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Ski Racing - 1999 News
12th May 1999
THE 1999 SYDNEY BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
It's scheduled for 21st November but the official calendar has not been issued yet so it's not ...official.
5th May 1999
NEW ZEALAND BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
The NZ Bridge to Bridge is held every year in late November, early December. This year's is expected to be scheduled a couple of weeks after the Sydney Australian
Bridge to Bridge, so teams can come down for both events!!! NZ hopes to see overseas boughts shipped to NZ for this great event, but there are a limited number of
boats available for interested skiers.
The race is 72km long from Cambridge to Taupiri, and then back to Hamilton. The river is narrow (in comparison with the Sydney B to B) and skiers wind their way
along the river, leaving one boat at a time. Waiting at the other end for all boats to come through before returning to the middle of Hamilton City.
More news on what promises to be a superb event, as it's available.
Thanks to Mel Angus for the info.
GOSFORD NSW - OZ
Gosford's last race of the season is to be on sunday next - May 9th There will also be Jetski racing at approximately 12:00 and after the last mini. General enquiries:
Ski racing - Reg Bowman 0411042700
Jetskis - Ken Lovegrove 0243897454
27th April 1999
AUSTRALIAN WORLD SELECTION RACE AT PORT PHILLIP BAY
In sunny Melbourne on the weekend 24th and 25th April, another round of the Australian World Selection Race and feature Water ski races were held.
The races took place on Port Phillip Bay on relatively flat water. Consistency was the name of the two days racing with Joanne Hamilton in the Women's events,
Stephen Robertson the Men's events and Leeanne Edwards the Junior Girls events, each winning both days events.
Saturday’s racing saw, Joanne Hamilton (QLD) take out the selection race for Women skiing 22 laps in a time of 48:32.2. Joanne skied behind The Sting with Cliff
Priest driving and Pat Ioranni observing. Next were Tracey Graziano (NSW) behind Tuff en Nuff and then Cherie Williams (NSW) behind The Judge.
The next selection race was the Juniors with The Judge towing Daniel Shipp (VIC) in the boys race, leading the field over the line, with 14 laps and a time of 33:43.5.
Assisting Daniel was driver Gavin Bricker and observer Rick Love. Shane Weaver (QLD) was in second position behind Top Gun and Robert Cheetham (NSW)
behind Tuff en Nuff was third.
The Girls race, saw Bethany Pledger (VIC) lead for over half the race, but beaten with endurance and boat by Leeanne Edwards (VIC) skiing behind Under the
Hammer. Geoff Campbell was the driver and Barry Robertson the observer. Leeanne completed 12 laps in a time of 33:56.7. Second was Sub Zero 2 towing Chloe
Shipp (VIC) and then Chelsea Blight (VIC) behind Simple Minds - third. Anne Proctor had boat troubles in the starting grid and did not complete the course.
The Men's selection race was hotly contested between Jamie Graziano, Stephen & Paul Robertson and Brett Armstrong. Stephen Robertson(NSW) skiing behind
Firebird recorded the fasted lap of the day with a lap time of 1:57.0, to take line honours with 29 laps in a time of 1:04:03.0 Driving Firebird was John Robertson with
Barry Robertson observing. Second was Top Gun towing Jamie Graziano (NSW) and third Brett Armstrong (NSW) behind The Judge.
The feature races, each of four laps saw, Touche with Bridie Anderson skiing - win Social. Pest with James Kennedy win SMOC/6Litre and Airtime with Scott Brown
win MOC/8Litre.
Sunday saw warmer condition, but with a little more chop on the bay. As the day progressed more and more pleasure craft were on the water to watch spectacular
racing.
Joanne Hamilton once again won the Women's selection race with 22 laps in a time of 48:35.6. There was a reversal in the minor placings, compared to Saturday’s
racing. Cherie Williams (NSW) skiing behind The Judge was a second and Tracey Graziano , third behind Tuff en Nuff.
The Junior Boys event was once again a close tussle with Chris Singleton (NSW) skiing 14 laps for a winning time of 35:03.8. Chris skied behind Legless, with Adrain
Heffernan driving and Shane Wilson observing. Next was Shane Weaver (QLD) behind Top Gun and then Daniel Shipp behind The Judge.
In the Girls race, Leeanne Edwards was again a winner by completing 12 laps in a time of 34:13.5. Second was Anne Proctor (NSW), skiing behind Pest who stepped
in to tow Anne after 2 Fast 4 You broke on Saturday. Third was Lucky with Bethany Pledger.
The Men's race again was a crowd stopper with Stephen Robertson behind Firebird, once again winning by completing 28 laps in a time of 1:02:44.0. Second was Brett
Armstrong behind The Judge and third Jamie Graziano behind Top Gun.
The feature races saw, Wizard with Darren (Crusty) Purdom win Social, Insanity with Todd Buzza take out SMOC/6Litre and MOC/8Litre.
A great venue and racing was had by all with perfect weather conditions for skiers, boats and spectators.
Thanks to Julie Gollege for this great report.
Results at: http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~golledge
21st April 1999
LEANNE BROWN WILL NOT DEFEND HER TITLE
Long time observer of Leanne, Errol Thurgar has today confirmed that, despite ant rumours, Leanne Brown at this stage will not be competing in the World
Championships in Spain. At this stage her injuries are not responding as quickly as we would like and are not prepared to take the risk of permanent injury.
BILL McLAUGHLIN & MARY McMILLAN RACE- AUSTRALIA
The running of the Bill McLachlan, Mary McMillan and Invitational Engine class races were held at Wisemans Ferry on the Hawksbury river Sunday 18 April, 1999.
The day was a sunny day with smooth water conditions, the temp was around 25 degrees Celsius. A good crowd gathered to watch the running of these events which
are regarded as the best competitors in Australia. The Bill McLachlan got under way first with The Sting taking the honors, Daniel AULD was skiing in a time of
24.31.47. Firebird came home in second place with Stephen Robertson skiing, their time was 24.58.59. The Axe took third place with Troy Penny skiing with 25.43.74
on the clock.
The Mary McMillan was run straight after the Bill McLachlan with Mary herself running in the event being towed by her son and daughter in law in Looney tunes. All
this and celebrating her sixty sixth birthday the day before as well. She raced with credit to herself and the sport finishing the race in a time of 30.46.21. First place
went to The Sting, Tracey Graziano skiing in 22.21.06, second place went to Argo with Lisa Moxham skiing 23.06.68 and third place going to Moonlight and Cherie
Williams skiing in 23.10.36.
The age and Engine class in invitational saw Two six litre boats take the honors with Hazy towing Peter Hunter first in 16.41.96 and Brett Worsley behind Moonshine
coming home second in 16.46.43. Third place was Polycraft racing a twin rig with Daniel Joyce skiing in a time of 16.52.43. A good day was had by all with some very
close and fast racing.
Thanks to Darren Stewart for this report.
WORLD SELECTION RACE & FEATURE RACE - AUSTRALIA
Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria, on Saturday 24th April and Sunday
25th April 1999.
Order of Events:
Women's World Selection Race - 45 minutes + 1 lap
Social Class - 4 laps (feature race)
Junior Boys & Junior Girls World Selection Race - 30 minutes + 1 lap
SMOC Outboard & 6 Litre Inboard - 4 laps (feature race)
Men's World Selection Race - 1 hour + 1 lap
MOC Outboard & 8 Litre Inboard - 4 laps (feature race)
TASMAN CHALLENGE - AUSTRALIA Vs NEW ZEALAND
Victorian Junior ski Race team is back from New Zealand with the shield. The Vic's beat New Zealand by just 65 points in very close racing between all skiers.
Ashley Smith(vic) and Chelsea Blight(vic) took out both of their events in the sub junior classes on both days. Ashley had some close racing on Sunday, but managed to
shake off Brad Dutton(nz) to take the second event. Chelsea took convincing wins both days while beating home the sub junior boys on Sunday when Ashley slowed
down after Brad's fall for a well deserved rest.
Daniel Shipp(vic) and Bethany Pledger(vic) had some closer racing in the junior events, with both taking out their events on Saturday. Sunday saw both the Victorians
getting beaten in close racing which saw only 3 points separate the junior boys with Daniel taking second placing overall, and only 16 points separating the junior girls
with Bethany also taking second place overall.
Under 19 division 2 also saw some good races with Troy Wilkinson(vic) taking out both his races. Troy's competitor - Scott Tait(nz) - had to ski up a class and race in
under 19's as New Zealand had a few troubles finding skiers. Elise Jochinke(vic) also had some great races finishing third on both days, New Zealand's invitation skier -
Jessica Sloane - took out both races with Alice Duckworth(nz) coming in second.
Under 19 division 1 had some trouble on Saturday with Blackout towing James Minchin(vic) having a few engine problems( the motor broke off while towing James flat
out) causing the boat to flip throwing both driver and observer out. All were Okay and once the boat was towed out racing continued. This caused a few problems for
both Hailey Sith(vic) and James, as James broke his rope 3 times and couldn't continue and Hailey lost her 1 lap lead causing her to lose by a total of 4 seconds. Sunday
saw a better day and James went out and won very convincingly in his race and Hailey coming a good second in hers.
Presentation saw Victoria take home the shield by just 65.05 points. A good weekend racing and socialising was had by all. And a good team effort was shown by both
the Victorian and New Zealand teams and we are all looking forward to a bigger better competition to be held next year in Victoria.
Thanks to Lisa Carne for the run down.
14th April 1999
DON'T FORGET THE AVERAGE 109MPH
Driver Ken Broughton Observer Heath Broughton Skiers Daniel Auld & Scott Dominguez set a new record with 'The Sting' at the Mildura 100 Easter weekend in
Victoria Oz in 32min:26.88secs. That's 100km of skiing at an 'average' speed of 109.11mph. The Sting was clocked at a top speed of 198km that day on the Murray
River.
LEANNE BROWN RECOVERING
It's been 3 weeks since 3 time World Champion Leanne Brown of Australia fell during a race & sustained a number of injuries. It apprears from a recent MRI that
there is no permanent damage but she still has no tricep movement and her leg is still heavily braced. Her ribs are still a little sore from the bruising. She is said to be
sounding very positive and it's just a matter of time now to see how well her knee and arm recover.
TOW REQUIRED IN AUSSIE RIVER RACES
Andrew and Shaun are looking for a tow in 6, Stock 6, 5.2 litre expert for all river races in the 1999-2000 season. As a pair both have experience in social and expert
and have won under 19 expert (Murray Bridge) and under 16 (Southern 80). Raced in 175hp this year. Please write to veg81@hotmail.com if interested.
8th April 1999
WORLD SELECTION RACE & FEATURE RACE - AUSTRALIA
Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria, on Saturday 24th April and Sunday 25th April 1999.
Entries close on Wednesday 15th April at VWSA Ski Race Division PO box 5222, Cranbourne 3977.
$60 entry fee for World Selection Race and $30.00 for feature race.
Order of Events:
Women's World Selection Race - 45 minutes + 1 lap
Social Class - 4 laps (feature race)
Junior Boys & Junior Girls World Selection Race - 30 minutes + 1 lap
SMOC Outboard & 6 Litre Inboard - 4 laps (feature race)
Men's World Selection Race - 1 hour + 1 lap
MOC Outboard & 8 Litre Inboard - 4 laps (feature race)
31st March 1999
FRED CROFT SERIES RACE - NSW
In the morning the day looked as though it was going to storm, but the clouds rolled away to reveal sunshine. The day got of to a good start with the Sting in the water
first for a warm up and a fly by of the beach and the radar gun reading 124 mph very impressive. Again about 100 boats contested in there various classes which made
for some good racing. The water conditions on the day were choppy and sloppy which made reading the water very difficult.
Outright positions were The Sting 1st in a time of 32.57.66, 2nd was The Agitator from 6 litre 38.08.61 and 3rd was contagious from MOC 38.21.02.
Everyone was talking about the up and coming Mary McMillan and Bill McLaughlan Invitationals. This is where the best skiers from all over Australia are invited to
compete, these are very prestigious races with skiers trying to line up the best possible boat to give themselves every chance of winning. This race is held on the 18
April I will keep you posted as to the results.
By Darren Stewart
MILDURA THIS WEEKEND
The 3rd & final race in the "King Of The Murray" Series goes off coutesy of Mildura & District Ski Club this weekend in Victoria Australia. With several hundred
skiers taking part in this 100km 2-up river race, a superb event is expected with teams from all over Oz turning up over the long
Easter weekend.
Saturday kicks off racing at 9.30am.
The $1,000 Dash for Cash is at 3pm
Sunday is starting @ 8.30am
Total prize money over 2 days exceeds $35,000 !!!
LEANNE BROWN
The latest I have on Leanne Brown after her fall a week last Sunday is this:
Leanne was that just her knee injury will keep her out ofaction for about 6 weeks. It's fairley heavily braced at the moment. The nerve connecting her arm to her spine
hasn't been pulled out but has been badly damaged. When standing, she can raise her arm in front of her to shoulder height and she can barely raise it to the side.
26th March 1999
RON McMILLAN PASSES AWAY
As reported yesterday, Ron McMillan passed away on Sunday at a Region V event in NSW Australia. Ron was married to Mary McMillan who is one of Australia's
most prominent women in the sport of water skiing.
Mary was skiing in a women's event when Ron was on the bank & suffered a heart attack on Sunday. Steve Robertson took great initiative & applied CPR until the
ambulance arrived, when their medics took over. However none of this was enough.
Ron had been involved in water-skiing for many years and he trained his wife Mary in her barefooting & drove her to numerous ski race wins years ago.
Mary has participated in tournament, barefoot & racing since the 1960s competing internationally throughout the world. She has also skied in every Sydney Bridge to
Bridge race since this World Classic event started in the 1960s.
LEANNE BROWN SUFFERING INJURY
As reported yesterday, the current & 3 time World Champion Leanne Brown took a fall over the weekend while racing (reportedly due to a broken harness) and has
suffered a bad injury involving nerves. Leanne who spoke to Australian commitee members yesterday is said to be very concerned about her condition.
Let's hope Leanne makes a full & quick recovery.
VWSA POINT SCORE 7 ...by Jullie Golledge
The last VWSA point score for the season was held at Green's Lake on Sunday 21st March 1999. Although Victoria is going through a drought at the moment, there
were showers of rain all day, much need in the country - but did it have to rain for our last point score.
Some of the point score events were decided before the event, but the point score settled any the rest of the overall winners. Full results can be found on the Sub Zero
2 Home Page at http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~gollege
Overall winners will be announced at the VWSA Presentation night to be held on Saturday 10th July 1999, at Melrose Receptions in Tullamarine, Melbourne. Tickets
can be purchased through Effie Arnott.
TASMAN CHALLENGE
Tasman Challenge competitors, which were announced in January were presented with their jackets at the last point score. The team fly out to New Zealand on the 8th
April for racing on 10th & 11th April. We wish the team all the best, the team is:
Sub Junior Boy Ashley Smith
Sub Junior Girl Chelsea Blight
Junior Boy Daniel Shipp
Junior Girl Bethany Pledger
Under 19 Boy Division One James Minchin
Under 19 Girl Division One Hailey Smith
Under 19 Boy Division Two Troy Wilkinson
Under 19 Boy Division Two Elise Jochinke
The next event in Victoria is the Mildura 100 to be held on the Easter weekend (April 3rd & 4th) on the banks of the Murray at Mildura, Victoria.
By Julie Golledge
QUEENSLAND TITLE WINNERS (Thanks to Steve Foster for the results)
MARATHON
EVENT SKIER BOAT
U/13 BOYS BRENTON JENNER AVALANCHE
U/13 GIRLS TAMARA SWEETING THE DEALER
U/16 GIRLS AMARA JENNER HOT TOO TROT
U/16 BOYS BRAD CHRISTIAN SONIC
U/19 GIRLS TARINA CHRISTIAN SONIC
U/19 BOYS BEN MABIN THUMPIN
30-39 WOMENS KAREN SWEETING SIMPLY RED
40-49 MENS STEVE JENNER FIRED UP
OPEN WOMENS SANDRA WAKEHAM QUIET ACHIEVER
OPEN MENS LUKE WAKEHAM QUIET ACHIEVER
SPEED EVENTS
U10 BOYS LENNON JAMES QUIET ACHIEVER
U10GIRLS NATASHA SWEETING RUSH N ROULETTE
U13 BOYS BRENT McILWRAITH SMOKEYS BANDIT
U13 GIRLS TAMARA SWEETING RUSH N ROULETTE
U16 GIRLS AMARA JENNER HOT TOO TROT
U19 GIRLS TARINA CHRISTIAN SONIC
U30 WOMENS AMANDA CORCORAN THUMPIN
30-39WOMENS KAREN SWEETING THE DEALER
OVER50 WOMENS VAL WYLD THE POWER OF ONE
OPEN WOMENS JOANNE HAMILTON LETS PLAY
SOCIAL MENS ANDY ELLIS RUSH N ROULETTE
F/1 2UP MARK PICKERING REVERAND MOTHER
TROY PETRYSYN
F/3 2UP BARRY KRONK AVALANCHE
NEIL SPENCE
F/2 2UP HOWARD HOOK THE POWER OF ONE
CHRIS COLE
U16 BOYS SHANE WEAVER THUMPIN
U19 BOYS CAAN CHILDS HEAT
OPEN MENS ADRIAN PICKERING THE REVERAND MOTHER
U30 STEVE LOMAS CUTTING EDGE
30-39MENS RAY VELLA THE POWER OF ONE
40-49 MENS ROB WEAVER SONIC
OVER 50 MENS RAY WHEELER THE DEALER
UNLIMITED I/B ADRIAN PICKERING THE REVERAND MOTHER
UNLIMITED O/B JASON WAKEHAM SHAKA ZULU
MOC MARK PICKERING THE POWER OF ONE
141-175 HP BRETT KRONK AVALANCHE
SMOC SHANE WEAVER FIRED UP
6 LITRE BRAD WEAVER HALFR SHOT
24th March 1999
JIM REEVE MEMORIAL RACE AUSTRALIA
The race day was a good day with perfect weather around 25 degrees C. The race got under way at 10am with some good racing out on the water with just under 100
boats competing. But it was a day of wide spread engine troubles and fallen skiers. Some classes such as 6 litre every boat in that class, 7 boats in all had some type of
problem. The Axe and Mobile from the unlimited class both came to grief with skier falls in the same position at the same time.
1st place went to the sting in a time of 32:41
2nd place went to a MOC boat Contagious in 38:04
3rd place went to Polycraft a twin rig in 38:21
The day finished with some festivities at the local hotel which lasted longer than the racing. By Darren Stewart.
REGION V - NSW OZ
Yesterday at Region V there was some good racing. However Leanne Brown had a nasty accident when her harness broke, she required hospitalization and her arm
was placed in a sling and she had a definant limp due to ligament damage.
As per usual the Argo and Stinga teams battled out each race with the other boats pushing them all the way, this made for some exciting races keeping the crowd
entertained. Stinga won the Unlimited race with Argo very close behind. By Darren Stewart.
ASHLEY GLIDDON NEEDS A TOW FOR MILDURA
Ashley Gliddon of Victoria was all set for a race at Mildura until his team changed their minds & decided to tow their old skiers. He is looking for a team who's
interested in towing a light weight 70 kg skier at around 70-75 mph. Ash is under 16 social class.
Come on guys ....contact Ash at: xtcash@hotmail.com
QUEENSLAND TITLES
After a somewhat wet start, a successful Queensland titles was conducted on Tinnaburra waters north Queensland. Amongst the competitors were former World
Champions Mark Pickering and Ian Dipple & current World Champion Wayne Mawer and Womens World number two Joanne Hamilton. Luke and Jason wakeham
and Britain's Chris Cole were also in the line up. the weekend also saw the debut of Anthony Cappitanio's superclass twin rig Stormtrooper. He put in some very fast
laps but was kept out of the results with an electrical fault that was eventually traced back to a wet ignition switch.
Ian dipple put an awesome display of world class skiing behind the supercharged Everingham Bow Tie Carving out an early lead only to have the boat stop with a
frozen butterfly on the lap fivethe titles were held over two days with Saturday afternoons events being postponed to Sunday morning making for a full days racing.
Some "unofficial" results are:
Open mens Adrian Pickering
Open womens Renee Pickering
30 to 49 mens Robbie Weaver
Over 50 mens Ray Wheeler
Unlimited outboard "SHAKA ZULU
MOC "THE POWER OF ONE
unlimited inboard "HEAT"
CATALINA BOAT REQUIRED FOR ALL AUSSIE TEAM
A top boat is wanted for the 1999 Catalina race for an all Australian team. An un-named World Class skier is an option for this potential winning team. The driver with
18 years of ski racing experirnce is prepared to discuss details with all serious offers.
Please Email: sfoster@mpx.com.au to take things further.
17th March 1999
NEW ZEALAND Vs AUSTRALIA
The Transtasman team has been picked to represent New Zealand against the Australians on Lake Taupo, New Zealand on April 11-12 1999.
The Transtasman Challenge is a competition for the Junior members of the Ski Racing scene between Australia and New Zealand. The shield is currently held by New
Zealand, and by looking at the team this year looks as if it might stay that way.
The team members are as follows:
Sub-Junior Boys
Brad Dutton & Adam Smale
Sub-Junior Girls
Paula Davy & Hannah Clarke
Junior Boys
Michael Davy & Chris Holman
Junior Girls
Kristy Sloane & Annaliese Fritz
Under 19 Boys
David Cameron & Bevan Turksma & Scott Tait & Andy Cardno
Under 19 Girls
Angela Morriss & Jessica Sloane & Alice Duckworth & Nikki Tait
AUSSIE JUNIOR GETS SPONSOR
Chris Singleton is grateful to receive a brand new "Bushy" ski and new boots to help him on the way to Aussie Team selection. His results in selection races so far look
like this:
Botany Bay
1st chris singleton -Legless
2nd brendan hanley -Flatnacker
3rd jason penny -Back in town
Camberra
1st jason wakeham -humble
2nd robert cheetem -Tuff-e-nuff
3rd Chris Singleton -legless
9th March 1999
GRAND PRIX 3 - CANBERRA AUSTRALIA
The third World Title Selection race was held on Sunday 7/3/99 at Lake Burley Griffin at Canberra. The weather was overcast and windy and as usual the course was
very rough. Jamie, Stephen and Paul raced within seconds of each other for the full hour with Jamie Graziano (Top Gun) after taking the lead on lap two going on to
win from Stephen Robertson (Firebird) second and Paul Robertson (Mirror Image) third.
In the women's Leanne Brown (Humble) took the lead early and cleared away for a good win. Joanne Hamilton (The Sting) was a good second but pressure from
Tracey Graziano (Missile) saw her move into second place and pushed Joanne back to third. Joanne made a last lap dash to try and recover second but Tracey was too
strong.
In the Juniors Jason Wakeham (Humble) lead all the way to take out the Junior Boys from Robert Cheetham (Tuff-E-Nuff) and Chris Singleton (Legless) finishing in
third. Ann Proctor (2 Fast 4 You) led all the way in the Junior Girls to win very easily from Leanne Edwards (Under The Hammer) the only other competitor to finish.
All Grand Prix series results including this weekend's can be seen now at: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~jthurgar
Thanks to Errol Thurgar for the report.
WANTED IN OZ
Propellers to suit Mercruiser Number 5 speedmaster. Please contact Denny Cakoliris.
H: 61 2 9858 2041 Mobile: 0418 236090 Email: belinda.cooper@bankerstrust.com.au
QUEENSLAND TITLES
On the 20th & 21st March the Queensland titles are being held on Lake Tinaburra, North Queensland. Wayne Mawer will be taking part in the one up as well as pairing
up with his father Roy. Joanne Hamilton will be aiming to win the women's title.
CAIRNS NEWS
There's a new ski race boat in Cairns called 'Power of 1'. It's 19.5 ft bullet powered by a 225 Evinrude exceeding 90 miles/hour. Cairns recently hosted the annual
Grand prix series on the Cairns esplanade. 'Power play' took out right honours towing former mens world champion Mark Pickering. Photos of local boats from Ray
Halls Turbo Charging site: http://www.internetnorth.com.au/turbofast/welcome.html
3rd March 1999
ROBINVALE 80 RIVER CLASSIC 1999
The eleventh Robinvale 80 River Classic takes place on the Mighty Murray on the 6th & 7th March 1999. 220 entries have been received for this event - which is event
two of the King of the Murray series.
This is the first year that the Robinvale 80 River Classic has been part of the King of the Murray series. The King of the Murray was won last year by God's Gift - by
winning Echuca's Southern 80 and the Mildura 100.
The Robinvale event has joined this series with boats having to compete in all three events. Points are allocated according to the outright placing in each of the three
river races, Southern 80, Robinvale 80 River Classic and the Mildura 100.
Showdown an NSW boat who won the Southern 80 this year - leads the filed of superclass boats. Last Years winner Harv's is also back to try and make back to back
wins in this event.
The event starts on Saturday 6th March at 9am, with Scrutineering at the Robinvale Civic Centre, with all boats lining up to be checked for safety requirements.
Racing starts on the water at 3pm with the 'Old fellas' - Veterans taking to the water. Can Agrovation from Shepparton beat its time of 5:55.07 to take this class for
another year.
Following the Veterans, the 'little tackers' take to the water to come down the shortened course. There are five entries for this event, and these skiers show no fear as
they ski down the course.
The Junior Dash, a new inception for 1999, takes to the water with the most promising junior skiers (under 16 years of age) on the water. These kids show dedication to
their sport and their times will be close to the times of the 'big boys' in the Dash for Cash.
The Dash is the final event for Saturday on the water, where 19 Superclass boats head down to Robinvale - to try and break the record time of 5minutes 28 seconds set
by God's Gift in 1995. The Dash for Cash decides the start positions for the Superclass event on the Sunday. The field is lead by last years overall winner Harv's,
followed by the Southern 80 winner - Showdown, then The Axe and last years Dash winner Noizworks. Thundernuts is fifth to leave the start. Some of the boats can
reach speeds in excess of 160kmh.
At around 9pm, will see the skies of Robinvale light up with the fireworks display. To get the best views - visit the riverfront in front of the Civic Centre- entry is by gold
coin donation.
Sunday will see racing kick off at 9am, with the Social classes leaving at 30 second intervals, to reach the turnaround point 40 kilometres up river, wait for all the social
boats to finish and then return to Robinvale. Classes for the social skiers include: Unlimited Outboard & Inboard, Under 6 Litre Social, SMOC outboard, Under 5.2Litre
& 175 HP, Juniors Under 16, Stock 6 Litre, Women and Sub Juniors under 13 years of age.
The mid race entertainment will see the jet boats skim the water for a display of their speeds and skills in driving over a very short course.
Expert racing starts at 1pm with the Superclass entries leading the field of 12 classes and ending with the Sub Junior entrants.
The event offers, a chance to see some world class boats, Australian Champions and a good family spectacle.
By Julie Golledge
SOUTHERN 80 RESULTS
The full set of Official Southern 80 results, can now be found on the Sub Zero 2 Home Page at The full set of Official Southern 80 results, can now be found on the Sub
Zero 2 Home Page at http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~golledge/southern.htm
VICTORIAN POINT SCORE 6
Point Score 6 results, will be at http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~golledge on Tuesday night.
BULLET BOAT WANTED
Bullet 1800 wanted - lightweight, complete less motor...will travel East coast Australia for right rig....email any pics/info to skiracer@eisa.net.au
ASHLEY GLIDDON IN S80
Ashley Gliddon competed in the 1999 Southern 80 and wrote to WWSR saying, "it has always been my dream to win my class - it was U16 social. I won and it was the
greatest feeling in the whole world to find out why I have been training for so long every night. Now I'm going in the Robinvale 80 & hopefully I will do as well there as
I did in Echuca".
FOR SALE IN AUSTRALIA
AN 18FT 6IN EVERINGHAM SKI RACE BOAT CALLED THE SIGNMAN V BOTTOM MERLIN HEADS ARGO V DRIVE GEAR BOX ARIES PISTONS
PH 0415130773 COMPETETIVE IN THE GRAFTON AND SYDNEY BRIDGES EMAIL ROSS427@OZEMAIL.COM.AU
GOSFORD NSW RACING
Gosfords race day 7thmar is being cancelled. The next and last race for this season at Gosford will be 9th May. The presentation is to be held on 19th june. The first
race day for next season is going to be in august and it seems there'll be a 7 race series. Calendat out soon on WWSR. Thanks to Reg Bowman.
MAHA WANTED
Cheap new or 2nd hand Maha required in Oz. e-mail: pixie@quicknet.com.au
FOR SALE IN OZ
19 foot Connelly with No.3 stern power leg 2 hrs since rebuild Foot override cav plates, Ballast tank various propellers (total of 6) blue printed bottom, just been
repainted new Autometer gauges dual axle trailer $20 000 AUD Email Darren Stewart at KELDAR@BACKMEUP.NET.AU
THE AUSTRALIAN SKI RACING DIRECTOR
The Australian Ski Racing Director can be contacted via e-mail and is happy to hear from WWSR readers regarding any matters that may be of
concern or interest. Contact: Adrian Heffernan at: awsasrd@dynamite.com.au
2nd AUSSIE SELECTION RACE @ BOTANY BAY
Errol Thurgar reports that Australia had their second selection race on the weekend and there was some very exiting racing. The Robertsons took the quinella in the
Men's with Stephen clearing out early and giving no one else a chance. Paul Robertson sat back in third place for the first part of the race and then moved up to take a
clear 2nd with Scott Dominquez filling third place. Jamie Graziano was in second position but Top Gun overheated and had to withdraw.
In the Women's it was a two horse race with Leanne Brown and Joanne Hamilton racing side by side for the first nine laps before Leanne pulled away and held on to
win. Joanne finished less than a minute behind Leanne with Cherie Williams third.
In the junior Girls, Ann Proctor led from start to finish and was even putting pressure on the boys in the middle stages and went on to a very confortable win. The
Edwards sisters from Victoria filled the minor placings with Leanne second and Karen third. Shelley Marsh suffered the same fate as Jamie in the mens with the boat
overheating and withdrew on the first lap.
Grand Prix Selection Series (Botany Bay 28/2/99)
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Formula 1
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1. Firebird Stephen Robertson 24 64:01.11
2. Mirror Image Paul Robertson 24 64:59.99
3. Wild Turkey Scott Dominquez 23 64:08.69
4. Mobile Keith Buxton 23 64:42.03
5. Back In Town Luke Pledger 20 64:58.12
DNF Missile Justin Brown 19
DNF Top Gun Jamie Graziano 12
DNF The Sting Daniel Auld 8
DNF The Judge Brett Armstrong 3
Formula 2
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1. Just Quietly Mathew Campbell 23 64:25.87
2. Extreme Wayne Cowgill 19 66:13.74
DNF Obsession Ian Hunt 7
Formula 3
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1. Screamin Seamen Chris Bailey 21 66:19.77
2. Johnson Outboards Troy Cardwell 21 63:45.38
(10% Penalty)
3. Petty Cash David Moretti 20 64:08.06
DNF Adrenalin John Sloan 20
Womens
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1. Humble Leanne Brown 18 50:59.35
2. The Sting Joanne Hamilton 18 51:14.29
3. Wild Turkey Cherie Williams 18 54:02.47
4. Tuff-E-Nuff Tracy Graziano 17 51:44.55
5. Status Emma Carson 16 53:59.50
6. Just Quietly Leanne Hickey 15 51:22.69
7. Cyclonic Vanessa Eyles 15 53:24.24
Under 19 Girls
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1. Pipe Dreams Laura Barratt 11 51:13.51
Under 19 Boys
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1. Legless Daniel Graziano 16 51:12.90
2. Petty Cash Brett Murphy 15 52:29.14
Under 16 Boys
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1. Legless Chris Singleton 11 36:21.09
2. Flatnacker Brendon Handley 11 39:18.22
3. Back In Town Jason Penny 10 36:24.05
4. Tuff-E-Nuff Robert Cheetham 10 37:21.95
DNF Humble Jason Wakeham 8
DNF The Judge Daniel Shipp 2
Under 16 Girls
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1. 2 Fast 4 You Ann Proctor 11 35:52.24
2. Under The Hammer Leanne Edwards 9 37:11.55
3. Short Cut Karen Edwards 9 38:49.87
4. Starfire Melodie Deering 6 36:54.64
DNF Top Gun Shelley Marsh 0
Under 13 Girls
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1. Misbehave Tara Williams 8 37:20.66
Thanks to Errol Thurgar for the report.
ROBINVALE 80 RIVER CLASSIC 1999
The 11th Robinvale 80 River Classic takes place on the Mighty Murray on the 6th & 7th March 1999. 220 entries have been received.
23rd February 1999
JO HAMILTON & DARREN CATELAN
World No.2 Jo Hamilton has her sights firmly fixed on Spain. But closer to home she teams up with Darren Catelan behind the 'Reverend Mother' to aim at winning the
Queensland Titles on March 20 at Tinnaburra Beach, Cairns. Jo is out on a paling or freeboard at least 3 times a week in ocean rain, hail or shine - doing what it takes
to achieve her goal.
MAHA WANTED
Cheap new or 2nd hand Maha required in Oz. e-mail: pixie@quicknet.com.au
MAWER & MAWER
World Champion Wayne Mawer teams up with his father Roy in the Men's 2 up at the Qld Titles next month. Wayne will ski the Open Men's & Roy the 40 - 49 year
olds behind blown inboard 'Cambell Security'. Wayne is not aiming at a second Worlds but is now setting his sights on Wakeboarding. He has won the his first three
competitions and made the finals of the Extreme Games against the best in the world not. Not bad for his first year!
GOSFORD
It's starting to look as if Gosford is looking good for 7-Mar but this is 'still' to be confirmed.
FOR SALE IN OZ
19 foot Connelly with No.3 stern power leg 2 hrs since rebuild Foot override cav plates, Ballast tank various propellers (total of 6) blue printed bottom, just been
repainted new Autometer gauges dual axle trailer $20 000 AUD Email Darren Stewart at KELDAR@BACKMEUP.NET.AU
IF WINNERS ARE GRINNERS! THE WING TEAM ARE ALL SMILES
The 1st Women's World Water Ski Racing Champion Bronwyn Wing writes ... Congratulations are extended to Jason Stone on his excellent performance at the
Australian Masters Tournament Held at Mulwala in January. Jason placed 1st Overall beating Australian Team Captain Grant Barnett. Joel Wing placed 3rd Overall
with consistent 3 event skiing. Chris Cockburn another member of the Wing team placed 4th Overall.
At the Australian Junior Masters Joel Wing placed 1st Overall in the Under 18 Division and Chris Cockburn won Tricks and Slalom in the Under 25 years Division.
The NSW State Titles battle for Mens Open Overall was tough. Chris Cockburn placing 1st with and outstanding PB of 9300 points to take out 1st place Tricks, he then
backed it up with 2nd Slalom, and 2nd Jump. Chris's trick score is a new state record. Congratulations Chris!! Jason Stone placed 2nd Overall with 1st Slalom, 1st Jump
and 3rd Tricks, Joel Wing came 3rd Overall with 2nd Tricks, 3rd Jump and 3rd Slalom. Joel slalomed a PB to run 12 metre line then score 1.25 buoys on 11.25 metre
line.
Lachlan Davidson is flying high in the Sub Juniors Wake Boarding. Lachlan won both Freestyle and Freeride at the 3rd Hyperlite Series with Dad Rod winning Freeride
and placing 3rd in Freestyle in the Masters Division. Young Johnny Henson was outstanding winning both Freestyle and Freeride in the Junior Boys Division. Our girls
also featured highly with Hayley Henson placing 1st in both Freeride and Freestyle and Michelle Davidson 2nd in both Freeride and Freestyle Junior Womens Division.
Huge success to Wing Skiers at the Australian Water Ski Racing Nationals. Stephen Robertson flying home to win Open Mens by nearly 30 seconds, Rudi Stout
winning Over 50 Mens Speed and bringing up the daily double with a 1st Place in the Marathon, Junior World Champion Robby Penny winning Under 19 Boys by 20
seconds, Paul Robertson winning Open Mens Marathon with John Sloan placing second.
Junior World Champion Anne Proctor won both the Speed and Marathon Under 16 Girls. Not to be left in the shadows Peter Proctor placed 1st in Under 13 Boys
Marathon and 3rd in the Speed Event. Dad Rick placed 4th in 40-49 Mens Speed and 3rd in the Marathon, and last but not least Mum Pauline placed 4th in the Speed in
40-49 Ladies.
Jason Wakeham and Jason Penny placed 1st and 2nd in the Under 16 Boys Speed in a hot contest Jason Wakeham winning by only 10 seconds.
Robby Penny backed up his 1st place with a 2nd Place in the Under 6ltr Inboards. While Paul Robertson placed 2nd in Unlimited Inboards.
Congratulations to all our champions. Especially, those champions that ski the first time, do their first beach start, cross the wake or their 1st double up wakeboarding
and those unsung heros the tube champions. "Remember you're always a winner in your Wing on the water" Order a Wing at www.wing.au.com
10th February 1999
JOANNE SETS HER SIGHTS ON SPAIN
The superb Joanne Hamilton is going to have another crack at the Worlds this year. The Physical Education teacher who originates from Echuca now resides in Cairns
with boyfriend & current World Champion, Wayne Mawer. Joanne is said to be training with Wayne, using the best of what he used, in terms of training regimes. Her
Bridge 2 Bridge parter Tracey Graziano will decide on her plans after the next 2 selection races at Botany Bay on 28 Feb and Canberra the week after.
WING WEB SITE OUT NOW
The Wing Wetsuit Company has now launched it's brand new website. Go to www.wing.au.com and check out all you need to know on some of the world's best
quality racing suits.
2nd February 1999
THE AUSTRALIAN SKI RACING DIRECTOR
The Australian Ski Racing Director can be contacted via e-mail and is happy to hear from WWSR readers regarding any matters that may be of concern or interest.
Contact: Adrian Heffernan at: awsasrd@dynamite.com.au
AUSSIE BOAT WANTED IN USA
There is a boat owner in the US that is looking for a used Australian ski race boat. Contact Ed Crippen at SKIYA@prodigy.net
26th January 1999 (Australia Day)
THE ORIGINAL TOP GUN RUNS IN US
The orginal & superbly turned out Top Gun from Australia will now be driven by Bill Dunsmore with Alex Herrera observing. They will tow America's Carl Goldsmith in the Men's and
Lori Dunsmore in the Women's. Both have their sights set on the 1999 Worlds in Spain this September. Rumours of another Aussie boat making an appearance on US waters are
circulating too.
AUSTRALIA'S TOWN TO TERRACE
Last weekend saw the running of Newcastle, Ausrtralia's Town to Terrace ski race. The host town of the 1st and last rounds of the 1997 World Titles sees this race take place every year.
I've not much detail at this stage from Oz but 1st place in 8 liter went to Red Hot 2nd place went to Grumble and 3rd place went to The Signman. The out right winner was Showdown.
The Signman is coming up for sale after the Southern 80 race on the 14-02-1999.
1998 BRIDGE TO BRIDGE VIDEO
Does anyone have details on where people can buy the video? Cost, address etc would be useful.
19th January 1999
1999 AUSTRALIAN TITLES
In 40 degree heat, the Aussie Titles recently took a number of casualities from heat exhaustion. But none the less, many of Australia's best proved themselves worthy of their places in
what signals their build up to the 1999 World Team Selection. Full results have been published by Julie Golledge of the Sub Zero Team at
http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~golledge/australi.htm Stephen Robertson & Leanne Brown took the top slots in Open Men's & Women's but look below at these two guys.
THE PENNY-WAKEHAM BROTHERS
Junior Boys World no. 1 & 2 are Robby Penny & Luke Wakeham of Queensland. They both put on phenomenal displays of skiing in the 1997 Worlds. Now, the younger brothers, Jason
Penny & Jason Wakham are following in their footsteps to success. These two lads are tipped as being even hotter on their skis than their elder brothers. After almost one minute
stranded at the start of the U16 Aussie Titles, Wakeham pulled through to still win the race. No doubt they're training hard in the hopes of a trip to Spain later this year!
CHRIS COLE HEADS FOR OZ
Britain's Chris Cole is packing his gear and heading down to Sydney next month for a few weeks of training. With his sights set on the 99 British Team for the worlds, the British racer
from Cambridge will then move up to Cairns for a month or so of training with World Champion Wayne Mawer. With Plus One as his main boat, he has two twin outboards on hand too,
one being a new order, delivery - next month.
THE WRIGHT WAY IN OZ
Darren Kirkland's driver Robbie Wright recently took part in the Aussie Titles, observing for Stephen Robertson & Driving for Jason Wakeham amongst others. He's now preaparing for
the Worlds with two 'No Mercy' Halletts and a new Connelly twin outboard which is being set up in Oz.
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