Neville Fry captured the proud moment for the members of the 2009 Australian National Water Ski Racing Team and Wayne Mawer has shared it with us.

Kim Lumley rescues driver after Dutch team “The Dream” barrel rolls in Belgium. Action captured by Luc & Pepe www.powerboatracing.be

Update 31 March: by Deb Oben – Hey everyone – saw Dennis tonight at PA Hospital. Considering his long list of injuries, including about 20 broken ribs, punctured lung, broken pelvis (just to mention a few) he is looking ok. He is sitting up and talking slowly. He will be at the PA for at least another two weeks. The main thing, he is back with us… yeah! Deb x

Update 27 March: by Deb Oben –  Dennis has been transferred to PA Brisbane Hospital for an operation that was very successful. He is now out of his coma and is sitting up in bed. He should be out of ICU by Monday but in hospital for a few weeks. I will be hopefully visiting him next week so will update you all. Deb

24 March 2009: Deb Oben (Pat Cole’s daugher) has passed on the unfortunate news that Dennis Lindsay fell from a height and broke 4 vertebrae in his back and is now in a coma. Dennis is currently in ICU at Gold Coast (Queensland).

I’m sure that many old timers out there wish Dennis all the very best in pulling through this.

British Water Ski currently has a vacancy for a Development Officer to play a key role within the organisation to assist in achieving short and long term goals.

Kara Williams submitted this great shot of Mitch Williams flicking bunnies on the Hawkesbury River.

The Belgian organising committee has received requested from New Zealand seeking an F1 boat for a Junior Girl and an F2 for an F2 Men’s skier.

EAME Racing Council Secretary, Vera Van den Bossche, has published the latest version of the 2009 water ski racing calendar for the EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) region. Click on the calendar below to open a full size printable version.

Brooke Gray has shared these two shots which she took of Kurt Brooks in action with Nick & Wendy Feros.

Brooke Gray was in the right place at the right time to snap up Chris Stout’s bunny at Wisemans on the weekend.

Helmet cam of Nico Bertels taking the new GTS Bernico for a 150km spin down the canal. Also photos of the GTS

Aidan Rowe of Victoria races behind kane it in the 2.5 litre class. His cousin Daniel Rowe captured him pulling bunnies out of the Murray at Echuca over the Xmas holidays.

Chris Stout got caught pulling a Bunny at Wiseman’s on the weekend by Ringo Racing Photography.

12 superb shots by Daren Van Ryte from the recent racing at Parker USA. See Peter Proctor, Lacey Nordblad and others captured in action.

Vera Van Den Bossche writes; Welcome to the 2009 Worlds in Belgium!

Bulletin 2 – General Information: Camping Site

More Cairns action from Grant. This time he’s released the NQOSSA Cairns to Port Douglas promo, with special thanks to Charlie.

As most people in water ski racing know, Mike Avila has achieved a lot in the sport of water ski racing. He’s been on the ski and in the boat at the highest level and accomplished a lot in both roles.

Britain’s former world Junior team member, Sean McCann is currently in France and en-route to Rome. Sean writes …

Nicole Mitchell caught some great bunnies at the recent Robinvale by Brett Dominguez, Chris Stout, Daniel Shipp and others. You can also see them on the dedicated Bunnies page.

More great movie footage from North Queensland. This time it’s the 2007 Green Island Race. Learn more about the NQOSSA at www.nqossa.com.au

Nads vs. Nads Racing from Jeff Barrus on Vimeo.

Due to the threat of Cyclone Hamish that was of Cairns on Saturday the 7th the Ski race that was to be held was called of – reports Neville Fry of Cairns. He went onto say;

The False Cape Course on Saturday March 7th will officially be a “Race Day” not a Training day as previously stated. Go to http://www.nqossa.com.au for more details.

Check out the video footage of The 2008 Green Island Water Ski Race. Courtesy of North Queensland Offshore Ski Association – To enter the 2009 event visit www.nqossa.com.au for details.

Check out this great piece of movie action from Cairns, Australia. This is ski racing like nowhere else in the world. Ski, Swim & Run. Is that Wayne Mawer running up the hill on Fitzroy?

Water Ski Racing in North Queensland is alive and kicking with the North Queensland Off Shore Ski Association (NQOSSA) web site has a heap of stuff on its web site. Check it out at www.nqossa.com.au

Courtesy of Vera Van den Bossche at the EAME Racing Council, the 2009 EAME Racing rules are available here.

The EAME Racing Council has widely circulated the International Water Ski Racing rules which apply to European Racing in 2009. Also included are technical obligations, racing categories, bid obligations amongst many other things. Click below to open and print the 29 page PDF document.

EAME Racing Technical Bulletin 2009

The infamous Günter Schmutz from Austria has sent in a few photos of some of his new bunnies. They’re posted below and on the main bunnies page.

America’s Andy Anderson has announced a fundraiser night to promote “Puddingstone Fun Day”  – a day with entry level races and a unique racing format.

With six of the eight selection races now run and done, there’s a lot of talk about who will or won’t be in the team.

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

Chris Grabyn has published his shots of the 2009 Southern 80 at

www.multi-verse.net

Mirror Image

Top Gun

Cinders

Fresh from Belgium, the organisers of the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships have published bulletin 2 for the big event in July. Vera Van den Bossche and her team have done a superb job of putting together this 21 page information pack. It’s a 3mb PDF file so be patient if your net connection is running on low octane fuel.

Rob Storum was right in the thick of the action again and shares these sensational shots that he captured at Wisemans Ferry on the weekend when Australia’s best fought it out as the Aussie World selection races draw close to their end.

I caught up with Wayne Mawer and Kim Lumley just before the 2008 Diamond Race to see what they had to say about canal racing and the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Belgium.

Wayne Mawer won another hard fought world selection race today in Australia. Peter Procter was 2nd and Chris Stout 3rd.

More news and photos when they become available.

Check on the previous results from the Aussie selections here or on the Aussie Worlds page at www.skiracing.com.au

Calendar for Aussie World Selection Races

Race 1 & 2
Saturday and Sunday 8th & 9th November 2008 at
Gosford.

Race 3 & 4
Monday 19th and Wednesday 21st January 2009
Lake Charm Victoria.

Race 5 & 6
Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th 2009 February are
Wisemans Ferry

Race 7
Saturday 28th March 2009
Lake Charm Victoria

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

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

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

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

Rob Storum has shared some sensational shots from the 2009 Southern 80 weekend. Rob said; “mate it was one of the strangest weekends I’ve had.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria, Australia. Ambulance and Emergency Services have been deployed to other regions in the state. The BBC reports here.

Due to this action, the organisers of the Southern 80 have had to abandon the racing today (Sunday).

Please visit the S80 web site for updates on plans.

Plenty of racing took place on the Saturday of the 2009 Southern 80 weekend. You can get all the results here at the S80 web site. More racing Sunday.

Below are the top three from the Baker’s Blitz

1st
Blazen
Noel Griffin
Bernard Simpson
Chris Stout
Grant Turner
Time: 6 mins 50.88 seconds
Ave speed: 175.60 kph

2nd
The Syndicate
Garry Rudd
Clif Bamford
Kevin Vahtrik
Danny Cropper
Time: 6 mins 53.26 seconds
Ave speed: 174.33 kph

3rd
The Mistress
Leo Welch
Bradley Johnson
Jai Welch
Zac Welch
Time: 7 minutes 23.81 seconds
Ave speed: 162.52 kph

Mark Cranny from Team Hell has won the Southern 80 4 times already. Can he do it again in 2009?

Wim Lamot has issued the final 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships Promo movie.

André Schürle, the driver from the F1 Team Germany water ski racing team recently arranged a superb event in Lech am Arlberg, Austria.

Below are a selection of the boat and skier shots from In Tha Zone Images at the recent Aussie Titles / World Selections Race 3 & 4 at Lake Charm in Victoria. Rob Storum gives a special thank you to HB Promotions for getting him down for the Championships and to Brian Nutley and Ian Pearse for getting the lines he needed.

In Straham, Tasmania on Saturday 31st January 2009 at 7am, hundreds of skiers, assistants and organisers attempt to beat the long standing record of 100 skiers set by Cairns & District Powerboat and Ski Club on 18th October 1986. Watch the Cairns record here.

Wayne Mawer was one of the skiers in 1986

Strahan’s attempt is planned for Sunrise on Saturday however all day Saturday and Sunday is reserved for a backup in case of bad weather or technical difficulties.

See www.skirecord.com for full details.

One of Bernico’s customers has asked them to build a TS model with twin Merc 300 short shaft engines on a Bernico trailer.

Stephen Robertson of Australia writes …yesterday (06.30am Saturday 24th January – Sydney time) 2 of my very good friends & former fellow ski racers David Morris & Dean Hanckel were involved in a tragic accident whilst on a training ride for an upcoming ironman triathlon, they were struck down by a truck causing Dave’s death, at this stage Dean is fighting for his life.

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

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

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

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

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

21 Jan update – By Neville Fry —
Wayne Mawer has taken out the forth selection race at Lake Charm – second was Chris Stout, third Ben Gully. Unfortunately Peter Proctor’s boat had another problem before half way through the race –  Peter was leading at the time. These two skiers have not had a full race without a mishap, when they do it will be a good race.

===================================

Selection Race Highlight Results
Note: On the official results for the 4th day of racing, there is no “1” for 1hour. So you probably need to add the hour onto the Men’s times below. e.g. Wayne didn’t do the race in 3 minutes and 34 seconds.

You can find complete selection results for F1, F2 & Juniors here at the Ski Racing Victoria web site

Day 1 – Day 2 – Day 3 – Day 4

Men’s F1 World Selection Race 4

1st
Tru Blue
27 laps
03:34
Wayne Mawer
Mark Cranny
Damien Matthews

2nd
BURNN
27 laps
04:20
Chris Stout
Noel Griffin
Mike Kelly

3rd
Merc Force
04:35
Ben Gulley
Don Gulley
Gerald Gulley

Women’s F1 World Selection Race 4

1st
Still Crazy
19 laps
49:41
Cara Jochinke
Geoff Jochinke
Rod Hogben

2nd
Thunder
19 laps
49:54
Bethany Pledger
John Jnr Robertson
Adrian Pickering

3rd
Tuff-N-Up
16 laps
49:46
Lauryn Eagle
Danny Knappick
Rory Brown

Men’s F2 World Selection Race 4

1st
Force This
25 laps
03:30
Mark Weaver
Troy Kennedy
Jason Bennett

2nd
Tuff E Nuff
24 laps
03:10
Daniel Cotton
Brent Wisemantel
Andrew Fyfe

3rd
Showbiz
24 laps
04:11
Richard Souwer
David Tidswell
Trent Souwer

Women’s F2 World Selection Race 4

1st
Tuff E Nuff
19 laps
50:21
Trudi Stout
Brent Wisemantel
Andrew Fyfe

2nd
Still Sparken
19 laps
50:36
Kylee Jones
Craig Boswell
Murray Hackett

3rd
Stalker Evinrude
18 laps
49:51
Susan Cartwright
Brad Groves
Shaun Williams

Junior Boy’s World Selection Race 4

1st
Sudden Force
12 laps
33:16
Jack Houston
Greg Houston
Kevin Boylan

2nd
Smack That
12 laps
33:47
Ben Hackett
Wayne Harrison
Murray Hackett

3rd
Tru Blue
12 laps
34:29
Ben Pearse
Mark Cranny
Damien Matthews

Junior Girl’s World Selection Race 4

1st
Prime Time
10 laps
33:46
Sarah Teelow
Chris Teelow
Adrian Pickering

2nd
Tuff-N-Up
10 laps
33:47
Maddison Boyer
Danny Knappick
Rob Henderson

3rd
Heat
10 laps
34:37
Natalie Keys
Bernie Elliott
Graham French

=========================

19 Jan – Wayne Mawer won the third Aussie selection race in Men’s F1 at Lake Charm. In the other selection races, Cara Jochinke won the Women’s F1 whilst Trudi Stout won Womens’ F2. Daniel Cotton secured a win in Men’s F2 and in the Juniors it was Jack Houston and Sarah Teelow taking the honours.

The selection races have been run as part of the Australian Titles week and hosted in Victoria.

Please find herewith the invitation for our “1st EAME RACING SEMINAR 2009” which will take place at Amsterdam on the weekend of March 14, 2009.

Carlo Cassa has proudly announced that at 20:45 on 18 Jan in Cantù (Como), Italy, Barbara brought their son Giacomo Cassa into the world.

Jeff Barrus has published a snippet of footage of the 2008 Catalina DVD which is scheduled for release on 15 Feb.

Who’s voice was on the video and when?

Vera Van den Bossche of Belgium writes … Dear all, It is with great sadness that I have to inform you all that Hugo Van Loon at the age of 64, passed away this morning January 13th caused by a heart attack.

Hugo was a well known figure amongst us, not only as International Judge but also as former racer, Chairman of WSV Racing,  Belgian Judge and Organiser of the Antwerp edition for the Worlds 2009.

The funeral will take place on Saturday January 17th at 09.30 a.m. in the Church of Sint Katarina at Stabroek (Belgium).

14 Jan update

Services for Howard
Saturday, January 24 @ 2:00 pm

The River Christian Reformed Church
459 E Highland Ave
Redlands CA 92373
909 798-2221

Gathering following:
Redlands Country Club
1749 Garden St
Redlands CA 92373
909 793-1295

—————————–

Many will already have heard the terribly sad news that Howard Haig passed away on 9th January.

Howard was returning from a trip to Miami and was taken ill whilst at the airport. An ambulance took Howard to hospital, he was stabilized, but then passed away.

So many people will be saddened by the loss of this most charismatic and friendly member of the water ski racing world and my thoughts go to his sons Todd, Michael and other family and friends at this difficult time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ski Racing Australia wishes to advise that DVD orders are now being taken for each River Race Classic for the 2008/09 season.

British Water Ski has a vacancy for an experienced Operations Manager to play a key role within the organisation to assist in achieving BWS short and long term goals.

Since Tony Williams stepped down from his seat of British Racing Chairman, GB has been busy considering who is the right person to take on the role and take British water ski racing forward in 2009.

3 Jan
– Hello and Happy New Year,
Thought I would give another update on Kevo. The new year brought special meaning to our family as Kev was coming home. He now is resting at home under the care of his wonderful wife and looked in on by all of the great people that love him and have missed him so much. Kev is in no way brand new yet as he is still weak from the horrible test that he has been through. He still has two drains coming from his side and the vacuum for the cut down the middle of his tummy. He still has weeks of drugs to take for the infections but the great news is they have worked and are working to get them out of his body all the way.They say the cut for the surgery will take a few more weeks to close up and then time to heal from there.

My sister and Kev got to have there Christmas and I know for her it was the best one ever as she recieved the present sent from heaven. I do know that all of you wonderful people that prayed for Kev or just wished him well that it worked and it continues to work. I will never be able to say thank you enough for helping to stop our family from loosing Kev. He was so close at times to leaving us but your prayer and wishes kept him here. Kevo fought like a Sparten for his life and I am so proud to be a part of the love and friendship that has surrounded him during his fight. All of you that helped with your prayer and hope should feel so proud as well as we have saved a life. We have helped one of gods gifts to stay here and continue to give his love and support to everyone he touches because that is who he is.

This will be a great year for our family and for all of you that believe that it is not what you have in your life but who you have in your life, it is not about how hard life will fight you but how you fight back. If you have the love from friendship and the love of family there is not a battle you cant win.This year will be so hard for many with the way the World is today, with jobs becoming less and less and money harder to make. We all need to remember that this is just one of the fights that life brings on to us and how we fight back is what is important. If you have your health and you have your friends and with the love of family you can take on anything.

I believe in my family and my family of friends and with that all of the fights that life will bring on to me are no more than bumps in the road that I will get over and be better for it.Kev has proved this as well, he will get past this and be better for it. Remember when you feel like the world is pushing you down look into your heart and push back !!

I thank you all for being there for my family and I truly love you so much for it.
– Mike

24 Dec
– Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone, I thought I would give you all an up-date on Kevo. He is getting better a little bit each day and stronger each day the same.He is now is a room upstairs from the TCU unit and can get more rest there. His temp and heart rate have been holding for 4 days now and seem to be going in the right direction to get him back to normal. He is now taking walks 3 and 4 times a day and eating solid food. The best news is that the infection seems to be on the run out of his body ! and if it keeps going he will be off the IV’s maybe in a couple weeks. He has a bunch of swelling from holding water but they seem to think that will go away once he gets stable with the diet and walking more and more each day. We are so thankful for all that have been wishing and praying for Kev, we believe that it has made him get better. He is not out of the woods yet but like I told him today ” the trees are getting smaller and smaller and we can see the way out of the forest” we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and know its not another train coming our way. Kevo has fought like a Hero and I am sure he will keep fighting as this fight has a long way to go yet. Please have a happy and Merry Christmas and when you sit and pray before you eat please add this wonderful man to your prayers. My family thanks you very much for that! – Mike Avila

To help encourage people to attend the 2009 series of water ski races in Britain a glossy A5 programme for all of the races is being produced.

The 2009 Polar Bear Catalina Ski Rally is getting close and a great way for those in the US to enjoy some off-season time on a race ski.

As Tony Williams steps down from the role of British Team Captain (read more), Wayne Harvey has agreed to fill this key post in British water ski racing.

Once again the Annual British Racing Ball this year was an extremely well organised and very well attended occasion.  At the end of a very successful evening and following on from the presentations by British Water Ski Honorary President Lord Moynihan, Tony Williams made a most unexpected announcement.

Belgium’s Steve Flament has recently launched waterski racing forum at www.supersnelleboten.be

Chris Grabyn of Multiverse has shared his shots of the action on the Hawkesbury the other week at the 2008 Sydney Bridge to Bridge. A selection is below and you can find dozens more at www.multi-verse.net

Whilst the IWSF Racing Council choose not to remove rule 3.03, National Federations have jumped to the rescue to save their skiers from the constraints that this rule poses for international skiers.

Months after the IWSF Racing Council dictated that Chris Stout, Peter Procter and Darren Kirkland could not ski with the teams of their choice at the 2009 World Water Ski Racing Championships (if selected for their national teams), international pressure has resulted in an about-turn for Britain’s Darren Kirkland.

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

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

1991 World Champion Paul Robertson, and Peter Procter won the 2008 Sydney Bridge on the weekend.

Rob Storum of InThaZoneImages shares Hellrazor’s story from the weekend’s Bridge in Sydney. If you look at the third image, that`s how close second place was with about 2 mins remaining in the race – they eventually won by 11 secs.

Following on from Justin Frank’s announcement on 2nd Oct, he writes …

It was Chris Stout who won the 1st round of the Aussie F1 World selection races on Saturday at Gosford towed by Burnin with Noel Griffin & Michael Kelly. 1991 World Champion Paul Robertson was 2nd and 1997 World Champion Wayne Mawer was 3rd.

Kelly at Force Boats in Australia has just published a bunch of Aussie news below. Plus check out the movie at the bottom of this page.

Rob Storum of inthazoneimages.com.au captured a fair share of rough water action at the first two Aussie World Team selection races last weekend in Gosford NSW. In the order they appear you can see: Kurt Brooks, Thunder & Burnin, Lauryn Eagle, True Blue, Grant Turner and Paul Robertson.

America’s Carl Johnson dropped me a positive note this week with the great news of his recovery after the accident he suffered recently.

He wrote …”Hi Robbie,  I just wanted to write to say thank you for all the heartfelt letters I have received via your website. Our ski racing community is truly amazing. To update as to my progress:

I was taken of the ventilator last Sunday and have started to recover quickly.  I have been sent home to recuperate there. Overall I am doing well and look for a speedy recovery.

Thanks again
Carl

America’s Don Brice recently passed away and many old timers will be saddened by the news. Don’s son Keith said; “back in the early 70’s, we had the Macmanus family stay at our home. This was the first year the Aussies came to the states!”

If you want some serious water ski racing action, you’ll be pleased to know that Belgium’s dynamic duo Luc@s & Pepe have just published more outstanding shots of the water ski racing in Belgium. This time they’re of the final race of the Belgian 2008 water ski racing season.

Go to here to see more action: http://www.powerboatracing.be

Health warning – not suitable for the out of touch

Guido Bollen writes tells us that some prominent water ski racers (Carlo, Stefano, David, Piero, Antonello, Marina, etc…) have put their hands together to organise a reunion to celebrate a special occasion of 40 years of water ski racing in Italy. To meet again with all water ski racing friends we have not seen for many years.

Last week when Guido was in Italy these charismatic characters of water ski racing contacted him and it is the intention that water ski racers (from the past and present times) from all over the World participate in this event. Perhaps even to see a closed door re-opened to watch the re-emergence of infamous “GIRO DI LARIO” move back onto the international water ski racing stage.

This reunion will take place on Saturday November 29th, 2008 in the “Centro Nautico Garlate” and will be followed by a dinner in “Hotel Nuovo” at Garlate (both well know under to Giro de Lario fans).

You will find an invitation with information where to book below.

For further info contact Carlo Cassa ( carlo@pifferi-alpi.com ) – the international ambassador for this event!

biglietto-centro-nautico

invitation-italy-291108

Check out the 5 minute movie of the recent US Open at San Diego

Daren Van Ryte was at the US Open taking shots of the event and managed to grab a few nice Bunny Hops that he will send in shortly. Here’s one of the Cole brothers for starters.

Cole Water Ski Racing

www.ocphotographics.com
www.darenvanryte.photoreflect.com
www.justintimephoto.photoreflect.com

Were you at Royal Victoria Docks, London in 1985 for the British Nationals? If so, you might like to watch the 11 videos that Louis Newbury-Smith has shared with us online. Including Darren Kirkland’s strip-o-gram.

Kelly at Force Boats writes of more excitement on the race track at the Grafton Bridge to Bridge last weekend.  And remember to watch Foxsports 1 – Saturday 11th Oct – Speed Week – 1am.

Rob Storum of In Tha Zone Images shares photos of the recent winning team “Burnin” at last weekend’s Grafton Bridge to Bridge in Australia.

Jamie Cramphorn stumbled upon Bob Wing’s article “Water Skiing in 1643” which was published in Bob’s book; “Water Skiing In Australia”. Here it is …

Maria Harrod took this sensational shot of two superb skiers in action at Grafton Australia recently.

Helen Britnell of HB Promotions says that due to a scheduling change at Foxsports outside her control, the first part of the Evinrude BRP Hawkesbury 120 will be seen as follows:

Luc@s & Pepe have posted some great shots from the Belgian race at Cheratte here

Karen Brooks writes; “I would like to thank to everyone for attending the Golf Tournament. Without your support the event wouldn’t have been so successful. Pictures have been posted on the web www.karlbrooks.com

Karl Brooks Memorial Golf Day 2008

If you are in interested in future events, please sign up on the web site.
Regards
Karen Martin Kurt & Scott

The 2008 Sydney Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic will be held on 15th & 16th November and entry forms are available now. For the entry form a much more, go to http://www.waterskinsw.com.au/bridgetobridge.php

or click on the image below.

Peter Procter, Mallory Nordblad and Marshal Cole enjoyed overall wins at the Lake Elsinore Marathons in USA on 20/21 September 20 & 21 and full results are now available at the NWSRA web site here:

Photo below from the weekend by Daren Van Ryte
Skier : Brad Rayne

People the world over will know of the legendary great-grandmother and infamous water ski racer; Mary McMillan of Sydney, Australia.

Kara Williams reports that, unfortunately, (at this stage), Mary will not be competing in the anuual Sydney Bridge to Bridge this year after entering around 40 (pls send correct number) of the events so far. In fact, Mary has competed in every single Sydney Bridge to Bridge race with friends, family but most recently in the last 2 years with her great grandson, Brock McMillan.

Mary has just successfully undergone a hip replacement at Concord Hospital in Sydney on Tuesday 23rd Sept and I certainly wish her a prompt recovery and congratulations for everything she has achieved and done for water ski racing over many decades. If you would like to post you good wishes here, simply use the comments section below.

IN THA ZONE IMAGES from the NSW water ski racing championships RD 2 – 2UP RACE , Wiseman’s Ferry Australia.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, below are the results from last weekends final British National race at Stone, along with the full results for the 2008 series.

Many people all over the world know America’s Mike Bemis. He has been in our sport for decades. Mike is now suffering with a brain tumor which has grown to the size of a half dollar.

On Wednesday there is a preop and next Tuesday is the surgery at Loma Linda.

When Nikki Yedor last spoke with Mike, he was in good spirits.

I am sure that many people share my wish that Mike gets through this quickly and with as little suffering as possible.

You can send messages to Mike via info@nwsra.net or in the comments section below.

Robbie

Tony Williams has announced that the annual Racing Ball is to be held at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on the 6th December. (All details enclosed with the Booking Form below)

Ski Racing Australia has negotiated water ski racing coverage for the year ahead on SBS – Speedweek and Foxsports – Inside speed. Below is the schedule of viewing for all races that will be covered.

Kim Lumley tells us about Como Sportivo Training Camp in Italy …

The camp last week on Lake Como Italy was GREAT!

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

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

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

President Steve Shipp & Members of Ski Racing Victoria

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

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

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

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

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

Left to Right: Bernie – Luke – Cameron