to give in. He passed the crowd again and gave a massive wave up, screaming for more speed, building on his lead further.
Stout v Procter came screaming around the corner again and a huge collective gasp came over the crowd as Peter fell off.
He was ok and as quickly as possible the guys had him back in his ski and in the water. This was not before the mighty twin rig Tuff N Up tried to drive up the inside of the turn buoy that he was sitting at and choked the propellers in Peter’s rope. Luckily for Peter, they had a spare rope on board, but unlucky for Great Britain’s Russell Cox, who’s race was now effectively over, as the crew tried desperately to clear the tangled mess.
In F2 Grant Turner and the Shooter boys had caught back up to Mark Weaver, passing just as Peter took off in pursuit of Chris Stout and those valuable overall points.
They were now followed in 3rd place by Aussie Daniel Cotton and Atomic Boats, Andy Anderson, Marc Avella and Will Newland filling the next placings.
With 21 minutes left, Peter Procter was starting to make up a little ground on Chris Stout, but the fall meant that they were on the same straight as each other. He was now chasing Troy Hooker, trying to use his incredible fitness to make up ground.
Then, the unthinkable for Mark Weaver. His crew had a short, unscheduled stop at the far end of the course, virtually handing the title to Grant Turner.
It was only around 20-30 seconds, but enough to lose all that he’d built up in the race.
Grant took advantage of his good luck and the Shooter crew flew off into the spray and out of sight.
With the pressure off him, Chris Stout smartly went into safe mode and Grant, his river racing partner was going so nuts that he overtook him.
Peter Procter was lapping at about 5 seconds a lap quicker than Chris, desperately chasing Troy.
As the Blue Flag was raised, it was to be Chris Stout leading Open and great mate Grant Turner leading Formula 2.
This was to be how it ended too as they both skied past the Chequered Flag, to big cheers from the crowd.
Chris Stout, winner of all four races of the Worlds Series, became the first ever skier to win a Junior, Formula 2 and Open World Championship with his victory.
The 2nd and 3rd placings weren’t yet decided in the Open Mens and a quick finishing Peter Procter came home just behind Troy Hooker on corrected time, after receiving a 5% penalty from the Judges for on-course infringements.
The Silver Medal overall went to Peter Procter and the Tru Blue crew and Troy Hooker left the World Titles as a Bronze Medallist.
Grant ‘Pidge’ Turner and the Shooter guys were bursting with excitement when they hit the boat ramp as people swarmed to the ramp to congratulate both them and Stouty & the Burnin’ boys on their victories. It was great to see two Queensland Teams on the winner’s podium.
Also from Queensland, Mark Weaver finished 2nd in the race, even after Team Weaver’s stop, and 3rd place went to Marc Avella from Spain and Labsport Boats.
Overall Mark Weaver placed 2nd on points and took the Silver medal and Andy Anderson and the crew from 373 claimed the Bronze Medal for the Championships.

Thank you to everyone that competed, officiated, assisted, sponsored and brought you the 17th World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Special Thanks to Moreton Bay Regional Council and Mercury Australia, for being the Major Sponsors of the Titles.

Also to all of those that came and watched and displayed your goods, as well as the massive number of Volunteers that brought the Ski Racing Worlds to Queensland for the first time, for 10 glorious days of racing.

Thanks to all of the Commentary and Visual & Audio crews, for bringing the Worlds to the World, for those that couldn’t make it Down Under.

We hope that you took home a lifetime of good memories and had a little taste of Queensland & Australia. Please come back again soon!

Lastly, to all World Champions and Competitors, thank you for making this a World Titles to remember, with your sportsmanship, goodwill and dedication to your dreams.
It’s inspiring.

: ) Wade

GB Team Captain sum’s up the last race of the World Championships for 2011

Great Britian’s’Team Captain Barry Frame has issued the following update on Team GB competing at the World Championships

The article below was written for the 2011 World Championships programme

In every athlete’s life, there comes a time of monumental decision making; a cross roads. There comes a time to decide what the future will hold; a time to be brave.

For four-time World Champion, Wayne Mawer, that time came just two months before his 34th birthday. It was October 2008 and the skier was settled back into life in his hometown of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. After an incredible career of competitive Water Ski Racing and Wakeboarding, Wayne was finally retired and free for the first time in 12 years to enjoy some sort of relative normality – the kind that only an athlete would appreciate or understand. He was running his own small business, married to his wife, Natalie and together the pair was enjoying life with their young son, Sunny.

At the time Wayne’s career accolades already included the 1997 IWSF World Water Ski Racing Championship, the 2001 IWSF Pro Wakeboard World Championship and the 2005 the World Wakeboarding Association World Championship – that’s a World Title every four years of his life from the age of 21. So when is it time to stop?

Wayne’s decision to give one final World Championship a shot wouldn’t have come as a surprise to those people who paid close attention. Wayne started skiing at a very young age, thanks to his father Roy’s great passion for ski racing. The Mawer family and many other Cairns water skiers live and breathe ski racing and Wayne stayed very much involved in the sport, even in retirement. He also stayed fit. Although intense training was a thing of the past, running, cycling and skiing to the reef with his family on the weekends became a part of Wayne’s ‘newly adjusted’ fitness routine.

But try as he might, Wayne couldn’t stop the determination within and the instinctive drive that comes from the love of competition. “I had been toying with the idea of doing the worlds, especially when I heard they were going to be held in Belgium,” says Wayne. “I had raced in Belgium before and I knew the conditions well.” He also knew what was required to get his body to where it needed to be to compete once again at the top level. With all of that taken into account, Wayne made the life-changing decision to come out of his 12 year retirement from Water Ski Racing, to embark on the biggest challenge of his life. He had nine months to be ready.

The tight, unforgiving canals of Belgium are renowned for pushing even the most experienced of skiers, observers and boat drivers to their limits. Like a game of chess; one wrong move could cost you the race, or worse, the title. “Racing in Belgium requires an enormous amount of skill and fitness from the skier, and nerves of steel from the driver and observer. The water is rough, choppy and unpredictable,” Wayne explains. The Australian skier would need to be in peak physical and mental condition if he was to win. His training routine was carefully worked into family life and running his small business. “It took a lot of organising and balance to make it work,” he says. Wayne’s training consisted of weights twice a week, cycling three times a week, and skiing three times a week on a fence paling, race ski or freeboard. Being 12 years older this time, the body’s recovery was also a little less forgiving.

Together with his new team, driver Mark Cranny and observer Damien Matthews, the trio were selected for the Australian team. Having only been racing together for a short time, they quickly grew a strong bond. “Mark and Damien make up one of the most professional teams I have been involved with. As a team, we had been together for nine months; not long in the world of ski racing,” explains Wayne. That mutual respect would turn out to be the most important ingredient when the trio headed to Belgium on July 5, 2009.

The Australian team that was selected for the Worlds was strong, as were teams from the USA and Belgium. The first race was held at Gent, in Northern Belgium. “Our team’s mechanic had the boat, Tru Blue running perfectly,” Wayne recalls. “Mark and Damien were cool and calm as ever and I was ready to race. Two flags went up and I can remember seeing thousands of people lining the concrete walls and looking down into the boats and I thought, ‘this is it.’”

The circuit course was marked with single-buoy turns, making the corners very tight and dangerous if they weren’t approached properly. “We used rope lengths for each race between 50 and 60 metres (165 and 195 feet,) and I can remember how fast the first straight felt that day with such a short rope. There wasn’t much wake left for me to ski in,” he says. “As we approached the turn buoy to complete the first lap, we were positioned in pole three, about half a rope length ahead of the field. By the time we pulled out of that turn, we were already more than a rope length behind. This really set the scene for how hard we had to work just to stay in the race.” At around the 40-minute mark, Prime Time, towing American skier, Todd Haig made their charge. Todd finished in first place, Wayne finished second and Dimitri Bertels from Belgium came in third.

Race two was held in Genk and team Tru Blue had its work cut out for it once again. Cranes winched the boats into the water with enough time to allow the teams to do a pre-race lap for the spectators along the canal. It was during that lap that Mark noticed the right-hand extractor of the engine had a small crack in it. There they were, just 15 minutes before the start of the second race, a race they needed to win, and Mark had a tough decision to make. They could either take the risk, unsure if the engine would handle the hour-long race, or use a substitute boat. In a split second, the crew was heading back to the dock. They would need to swap the intercom, helmets, rope and spare rope into another Australian boat, White Noise, all in just minutes.

The Australians had a very tough job on their hands, especially considering neither Mark nor Damien had ever raced with the boat before. With the clock ticking, the crew still needed to find a crane driver to winch the boat into the water. After overwhelming help from other Australian teams and with just five minutes before the start of the race, White Noise was finally in the water. “Cranny and Damien got us to the start line just as the 30 second flag dropped. It was really amazing,” recalls Wayne. “We got a clean start and we were in with a shot, taking a slight lead after the first lap. Prime Time was hot on our heels.” But that lead was soon lost, as Prime Time once again took full advantage of the single-buoy turns and traffic, making tight, fast turns. White Noise fought for the lead for the first fifteen minutes of the race, but as the boat traffic got heavier, they began to fall behind. “Cranny decided to move into Prime Time’s wash, where we settled until about the 45-minute mark. Then Damien gave me the signal ‘we have to go.’ We managed to wind them in within three laps and with just one lap until the finish we were racing alongside the Americans. The pressure was on as we both approached the finish line and with only half a lap to go, we were still side by side. With just 300 metres to go, we really put the pressure on and started pulling away,” explains Wayne. In one of the closest finishes in a world title race, White Noise crossed the line first. Todd Haig finished closely behind in second place and crashed straight after he crossed the line. Australian skier Chris Stout came in third place behind No Mercy.

The third race took place in the beautiful Belgian city of Antwerp. Tru Blue was again running perfectly and the team was ready. This would be the fastest of the four races and was yet another extraordinary show down between Wayne and Todd. “On one side of the course we were hitting speeds of approximately 145 kilometres per hour (90 mph) and on the home straight, speeds were back down to 96 – 112 K/ph (60 -70 mph),” says Wayne. The race came down to the wire with Tru Blue finishing just two seconds ahead of Prime Time.

After a day’s rest, competitors woke to the morning of the final race. This race would decide the 2009 World Champion. The fourth race was held at Viersel, the home of the annual world-renowned Diamond Race. This canal was the narrowest of all, at just 110 metres wide (360 feet.) Depending on the overall time of the race, the Australians would need to finish within at least two seconds of the Americans to win the World Championship. Wayne recalls the final moments before that race, “Two flags went up and I went into the water. The rope pulled tight and I had a short pause, preparing for the flag to drop.” Away they went. Tru Blue got off to a great start and by the 20 minute mark they were about one rope length in front of Prime Time. That lead increased to about four rope lengths about 35 minutes into the race. At 40 minutes in, Prime Time began closing the gap. Within two laps, they were level with Tru Blue. “Turning around the single-buoy turns with Prime Time right next to us was exhausting, both physically and mentally. Each time we approached the turn among the heavy boat traffic, Prime Time moved to the inside of the course, while Mark stuck close to the wall. This meant the Americans had the lead coming out of every corner,” adds Wayne.

With two and a half laps to go, Tru Blue became caught up in boat traffic through a corner and fell one rope length behind Prime Time. One rope length soon became four as the Americans continued to pull away. “Urgency became a priority and I knew we had to go. In one lap, we managed to wind in Prime Time by two rope lengths. The blue flag went up indicating one more lap, and we were chasing hard,” recalls Wayne. Todd and Wayne rounded the final turn with half a lap left to decide the 2009 World Title. “My rope length took me about 48 metres (160 feet) behind the boat and I knew we needed to finish at least two seconds behind Prime Time to win,” Wayne explains. On the second half of the final straight Tru Blue made more ground and with only 300 metres left, they were just half a rope length behind Prime Time. Tru Blue was now just metres from Todd. Wayne and Todd were both charging for the finish line. “We had 100 metres to go and the acceleration from Tru Blue was intense,” Wayne recalls. “We had the inside position and I could see the chequered flag when all of a sudden, there was a wall of water and I got a heap of slack rope. As I looked up, I saw Mark do a huge power turn to avoid contact with Todd.” Prime Time had turned in front of Tru Blue, leaving Mark with nowhere to go, forcing Wayne to sink into the water just metres from the finish line. “Mark’s quick thinking avoided a major incident from occurring,” Wayne says. Prime Time had continued on to do another lap, claiming they didn’t see the blue flag. Tru Blue picked Wayne up and pulled him across the line to finish the race. After deliberation, the judges ruled the overall positions – Wayne first, Todd second and Chris Stout third. Wayne Mawer was the new World Champion. But what had happened?

This is a big question that I know my brother Wayne has asked himself time and time again. When Wayne claimed his first Ski Racing World Championship in Sydney in 1997, he won four out of four races and became the first skier in history to do so. Family and friends watched him cross the finish line first during the deciding race, run up onto the beach and throw his hands into the sky, tears streaming down his face – the new Champion of the World. This incredible victory has inspired all of those people who were there to witness it and continues to do so even today. An unknown skier from Cairns had just beaten the world’s best, and he was just 21 years of age.

Belgium didn’t unfold like that. It wasn’t the fairytale finish both Todd and Wayne had hoped for. It was however, a privilege for everyone involved to have been able to witness the two fastest men on water fight what they wanted. They both deserve the utmost respect for their incredible guts and determination and while Wayne came away with the World Title, he or Todd would have been worthy of the crown.

Wayne’s experience in Belgium has made him a stronger person. Back home in Cairns, he is now focusing on growing his small business and spending time with his family. Earlier this year Wayne and his wife, Natalie welcomed a beautiful daughter, Jada into the world. “Life is good. I am enjoying every minute of it.”

Although his life has changed, Wayne hasn’t ruled out ski racing in the future. His 5-year-old son, Sunny is now ski racing and Wayne also gets out on the water to social ski every chance he can. “Skiing is more than a sport for us, it’s a lifestyle. It will always be a part of my life.”

In every athlete’s life, there comes a time of monumental decision making; a cross roads, and as my brother now looks towards life beyond ski racing, the possibilities are endless.

Media Release – February date secured for 2012 Club Marine Southern 80

The Moama Water Sports Club (MWSC) is thrilled to announce that an agreement has been reached with the sports governing body, Ski Racing Australia (SRA), to stage one of Australia’s largest regional event on the traditional date of the second weekend in February. The date for the 2012 event will be the 10th – 12th of February.

At the beginning of July, the future of the event was under a cloud due to demands from SRA to shift the date to the last weekend of April coupled with a significant increase to the sanction fee.

MWSC President, Alan McDonald, said ‘We are able to make this announcement following the constructive meeting with SRA a couple of weeks ago and correspondence since. We are very excited about continuing to build our partnership with SRA and staging the world’s biggest water ski event’.

The terms of the agreement ultimately reached with SRA are confidential. Many new safety initiatives will be implemented starting from 2012 that have been created to mitigate risks for the competitors and also the general public.

McDonald said that ‘MWSC and SRA will share the responsibility of ensuring these initiatives are rolled out. Our greatest challenge now is securing the substantial amount of additional funding required to comply with our agreement with SRA in just five months’.

The MWSC has also been working hand in hand with NSW Maritime over the past months keeping them abreast of all developments relative to safety matters. As a result, an aquatic licence will be issued for the event weekend.

Liz Langham (B2B Promotions) writes …

As you may be aware this year marks the 50th running of the Bridge to Bridge Ski Race Classic. In order to mark the occasion there are many celebrations planned to coincide with the race. I have attached a flyer letting you know how you can become involved in the weekends’ events.

Please feel free to send this out to anyone who you may think will be interested in the 50th running of the race and the celebrations as I only have some contact details, I’m sure you all know many other interested people.

Regards

Liz Langham
B2B Promotions

Click on the form below to open the full size PDF

Bernico is proud to announce the cooperation with Team Germany Racing. Team Germany has ordered a new F1 Xtreme mode lwith a Mercury Racing package

Special mention must go to the huge amount of support shown over the weekend and indeed the previous 3 weeks, for sick Hawkesbury region 3 year old, Misty Colwill, who is bravely fighting Cancer.

Kevin Boylan, Lumpy and Wade Bennett, joined forces and raised a small fortune to help the family get through this hard battle and to let them know that they are not alone.

Thanks to your generosity and goodwill, we managed to not only hit the original $5000 target, but more than double it, with over $10,600 raised !

Along with presenting Misty’s Dad with the huge donation, at the Hawkesbury 120, to go towards her Chemotherapy and the bills that come with that, the crowd were then treated to watch both Dave Coldy and Darren Osmotherly have their heads shaved as people bid for further action from the guys.

Kevin Boylan said ‘Thank you very much to everybody who contributed to Misty’s fundraiser. We would like to finalise everything by this Friday, cheque’s are accepted, made payable to Misty Colwill and can be posted to me 257 Tizzana Road, Ebenezer 2756
If you require any further information please call me on 0409367251 or 45799304.
Thanks again for all your generous donations.’

Please continue to help show that we aren’t just people that race up and down the River, we care about our community as well.

If you can help this happen further, please call Kevin Boylan or email lumpy@hawkesburyradio.com.au and lets see Misty and her Family’s lives made easier, to fight this battle for life.

Let’s keep the love coming !
Thanks to all !

Entry forms for the 2011 Barrie Beehag Ski Race are now available from the Southern 80 web site. The event conducted by the Moama Water Sports Club is on the 19th November 2011. Running on the Murray river between Deep Creek Marina and Torrumbarry Weir and return.

Entries close for this event on the 7th October 2011.

Final results will be posted soon

In idyllic Sydney weather, the Mercury Marine Hawkesbury 120 water ski race, has been run and won, in a spectacular and dominant display.
Darren McGuire’s big black Force, Superman, dominated the race on both days, taking out the Sackville Sprint for pole positions on Saturday, as well as the main race on the Sunday, towing Superstar Daniel Graziano and last year’s outright winner Daniel Campbell.
Second on both days, nipping at the heels of Superman, was Darren Stewart and the crew of Agitator, racing in the Unlimited Inboard Class. Birthday boy Kris Knights, partnered by Justin Cadden, really had the ever reliable Superclass boat screaming up the river.

Third place went to the Robertson family crew in Firebird, with Steven and Paul on the skis out the back and Barry & John really making the big Nordic hull get up and boogie on their home water.

Leo Welch, proud owner of the brand new Mistress, did a great job in making it home 4th Outright, while putting the boat to it’s first test in a major river race. He said that he had a great time in a straight line, trimming the boat out and sitting it on it’s tail, but the corners were a constant learning curve.

Last year’s Outright winner, Stinga, took out the Under 19 Boys class, with Greg Houston towing his son Jack, the current, defending Junior World Champion and his regular partner in crime in the 2 ups, Ben Hackett, to a fantastic 5th outright. The guys have stepped up out of F2 this year and are sure to be climbing that outright ladder in the not to distant future..

Special mention must go to the huge amount of support shown over the weekend and indeed the previous 3 weeks, for Hawkesbury 3 year old Misty Colwill, who is bravely fighting Cancer. Kevin Boylan, Lumpy and Wade Bennett, joined forces and raised a small fortune to help the family get through this hard battle and to let them know that they are not alone.
Along with presenting Misty’s Dad with a huge cheque to go towards her Chemotherapy and the bills that come with that, the crowd were then treated to watch both Coldy and Ozzie have their heads shaved as people bid for further action from the guys.

Hawkesbury 120 Show and Shine

The action kicked off on Friday, when Ski Racing NSW conducted a ‘Show & Shine’ of competing boats at McDonalds, McGraths Hill, from 3-5pm.
There were big crowds and tonnes of polish being dished out, on both Boats and Cars, with the huge grass area along the front of the complex being utilised to show off these entrants in the afternoon Sun.
There were some fantastic prizes on offer, sponsored by both McDonalds and Coldy’s of McGraths Hill.
The winner of the Best Inboard prize was the crew from What Inheritance. The twin legged boat is spectacular on its own, but teamed up with an enormous Black F350 Tow Truck, it really was a jaw dropping display.

The Best Outboard prize went to the Stout Family, with their slick Bernico, Still Kid’n.

The Under 16 Boys was won by Big Loll, which arrived towed by a matching yellow Hot Rod and tonnes of Balloons.

The top Junior Girls prize winner went to the crew from Knackers.

All winning crews were presented with bags absolutely chock full of fantastic prizes, kindly donated by the likes of DC Waterskis, Mercury Australia, HiTec Oils, Force boats, Wizard Wetsuits and many more and all were received very warmly. The Junior Boys and Girls also had prizes awarded to the 2nd and 3rd placegetters too. A huge thanks to all that donated gear for the packs.

Saturday’s Events

The Sackville Sprint and President’s Invitational, proved to be a great race, with Superman taking line honours, towing Daniel Graziano and Daniel ‘Boonie’ Campbell, in a race that will be remembered for big crowds and exciting, high speed, quality ski racing action.
Motor Gremlins saw a huge number of Super Class crews not make the start or finish line. This included Burnin’, Blown Cash, Elm Street, Gassa, Temper and What Inheritance. HellRazor wasn’t there either due to Zig Walmsley’s World Title bid ending, Collar Bone fracture.
One of the most talked about new rigs this season, 99 Psycho Clowns F1, didn’t even make it to the event when the boat jumped off it’s trailer on the way to Sydney and scraped the brand new Velocity hull and Leg along the road.
It really left the race open to all challengers and Superman came charging across the line to post a time 3 seconds quicker than Stinga’s, in last years Sprint.
Commentator Tim Dubois had a radar gun measuring the speed of all of the crews along the home straight and U.S. team, Sudden Force was recorded as the quickest, at 115mph.
Sudden Force 115mph

In other exciting racing action earlier in the day, the Mercedes Benz sponsored Unlimited Social Class was taken out by Temper, towing Gerard Atkins & Robbie Skennerton home in a scorching time of 22:46mins. Only 18 seconds behind them, was Kryptonite with Luke Watts & Stuart Cox & 3rd placing went to Superman 2 towing Chris Schneider & Glenn Kennedy.
The Social Class skiers raced from Windsor Stadium to Sackville and return, the perfect distance for some athletic sprint racing on the silly sticks.

In MOC Social, Showtime, towing Dane Kemp & Jarryd Tannenberg, won by over 2 minutes from Shane Bru and Jason Summers, behind Running Riot.

SMOC Social was one of the largest fields in the morning’s racing. Michael Burke’s flying Force hull, Alien Force, towing Phil Muratore and Ben Pearse, came home with the quickest time out of the MOC, SMOC and Formula 2 Outboards, in 25.55mins.

Agent Orange was over a minute behind, taking the 2nd placing towing Ben Coghlan and Robert Lee. Peter Lewis’s quick little green Lab boat Mercury Pro XS rounded out the top 3, towing Trevor Bray and Susan Cartwright.

The F2 Social Class was next on the course and Brendan Stout drove Still Kiddin’ to victory, towing Andrew Teal and Dale Jamison. Showtime F2 was home next, almost 2 minutes behind, with Justin Hood and Ryan Burke doing the hard work out the back. Sidewinder grabbed 3rd place, towing Mason Vaughan and Mitch Williams.

The Mercury sponsored 200hp Class saw the Noosa Heads Team, No Fear, take the win in a quick time for the little white bullet of 29:35mins. Gregory Reason and Peter Harmer did a fantastic job out the back to record the time.
70mph Social saw Pumped up make up an outstanding 2 minute lead on their opponents by race end. Robert Wilkes and Craig Penney must be wrapped in the team’s Driver, Brad Collins and the way that he shaved the edges of the course to have such a big gap to second placed Resident Evil, in this GPS speed limited class. The big new White Force hull towed Shannon Lewry and Kellie Tiege. Third place in 70mph Social went to the One Vision crew, towing Scott Dixon and Scott Tyrrell.

The always close, Cassell Marine sponsored, 60mph Class, was the last of the Social classes to run for the morning and Nailed came home victorious towing Courtney & Melanie Grech to the win, only 6 seconds in front of Harassment towing Brayden & Aaron Harris. 3rd in this huge class was Bullseye with Ryan Dubios and Craig Dodge.

Once the sweep boat had cleared the course, the Veteran, Disabled and Junior Social classes were the next on the program and didn’t disappoint.
Running in just one direction, from Sackville to Windsor, the Superman crew were first across the line towing super stars Danny Cropper and Kevin Vahtrik, taking 8 seconds off the previous record. Tania Teelow and Rory Brown teamed up behind Twenty Four to take out the second place, just nudging out the twin legged What Inheritance, towing Peter Hunter and Christopher Bennett.
Senior Social is a new class introduced this year and the quick Racecraft Double Trouble, towing Matthew & Paul Wetsteyn, set the standard with a time of 13:29mins.
Wade Bennett teamed up with the Queensland crew of the twin rig 2Wild to take out the Disabled class in 14:13mins. He treated the crowd to a drag race to the finish line with Junior Social class skiers Mitch Mulcahy and Jake Vanzetta behind 99 Psycho Clowns F2, who had caught up to Wade over the length of the course, challenging the former Super Class skier as they entered the last straight.

Mitch and Jake won their class in a time of 13:42 from Rush towing Jack Harrison and Shantelle King and Critta, in 3rd placing, towing Neneh Long and Rachael Stapleton.
Class 36 was the Under 13yrs Social class and the win went to Coldy’s, towing Jack Coaldrake and Ben Moret. 2nd went to LabDance towing Curtis Horbury and Cooper Robertson and 3rd placing went to Brooke Langham and Ellen Jones.
Last to hit the course were the super stars of the future in the Under 10 years class. Carter Robertson took the win and the record by 17 seconds behind Robertson Racing, from Grace Jones, behind Out Numbered and Reefway towing Hayden Atkins. Tuff e Nuff came home in 4th place with Daniel Cotton observing for his son Race.

The scene was now set for Sunday’s racing and after the Presentation, crew’s retired to map out their race plans for the following day and soak up some Hawkesbury River Regional hospitality.

Sunday

With the fog lifting early on the Hawkesbury, revealing a Sunny, windless waterway, the main race of the H120 kicked off right on time at 9am, with Superman first boat to leave, in the HiTec Oils sponsored Super Class, thanks to their win in the Sackville Sprint. By the end of the first straight they were already pulling 100mph, as if to taunt the other competitors to ‘..Catch us if you can!’

Superman starting Sunday

The rest of the large field of boats from all classes filed off one by one, with most getting away cleanly.
When the times came back from the halfway mark at Wisemans Ferry, it was Superman with a 32 second lead over Agitator, with Mistress, Firebird and Sudden Force from the USA, all nipping at their heels.

They increased that lead by another 22 seconds coming home and as the large crowd rose excitedly to their feet, Superman appeared around the final corner on full racing trim, pulling over 112mph. They stormed up the home straight and claimed their prize as 2011 Hawkesbury 120 Champions.
Superman wins the 2011 H120

2nd in Super Class was the Mistress, notching up a 4th outright time on the boat’s first major race. It’s so great to have the Welch’s back in the mix again, after losing the old Everingham hull at the Barry Carne Memorial at Wagga Wagga in 2010.
Firebird and The Mistress finishing the 2011 H120

First in Unlimited Inboard and 2nd outright was Agitator, with Justin Cadden and Kris Knights looking pretty stoked with the result. The Robertson Family, raced the super quick and super reliable Firebird into 2nd place and 3rd outright in this class. Prima Donna and Nick Feros made a bit of a guest appearance in the Unlimited Class, driving his big F21 Force hard. Nick towed Zac Burns and Kevin Vahtrik, with Hawkesbury legend himself Danny Cropper doing the observing, into 3rd place.
Agitator finishing the 2011 H120

In the B.A.W. Transport sponsored Under 19 Boys Class, it was Ben Hackett and current Junior boys World Champion Jack Houston all of the way, behind Jack’s Dad Greg’s boat Stinga. These two superstars won the class by a staggering 10 minutes, from Smellit and came in to record the 5th fastest time of the day. Strictly Marine came in in third place in this class, towing Sam Handley and Ryan Campbell.
Team Stinga Racing finishing the 2011 H120

Nothin’ But took out the 6 Litre Inboard class, sponsored by the Hawkesbury Hotel. Chris Bennett and Peter Hunter can really hang on behind this little rocket. Kryptonite followed them home towing Luke Watts and Stuart Cox again, after a 2nd outright result in Unlimited Social the day before. 3rd place went to the Racecraft team towing Matthew Wetsteyn and Nicholas Davoll.

DC Waterskis sponsored the Unlimited Outboard class. Joel Massey and Adam Schmidt skied brilliantly to take the win behind Andy Smith’s twin rig 2Wild.Tuff-N-Up grabbed the 2nd place with Delinquent Racing rounding out the top 3.

The 8 Litre Expert class saw Aiden Cuff and James ‘Ringo’ Hogben reunited as partners and taking the win behind Blastn’, with Kyle Mansfield and Wade Stratton close behind them with XS Cash. Double Trouble rounded out the top 3 in 8 Litre, with a top ski by Kayne Partridge and Paul Wetsteyn.
Evinrude BRP sponsored the MOC Class and the winner was Running Riot with some really consistent times. With Adam Kruse and Stewart Tobin skiing, they managed to record each-way times with just 5 seconds difference. 2nd in MOC was Cyclone Raicey followed by Showtime.

One of the largest classes of the weekend was the Mercury Marine sponsored SMOC class. Peter Lewis is always a fierce driver and he also managed to record almost identical times both up and back with just a 9 second difference. 2nd went to the crew of Alien Force from Victoria, and 3rd place in this hotly contested class went to Adrian Royston and Alex Handley behind the brand new Bustin’ Out.
In the F2 Class, two of our brightest hopes at the 2011 World Championships, Lauren Eagle and Leanne Campbell, skied behind Brent Wisemantel’s Tuff-e-Nuff, helping him and Fyfie to go back to back in this class after a top win the year before. Second place in this huge class went to Mason Vaughn and Mitch Williams behind Sidewinder. With Envy also towed another Aussie F2 Womens World Title skier in Tania Teelow, accompanied by Paul Bruton to a great 3rd place.

In the 5.2 Litre class it was Culprit towing Brad Worsley and Shannon Gane all the way and in the Stock 6 Litre Class the winning team of The Sting 2 towed Clayton Witney and Dale Hally had a similar trouble free run.
Coldy’s sponsored the Expert Under 16 boys and just breaking the hour, by under a second was the crew from Underbelly, towing Ben Atkins and Jesse Burns. 2nd place went to The Edge, towing Codey Wood and Cameron Osbourne and in 3rd place was the Victorian crew from 99 Psycho Clowns F2 with Mitch Mulcahy and Jake Vanzetta rounding out a successful weekend’s racing for the guys.

The Open Womens class saw dramas at the start line for Trudi Stout and Sarah Teelow after they sent the Prime Time Trailer off to the half way at Wisemans… with both of their race skis inside ! The girls made the start line in the end thanks to some generous racers offering their skis, posting an almost 3 minute lead at the half way mark. Alas, Lady luck really wasn’t smiling on them on the way home either, but they still managed a great 4th place.

The winners in the open Womens Class were Madeleine Brien and Jessica Tidswell behind Billy Brien’s twin rig, Ring of Fire. 2nd went to Precision towing Ashlee Debakker and Tayla Luhrmann and 3rd placing was secured by Rapid Pulse, towing Seanne Kelly and Latasha Gane.

Cowper Smash Repairs sponsored the Under 19 girls division and the winner there was Smack That, towing Jessica Wood and Sarah Brooks, followed home by Shot Gun with Kelsey Feros and Dani Coyte out the back.

In the Under 16 Girls class Crystal Gordon and Jessica Smith came home miles in front of 2nd placed Knackers, towing Bree Turner and Kaitlin Harrigan. A big thanks to McDonalds, McGraths Hill for sponsoring this and many other classes, as well as hosting the Show and Shine on Friday.
200hp Class saw the Queensland crew from No Fear, scrape in by just 4/100ths of a second from Tantrum towing Mike Dart and Shane Russo.
The ever popular 70mph class was won by Team Hercules, towing Luke Nixon and Allen Morris. 2nd place went to Big Smoke Racing, with the big Everingham hull towing Joshua Hargraves and Mitchell Emery. In 3rd place was the crew from Kaoed.

The Under 13 Boys class saw Jack Coaldrake and Ben Moret backing up their win the previous day, in a great display of ski racing. 2nd place went to Wyatt Horbury and Sam Perry behind LabDance F2 and 3rd went to Big Loll towing Michael Boylan and Luke Harrison.

In the Under 13 Girls class the win went to Tripple 666 towing Brooke Langham and Ellen Jones in a quick time, taking a massive amount off the previous record. Korrupt was next with Brooke Hammond and Emma Barnes, with their Dads Steve and Neville driving and observing for them and in 3rd place was Out Numbered towing Grace Jones and Milana Long.

60mph Class was the last class to race home and as usual it was a close race. When the spray settled it was Bullseye with a 30 second advantage, towing Ryan Dubois and Craig Dodge across for the win. They were followed by Peter Frankland and Ashley Mortel behind Too Ezy and Burn N Wood towing Caroline Linden and Craig Ashworth claimed 3rd place.

The Presentation included some side entertainment as both Dave Coldy and Darren Osmotherly lost their locks for charity, raising even more money for Misty and her battle with Cancer. All up over $10,600 was raised. Thank you to everyone that contributed, you’ve definitely made a difference taking a massive burden from her Family’s medical and care bills.

Pink Finns were also fund raising for Women and Breast Cancer, with a charity BBQ operating all day and raising over $2000.

Thank you to the event’s major sponsors, Mercury Marine and HiTec Oils and to all business that held trade displays and sponsored the various classes.

Thank you also to everyone involved in staging, judging, officiating and of course competing, making this, the first of the 2011-2012 Super Series river race classics, an outstanding success.
We hope to see you all back for the Feros Hotels 50th Bridge to Bridge water ski race in November ! It’s going to be huge !

Photography c./ Julie Tegart, Michael Geddes, Wade Bennett

Stone Watersports Club have a ski event the weekend of 10th September

On 27th & 28th August 2011 you can do or watch the the Longest 2-up River Ski Race Classic. From Windsor to Wiseman’s & back, the 2011 Hawkesbury 120 is set for speed.

Click here for full details

Emma Duckworth and her F2 Crew

Name:

Emma Duckworth

What team?

Team V-Maximize

Where are you from?

Auckland, New Zealand

Occupation:

Clinical Research Manager

What class do you compete in?

I observe in F2 Mens, Open Mens, Masters, SMOC and Sub-Juniors

What titles / championships do you have under your belt?

Various NZ and Trans-Tasman age group titles as a skier. That’s going back a few years now though!
As an observer, have picked up most NZ titles, including mens open a few times. I also have three 3rd place race medals at Worlds – one for the 4th race in 2003 in Junior Boys and then for races 2 and 4 at the 2007 Worlds in Mens F2. Those were particularly special being the only medals NZ has ever gained outside of Juniors.

What is a memorable moment, ski racing, that you would like to share?

The first race start at the 2007 World Champs in NZ that I was co-chair of the organising committee. It was pretty special bringing all those boats and competitors to NZ. Although standing on the podium for our two 3rd placings in Men’s F2 races came pretty close.

Biggest influence on your ski racing career?

Quent Swayn and Tom Curren – legends of NZ ski racing who really set the bar for attitude in NZ.

Which race / venue do you enjoy racing the most? Why?

Lake Taupo, New Zealand. The most beautiful place in the world, with really trying conditions. It’s never flat, and the hard fresh water can throw anything at you.

What are the challenges for you each race?

To not miss a thing. To be as on to it as I can at any moment and do the best job for my skiers.

How do you prepare for each race?

By following the same routine. Know what you need and what works for you and your skier.

What kind of training do you do and how often?

My Worlds skier and I prepare with Crossfit training (www.crossfitnz.co.nz) – this is intense broad training like no other. As well as on the water training whenever we can.

If a younger or newer competitor was coming through the ranks what piece of advice would you offer?

For observers I always offer the advice of anticipating each move before it happens. Don’t wait for someone to take advantage or for your skier to wave up or down – think ahead of the game.

Supporters / Sponsors?

Team VMaximize is sponsored by Mainfreight and Trojan Trailer parts.

Team VMax

Is there a race or title that you want to win most ? Why?

Bryce Newton Memorial 100 Mile Classic on Blue Lake in Rotorua New Zealand. Because this is the ultimate race in NZ, and I have come 2nd seven times!

We have started to help a very sick little 3 year old girl called Misty, in the Hawkesbury Region, who has Cancer, but to do even more we need your help ! … By next weekend’s Hawkesbury 120.

As we all know, this is a very long, expensive fight for life and Misty’s Family are looking down the barrel of losing their Family home.

Our very own Ski Racing NSW practical joker, Dave Coldy, originally offered to fore-go his flowing locks at the Mercury Marine H120 ski race, but only at a price!

He wouldn’t do it for less than $5000 !
Guess what ?!..
The warm hearted generosity of Ski Racers, has so far raised $8070 !!

We now ask your help to hit the magic $10,000 number and double, (or even triple ??) our original target, before the H120, in a week’s time !

Please continue to help show that we aren’t just people that race up and down the River, we care about our community as well.

If you can help this happen, please call Kevin Boylan on
M: 0409 367 251
H: 4579 9304
or email lumpy@hawkesburyradio.com.au and lets see Misty and her Family’s lives made easier, to fight this battle for life.

Please keep the love coming !

Let’s blow them away @ the H120 when they are presented with the proceeds.

Here is the list of generous people who are contributing to Misty’s fundraiser so far.

49. ??? YOU ??

Rob Harks has a great portfolio of shots from this month’s 5th and final round of the European Cup series in Cardiff.

You can see the full selection here

Brixham British National results are now available below. That was the final national championship race for 2011.

Click to download

Wendy Waite has sent through the up to date results for the British National Championships

Germany’s Tim Lewalter is looking for a pull at this weekends National in Brixham. If anyone is available to pull Tim please drop an email to kathi.herbenstreit@inode.at

Wendy Waite has provided an up to date list of the results so far in the National Championships. The final round will take place August 14th at Brixham

Steven Van Gaeveren has been clocking up wins for Belgium for a number of years and he follows in the footsteps of Belgium’s previous world class racers. In 2009 he became the F2 World Champion and on the weekend at Cardiff Bay he was named the 2011 F1 European Champion.

Thanks to Scott Brooks for keeping skirace.net updated with Twitter at Cardiff Bay for the European Cup.

After 5 rounds in four countries at Vienna, Viersel, Geel, Eguzon and Cardiff, the 2011 European Cup Champions are:

Thanks to Martine Ciroux, below are the results from yesterday’s 5th and final round of the 2011 European Cup racing at Cardiff Bay in the UK.

Let’s make “COLDY’S” head a queue ball for charity @ the H120 !

There is a very sick little 3 year old girl called Misty, in the Hawkesbury Region, who has Cancer.
As we all know, this is a very expensive fight for life and Misty’s Family are looking down the barrel of losing their Family home.

We have decided to help, but to do that, we need your help !

Our very own Ski Racing NSW practical joker, Dave Coldy, will fore-go his flowing locks at the Mercury Marine H120 ski race, but only at a price !

He wont do it for less than $5000 ! He reckons that he’s safe.. reckons that you guys wont dip into your pockets HA ! LET’S CALL HIS BLUFF !!
…we have raised $ 2500 after just 1 radio show, but need your help to hit the magic number before the H120 !

If you can help this happen, call Kevin Boylan on
M: 0409 367 251
H: 4579 9304
or email lumpy@hawkesburyradio.com.au and lets see Coldy shine !

** We only have two weeks ! Let’s dig deep for Misty and make Coldy into a Chrome Dome @ the H120 race weekend ! … you know you want to see it !! haha

Here is the list of generous people who are contributing to Misty’s fundraiser so far. Thanks to all !

Please call Boylo on
M: 0409 367 251 H: 4579 9304
and add yourself to the pledge list that he’s compiling.

1. Boylo $100

IS YOUR NAME HERE ? PLEASE HELP !

Images by robstorum.com.au

The UK has been battered by extreme weather over the past few months, resulting in National races having to be cancelled.

14th August is the date for round 8 of the British National Championships to be held at Brixham. Rob Jenkins has provided the racing pack

Dave Llewellyn & Howard Smith have published Bulletin #2 for the Cardiff Bay European Cup.

Click here to download bulletin #2 for participants

The official web site for the event is at www.cardiff.skirace.net
The Cardiff Tourism & Cardiff Harbour Authority links there have terrific information to help you get the most out of your visit to Cardiff. And also don’t forget the Cardiff iPhone app.

Note: The race venue post code for use with GPS / Sat Nav devices is: CF64 1TP

A big thank you to Luc & Pepe at www.powerboatracing.be for providing the action shot used in the poster below.
A big thank you also to Tony Fisher of www.spectrumcreative.co.uk – printers of Britain’s Waterski & Wakeboard magazine.

The Worlds greatest ski race has been captured by photographer Scott Shanklin & fellow shooter partner Daren Van Ryte. Between them they have captured over a 1,000 images. A few samples of the images shot by Scott & Daren

Team Captains for all nations – PLEASE help the race organisers for the Cardiff Bay European Cup Race by submitting all entries for your respective teams urgently.

Team Captains, please email your entries to Howard Smith
(Assistant Chief Judge) howard.j.smith@ntlworld.com

Note:
Teams should not submit their entries themselves. Everything must come via your Team Captain.

Click here to download the entry form

The entry form also for download from the event web site at www.cardiff.skirace.net (find it at the top right of the site).

Click here to vote !

Which sport will join the Olympic Games programme?

With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announcing its shortlist of sports vying for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympics, SportsPro is asking its readers, which one of the eight contenders will be added to the programme for the 32nd Olympiad?

Baseball

While baseball still remains as popular as ever in America, the IOC clearly deemed it to have less appeal on the world stage when, in 2005, it announced that baseball, like softball, would make its final appearance at the 2008 Games in Beijing. Despite making the latest shortlist, the sport is unlikely to be chosen so soon after being excluded, but will the IOC be convinced enough by the new bid to perform an uncharacteristic about-turn?

Softball

Softball’s high proportion of female participants may be its advantage over other sports in the list, mainly because the IOC is looking to increase female involvement in the Games. In fact, while the IOC noted the sport’s lack of global appeal for its exclusion from the programme, many were shocked by its decision, considering its well-publicised commitment to gender equality. Though softball has the support of Australian Olympic Committee president, John Coates, will the sport gain enough backing from other members of the board to see it reinstated on the Olympic roster?

Wakeboarding

The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) was recognised by the IOC in 1967 and, since then, it has grown to include over 90 member nations and organise a number of international competitions. Of the eight sports vying for inclusion, wakeboarding is the only watersport and its popularity is growing worldwide. IOC president Jacques Rogge said the sport “provides great entertainment for the spectators and adds further youthful appeal,” but will that be enough to see it included in the 2020 programme?

Squash

Squash’s campaign for a place on the 2020 sports programme has been led by one of the sport’s legends, six-time World Open champion Jahangir Khan. President of the World Squash Federation (WSF) until 2008, Khan believes that, while squash has been trying for inclusion for several years, it should be included “on merit.” Now, the WSF has turned to Vero Communications, run by public relations strategist Mike Lee, who previously worked on the successful summer Olympic bids for London 2012, Rio 2016 and the Qatar 2022 football World Cup bid, as well as the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Having narrowly missed out on the 2012 and 2016 Games, will it be a case of third time lucky?

Sport Climbing

While many in the climbing world doubt whether the sport will actually be included in nine years time, merely being considered by the IOC is widely regarded to be a huge step forward for the multi-discipline event. In 2007, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) was recognised as the world governing body for the sport, giving the newcomers the necessary organisational backing in the face of widespread criticism. Amongst other things, huge costs to build venues, a lack of popularity and doubts about broadcasting appeal have been outlined as reasons why the sport will not be included come 2020. However, despite its opposition, the sport remains popular in Europe and is growing rapidly, so will it be chosen when the IOC meet to announce the winner in Buenos Aires, 2013?

Roller Sports

In its review of roller sports’ previous bid for Olympic inclusion, the IOC cited the sport as having relatively low worldwide reach, little media appeal and small revenues for its failure to include it in the London 2012 programme. On the plus side though, the sport would cost little to stage, as it requires no new facilities, and would appeal to a younger audience. Roller speed skating, one of the sport’s sub-disciplines, is currently present at events like the World Games, the Pan-American Games, the Asian Games and the Mediterranean Games, but will roller sports win over the Olympic committee skeptics?

Karate

Despite being put forward, along with squash, to the final two in the selection process for the 2012 Games, karate missed out on being included due to receiving just a third of IOC member votes, well short of the two thirds required for inclusion. Over the years, the sport has been championed by Ticky Donovan, who helped Great Britain to five consecutive World Team Championship victories. According to him, “it’s the tenth most popular sport in the world and there’s 50 million people training now. We should have been included in the Olympics many years ago – it’s long overdue.” Do you agree with Donovan?

Wushu

As taekwondo is to South Korea and judo to Japan, so wushu is to China. Based on traditional Chinese martial arts, wushu is a full-contact discipline and would make for interesting viewing for foreigners who haven’t ever seen any action. But, despite the sport’s novelty factor for many, its obscurity and vast array of styles and judging criteria will most likely see it overlooked by the IOC, especially with the better known karate in the running. One proponent of the combat sport is film star Jet Li, himself a former Chinese wushu national champion. According to Li, realistically wushu will not be included for many years to come, but will the IOC take a gamble on the lesser known martial art?

*source – Sports Pro Media

About SportsPro Media

SportsPro Media provides a range of multi-media communications for the B2B sports industry.

Our team delivers the latest news, insights and analysis from the international business of sport, principally through our monthly SportsPro magazine, the DailyDeal e-bulletin and via our website: www.sportspromedia.com.

The SportsPro Daily Deal website offers details of every broadcast, sponsorship, personal endorsement, infrastructure, sports property and agency deal done in sport with a value of more than US$500,000.

We also produce a range of specialist supplements and annual reference reports (such as the F1 Black Book) that enable our clients and subscribers from the sports industry to make informed and efficient business decisions.

Working in partnership with an international portfolio of rights holders, sports sponsors, marketing professionals, broadcasters, governing bodies, federations, sports agencies and manufacturers, we have built an enviable reputation for the quality, depth and integrity of our products and services.

Carlos Rosas has provided a link interviewing Men’s overall winner Todd Haig and Ladies winner Erin Saunders from Team Nordic 63rd Catalaina Ski race champions

In a great effort to help make the Cardiff Bay weekend more affordable for many, the Cardiff Bay race organisers have announced that the Camper fees advertised for the event have now been cut from £100 to £60.

The event timetable of racing will be published this week.

The Cardiff Bay Race web site is at www.cardiff.skirace.net

**** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED ****

Ski Racing Nsw –

Unfortunately, we have to announce that we have had to cancel the Grand Prix to be held at Kanahooka, Sunday, August 7, due to there not being enough entries.

We will try to hold the next Grand Prix so our World Team can at least get another race under their belts before the Worlds start, if there are the numbers available.

Our apologies for any inconvenience caused, but entry numbers are not sufficient for expenses. Please enter early for the next Grand Prix.

Regards,
Ken Cheetham

www.skiracingnsw.com.au

Click here for the Show & Shine Flyer

ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE MERCURY MARINE H120, SRNSW HAVE A SHOW AND SHINE ON AT MCDONALDS, @ MCGRATHS HILL, FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST, FROM 3PM TILL 6PM

Come along and show off your Boat & Team on the eve of the Big Race!

THE PRIZES ARE….

BEST PRESENTED INBOARD AND TEAM $250

BEST PRESENTED OUTBOARD AND TEAM $250

BOTH SPONSORED BY MACCAS

BEST PRESENTED KIDS TEAM FROM UNDER 16’S DOWN

PRIZES FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS $100 EACH WINNER

PLUS GIFT PACK SPONSORED BY COLDYS http://www.coldys.com.au

NOTE THAT JUDGING GOES ON BOAT AND TEAM PRESENTATION

Prizes will be awarded at 5 pm
There will be great prizes for 2nd & 3rd place too !

Thanks to Sue Fleming, below are the corrected results from today’s British national racing at Hunstanton.

Austria’s Lukas Förstel is looking for an F3 team for the Cardiff European race.

If you are interested, email Lukas at: L.foerstel@gmx.at

Round 7 of the British Water Ski Racing Championships will be held at Hunstanton 24th July. Download the racing pack here

The final round of the 2011 European Cup Series takes place at Cardiff Bay in Britain. Before you go, make sure you download the Cardiff iPhone App so that you have all the local information at your fingertips.

Click here to find the link to download the Cardiff iPhone App

Thanks to Ken Vaughan, below are the full official results from the 2011 Catalina Water Ski Race.

Link to LA Times story from Catalina 2011

Link to LA Times Pics from Catalina 2011

Bulletin 1 for the final round of the 2011 European Cup to be held in Cardiff, GB is available for download below.

• Download Bulletin 1

Ski Racing NSW held the 2010-2011 Presentation Day at Sackville Ski Gardens for all class winners for the season, along with many other awards.

A massive thank you to all that attended and also to those that sponsored, officiated, supported and competed this last season. Congratulations also to all Hi Tec Oils Series Class competitors on a fantastic season of racing.

The Junior Development camps and days have been an outstanding success, proven by the average age of skiers that have taken home honoured trophy’s from the day.

* Thanks to Brooke Gray for the pics of the day.

Outstanding Achievement awards were presented to the following skiers.

• Male Skier of the Year – Jack Houston

Current Junior Boys World Champion, Jack had an absolutely perfect season of World Selection results and his lead up to defend his World Title in Queensland in September looks set to roll on. He just gets better and better.
Jack won 3 National Titles at the Hi Tec Oils Australian Titles in April, amongst a constantly rising plethora of other titles at the State level, in both Speed and Marathon disciplines. He added another 3 NSW Titles to the booty claimed this season too.
He is moving to another level in facing the challenge of racing the U19’s this season, only missing out on the National Title by 2 seconds to Jake Tegart. Also running in Under 19’s, Jack came 2nd in the 1 up Bridge.
Jack and Ben Hackett/Luke Keys have either won or placed in nearly every F2 Social and Expert race behind Brent & Fyfie and Tuff e Nuff at the Sydney B2B, H120, Mildura and other majors all over Australia.
He won this prestigious Male Skier of the Year Title last Season as well.

• Female Skier of the Year – Ann Procter – (Kennedy)

Ann, 4 time World Champion, added some more prestigious Silverware to her Cabinet taking out the Female Skier of the Year title for season 2010-11.
Ann won a total of 4 Titles at the Hi Tec Oils Australian Speed & Marathon Titles, becoming the most trophied skier of the titles.
Her performance at the World Course Trial in Sept 2010 saw an incredible display of fitness, beating #1 Aussie World Team selection Lauryn Eagle soundly.
Her performances throughout the season were always at an elite level, won with the ease and grace of a true champion. She added another couple of NSW Titles to her collection this season as well as a 2nd placing in F2 in the 1 up Bridge, amongst many others.

• Junior Male Skier of the Year – Jamie Moret

Jamie has had a great season and should be very proud of his results and achievements.
He took out the Australian Title for Under 16 Boys in April. Qualifying as reserve for the Junior Boys division at the upcoming World Titles would have to have been a highlight too, after some great skiing in the Selection Series races Oz wide.
In the Majors he partnered Brayden Jameson, behind Idle Wild. At the Southern 80 they took home 1st placing in Junior Boys and 2nd at the Mildura 100, Sydney Bridge to Bridge and the 2010 H120.
He went solo for the 2011 NSW Titles & 1 Up Bridge to Bridge and won Under 16 Boys, behind Seven at both.
He also competed at the Grand Prix, Region V & SRNSW Series’, with great success.

• Junior Female Skier of the Year – Shantelle King

Shantelle is definitely a skier with plenty of guts and grit and she showed that in the SRNSW Series, State Titles, Majors and Nats.
This season Shantelle won both the Australian and NSW Title in Under 13 Girls and Under 13 classes, partnered by Jack Harrison, in the majors, behind Rush.
They partnered for a great 2nd place, just 7 seconds behind the winner at the 2011 GTS Mildura 100, and broke the record at the Southern 80 and Grafton Bridge to Bridge (behind Seven) in Under 13’s. This season included an almost 2 & 1/2 minute win at the 2010 H120.
Individually, Shantelle showed her fitness & stamina when she won the under 13 girls class at the 1up Bridge.
She has shown herself to be a force to be reckoned with in Junior Girls and above too, even placing 7th in the Open Womens division at the NSW Titles.

• Most Improved Skier Male – Brayden Jameson

Brayden competed at SRNSW events & Region V this season and was improving very quickly, reflected by his lap times, all season long.
He came in for a great 2nd placing in Open Men’s, right behind Zig Walmsley at the 2011 National Titles. Brayden also came 4th in Unlimited Outboard, also behind Tuff N Up at the Titles.
At the Club Marine Southern 80 & Sydney Bridge to Bridge, Brayden teamed up with superstar Jamie Moret to win the Under 16 Expert behind IdleWild. 2nd at Mildura and the 2010 H120, again partnering Jamie, the only way is up for Brayden from here.

• Most Improved Skier Female – Jessica Wood

Jess won the Most Improved Female Skier of the year for the impressive performance that she showed us on the water this year.
She started this last season behind Nutcracker, partnered by Sarah Brooks, at the 2010 H120 where they came 2nd in Social Womens and they won the class at the Sydney Bridge to Bridge too. She won the 1 up Bridge in Under 16 girls behind The Edge and came home with 2nd in Under 19 Girls at the Southern 80.

• Boat of the Year – Superman

Darren McQuire and the Superman crew had a fantastic season, rounding it out with the award for the SRNSW Boat of the Year.
One of the most consistent Superclass boats running in Australia, the big F21 Force has also been selected to tow both Lauryn Eagle and Jack Whitton at the 2011 World Titles in September in Queensland.
Consistently in the top 5 in Super Class at the Majors, towing Daniel Cotton & Daniel Graziano, the change to the new hull has been a winning move. The boat runs all over the State and Country including the SRNSW Series, Grand Prix, Nats and State Titles coming home with a swag of trophies wherever they go.

Boat of the year:

1. Superman
2. Tuff E Nuff
3. Stinga
4. Shotgun
5. Seven

• Outright 2 up Team – Stinga

Greg Houston and Kevin Boylan, crewing the mighty Super Class boat Stinga, are always a force to be reckoned with when it comes to 2up racing. This was the season that Greg made the move to a brand new Force hull, retiring the old Connelly, after what can only be described as a stellar career. To win the Bridge to Bridge once is an honour, but 6 times is the stuff of legends. The sport would be poorer without the Team Stinga presence. The upcoming months will see the crew in readiness for the 17th World Titles in Qld.

Ski Racing NSW congratulates all crews on an awesome season’s racing !

F2 Winners – Team 50

Dave Coldy

Tiny Tots Encouragement Award – Carlie Stapleton

Under 19 Girls – 2nd – Nutcracker

Kenny Cheetham

1st – 2Up 6 Litre – Loosin’ it

Most run out of fuel – Steven Coyte – Shotgun

Tim Dubios

2nd – 2Up Under 16 Boys – Pop & Me

Kevin Boylan

Robert Brooks

Gary Hazy

All pictures, Copyright.* Brooke Gray

Aussie Ski Racer, Jack Houston, took some time out of his busy training schedule, to sit in the Racer of the Fortnight hot seat and answer some questions about his stellar career so far and what’s next for the current, defending, Junior Boys World Champion.

What team are you from / do you ski with ?
Team Stinga Racing / Tuff-e-Nuff

When did you start ski racing ?
When I was 8 in 2002

Where are you from ?
I am from Wilberforce, Sydney, NSW.

Do you get much on water training there ?
Only about once a week. Botany Bay is where I do most of my on water training

How do you prepare for each race?

I have a set routine in the morning, which involves 3 Weetbix when I get up. Before a race, I like to isolate myself from everyone else, I have a certain warm-up and stretching session and I eat a packet of red frogs and a banana.

What classes do you like to compete in most ?

Junior Boys, Social Men, F2.

Which race venues do you enjoy racing at the most and why ?

The Hawkesbury River, because its basically my home and Botany Bay because this is where I do mostly all of my on water training.

What sort of titles / championships do you have under your belt ?

I have won 5 NSW State Titles, 6 Australian Titles and 1 Junior Boys World Title.

Who’s been your biggest influence on your ski racing career?

My father has been my biggest influence on my ski racing career. When I was younger I was inspired by him winning all of these races like the Bridge to Bridge, driving the boat ‘Stinga”. One day I wanted to ski behind him and win some races of my own, so I stepped on a race ski, raced my first race and won. It also happened to be my first National Title too.
I loved the feeling of winning so I kept at it and my ability grew and grew as well as my love for the sport. This then got me to achieving my goal of getting to the top of winning a World Championship.
Without my father pushing me along I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I am sure that I have the same influence on him because if I weren’t racing, he wouldn’t be either.

What’s a memorable moment, ski racing, that you would like to share?

The most memorable moment for me was in 2009, winning my first ever World Championship. I will never forget the fourth race at Viersel, when I crossed that line, the pride that I felt was like nothing else, because I knew that I had truly achieved my goal.
That moment was even more special because I had my family and my close friends by my side throughout my whole campaign.

What are the challenges for you each race?

Well being the current World Champion, my biggest challenge is my competition. All of my competitors are out to get me on the water and beat me.
It is almost like I have a big target on my back, and I have to make sure that they don’t reach that target.

What drives you mentally to train and grow as an athlete ?

The feeling of winning keeps me going because there is nothing better than winning in my eyes and if I don’t feel like I have skied well or have gotten beaten. I will go to the gym the day after and train as hard as I can until I feel like I am ready to do my best again.

If a younger or newer competitor was coming through the ranks what piece of advice would you offer?

I would try to stress to them that it is important that no matter how big your goal may be, if you put the time and effort in, you can achieve that goal.

Do you have some hidden talent ?

I do! I can play the guitar and I can draw fairly well too. But other than that I am not too good at anything else.

What are your goals for 2011 and beyond ?

My ultimate goal at the moment is to win the 2011 World Championships in Queensland and to become the first Skier to win two Junior World Titles in a row. I have already achieved my first step of being the number 1 skier for Australia in Junior Boys.

Would you like to thank any supporters or sponsors?

I would like to thank DC Waterskis, Wizard Wetsuits and Coldy’s for supporting me. Without them my Worlds campaign would not be possible.
Also my family and the Keys family for taking me training, also the Boylan family for their contributions.

** Footnote..- Jack has just won Intermediate Mens @ Catalina 2011, backing up from his win last year in Juniors. He has also won the SRNSW Male Skier of the year for the 2nd time in a row.

…Some movies of Jack in action..

Team Stinga Racing @ the 2009 Belgium Worlds (part 1)

Team Stinga Racing @ the 2009 Belgium Worlds (part 2)

Jack and Ben Hackett behind Team 50/ Tuff e Nuff @ the 2010 Mildura 100

Jack and Ben Hackett finishing Grafton Bridge to Bridge 2009

Gosford World Team Selection Race 2008

*Photography kindly contributed by Linda Keys, Rob Storum, Vanessa Eyles, Billy Lacroix, Craig Coffey, Kate Houston

16th July Long Beach to Catalina Island and back. The 63rd Catalina Ski Race .66 boats on the start grid. Weather conditions perfect.As the engines started to roar a shiver went down my back..

www.robstorum.com.au

13 July Update:
River Dave has confirmed (on riverdavesplace.com) the unfortunate cancellation of the planned live feed for Catalina 2011 and writes …

“We have everything set in motion, and this Carmageddon deal with the 405 freeway happened. Long story short we have everything in place and ready to go, but we can not get a frequency from the FCC to broadcast from the Helicopters back to the Hotels. No frequency = no live feed. It was suggested that we record the race and broadcast it, but again with no frequency, the announcers can’t see the race for the audio etc..

I would like to say, this isn’t one of those we threw in the towel deals. SpotonDL has fought, clawed, bribed, borrowed, and begged to try and make this happen. A frequency is never impossible to come by, but with this news deal, every news agency in town is here, and the LAPD took the rest of the frequencies.. We even went so far as to talking to main guy at the FCC for the west coast, and tried to run it in a 2 hour window to no avail.

It is completely out of our hands at this point. All sponsors of the feed will be refunded their money, checks returned etc.. Any additional costs will be absorbed by CSR and myself.”

28 June Update:
The long beach boat and ski club are proud to announce the catalina ski race will be live on www.riverdavesplace.com

Projected start time for little boats at 8:53am

Announcers Sandy and Rick will be bringing the action with their amazing commentary.

Good luck to all competitors.
Ken Vaughan

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24 May:
The 2011 Catalina ski race will be broadcasted live via the internet . The infamous broadcasters Sandy ” The Sandman” Schwartz  &  Rick “Parker Oil” Fuscardo  are yet again in the hot seat for the 63rd Catalina Ski Race.

Follow Scott Brooks at the Catalina Water Ski Race From Wednesday 13th July with all the up to date events as it happens . If you can’t be at Catalina and want to know what is happening this is the place to watch it !

Thanks to Martine Ciroux here are the full results from this weekend’s racing at Eguzon in France.

Click here to download

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Ski Racing Victoria

The AGM for SRV will be held on Wednesday 3rd August, 2011 at the Skyways International Hotel, Melrose Drive, Airport West commending at 7.00pm.

Meals are available in the Bistro prior to the meeting.

Please come along and show your support for your committee.

The agenda and blank Proxy Form is available on the web site . Please note there is no vote required for Directors to the board of SRV as there were four nominations received to fill vacancies of four of the outgoing directors.

Any questions please contact our secretary or any of the SRV board members.

Regards,

David Bishop
Acting Chairperson
Ski Racing Victoria

In a generous and warmly received donation towards the success of the 17th World Water Ski Racing Championships, Mercury Outboards have generously donated an $18,000, 150hp Mercury Optimax Outboard motor, for someone to win !

There are a maximum of 2000 tickets to go on sale @ only $10 a ticket, or $100 for an entire book of ten.

The winner of this fantastic prize will be drawn at the World Titles Closing Ceremony on September 18th.

All proceeds will go towards the running of the World Titles, which are proudly sponsored by the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

If you would like to help join in the success of Queensland’s 1st ever World Titles and would like to help sell, or indeed purchase some tickets, please contact Eloise Anderson @ eloisun@optusnet.com.au

Many of the Australian Team Members also have a book of tickets to sell.

The 17th World Water Ski Racing Championships will be held @ Pelican Park, Redcliffe, Qld, from the 9th – 18th September.

For more info and event details please go to www.skiracingworlds.com.au

Eguzon is host to the European Cup 9th – 10th July. Nicolas Le Flohic has provided the updated bulletin for the weeknd’s racing.

All Ski Racing Australia members, you should have received your SRA renewal notice via email by now, however there have been quite a few enquiries about when they were being sent.

If you have not received your SRA Membership renewal by email then please contact SRA @

memberships@skiracing.com.au or Phone 02 6259 9548

Office Hours are Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm

It is important that you follow up with SRA, either they don’t have your correct email address or you have recently changed your email address.

Ski Racing Australia website – click here