Listen to this this 16 minute insight to Australia’s best.

This 10 minute phone interview (no video) was recorded on 9 July.

Revised Champ standings Junior & ladies Brixham
These replace the results shown in the main spreadsheet below (9 July 2009)

Download Brixham Results 050709

See them all now at http://www.powerboatracing.be/waterski09/Hasselt_BeNeLux/

This of course is subject to amendment if Team Captains notify the organisers of any changes.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT – Entry List – 2009 World Championships (PDF)

The list below is a screenshot of the entry list.
Drivers & observers aren’t shown as they wouldn’t fit in the small space.
(I’m not suggesting they are too big!)
They are shown in the dowloadable PDF version.

You can also find the list at the official Worlds site at: http://worlds.waterskiracing.be/

Mark was released from hospital yesterday and is well on the road to recovery. He still has some way to go, but he is very positive and is walking with the aid of crutches and will hopefully be able to put full weight on his legs in the near future. Once he has achieved this – look out world. His first priority is to get back to work as soon as possible as the accident has been a big financial set back for Mark. It was hard enough to find the funds to do the Worlds but things are even harder at present.

I know that Mark would like to thank all of the people that have been following his progress.

Let’s all think of Mark during the Worlds as he will be thinking of all those competing.

Regards
Neville Fry

————————

UPDATE 8 June:
Australia’s Nine MSN has reported …Leading Australian water skier Mark Weaver has been seriously injured after hitting debris at 180km/h.

Neville Fry, who sent in the story to me added; “I spoke to his friend and observer Jason Bennet (he was observing on Sunday) this afternoon and he told me that Mark was in good spirits, we are all praying for him. This is a big shock not only to Australia water ski racing but to the public of Cairns. The boys only two weeks ago held what I would class as one of the best fund raisers I have seen, Mark and Jason where on a great high over the past week.”

==========

Mick Kelly reports that Australian F2 representative for the 2009 Worlds Mark Weaver, was injured in a high speed fall in the unlimited race of the Qld titles on the weekend. After earlier winning the open mens event, Weaver fell early in the unlimited race whilst leading.

Mark is currently in hospital where his injuries are being treated. Reports indicate that he has broken bones in his hand, foot and pelvis amongst other injuries. His condition is stable but it will be a long road to recovery.

Mick will start a thread at the forum section of www.letstalkskiracing.com for people to leave messages and thoughts for Mark.

It’s been 12 years since Mawer won four out of four races in the 1997 World Water Ski Racing Championships in Australia. But he’s well prepared for what’s ahead of him in Belgium and has raced and won on the canals many times before.

Neville Fry captured these shots of the Aussie as he finished up training in QLD and added; “this is Wayne doing some cross training in the Cairns Inlet last week. There is more than one crocodile that shares this pristine water ski area. The other photos are of one of Wayne’s Training Partners, this is Wayne’s number one training secret, you do not want to fall when their big brothers are around. These crocodile photos were taken after Wayne’s last training run before heading for Belgium”.

Read this article about Mawer which I wrote in 1997 – just after he won the World Water Ski Racing Championships.

SRA Membership Form 2009-10

Letter with memberships

Wim Lamot captured Kurt in training at Ghent on the weekend – venue for Round 1 of the World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Wim Lamot was there capturing some of the action and you can see a good selection of shots at http://worlds.waterskiracing.be/

Kirkland & Bertels

Stout on his last lap

Wim Lamot took these shots on a turn. You can see more shots from Wim at http://worlds.waterskiracing.be/

Below are a few photos of the Hotel Maya. The host hotel for Catalina 61.

23 June Update from Ken Vaughan: The Catalina Ski Race is in 18 days!!!
Entry forms available at www.catalinaskirace.net
All classes are filling up. Don’t miss the 61 st annual Catalina ski race.

Class sponsorships are $ 500.00 US dollars and are going quick.

The Hotel Maya (formerly the Coast hotel)is looking better than ever. All new bigger Bar area,new pool and a CABANA pool. Don’t miss the “Tequila LIFT” ( brings shots of Tequila from the 2 nd floor down to ground level) even a Tequila tasting room.The hotel Maya only has a few rooms left for the race weekend.

I will post pictures on Wednesday.

=====

10 May update
If you’re looking for a skier or a boat for this year’s Catalina, check out the comments section at the bottom of this post and add your own if you’re on the lookout.

4 May update
Ken Vaughan has now published the entry forms for this year’s Catalina Water Ski race on the event web site at www.catalinaskirace.net – go there now and click on the “Forms” tab at the top of the page.

29 April update
Ken Vaughan reminds us that CSR 2009 is 71 days away. The entry forms will be available on the web site by May 2nd, and will be mailed out on May 1st.

The Hotel Maya (formally the Coast Hotel) will be available for reservations from May 2nd. Check out the Catalina web site www.catalinaskirace.net for more info. The Hotel Maya has had many upgrades and are adding a second floor balcony with bar, new pool location with cabanas, and many upgrades.

Previous Catalina Posts Published …

A while back, Ken Vaughan, Race Director of the 2009 Catalina Ski Race made an announcement on behalf of Long Beach Boat & Ski Club.  It’s time to start planning for your Catalina race!

“The Long Beach Boat & Ski Club is proud to announce that Nordic Boats is the Main sponsor for the 61st annual Catalina Ski Race. The race date is July 11, 2009. Feb 2007 we set the dates for this years event and the World championships were scheduled on the same date as Catalina ,so in the best interest of ski racing we moved up one week. If we were after the World championships we would have problems with the fog.”

You can contact Ken with any questions at kpeg150@sbcglobal.net

The video of that race which Steve published is here

PLUS a Race suit to suit 175cm, 80kg Male.

Contact: dcooper@pittsh.com.au

Tel: +32 (0)3 252 83 79
Mobile: + 32 (0) 479 697362
E-mail: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be

Stout took 2nd and Belgium’s Dimitri Bertels took 3rd. Former observer for Darren, Matthew Northover said; “it was an incredible race between Chris and Darren. Darren was on top form and skiing like he used to”.

Darren told me; “it’s a result for the over 40’s“.

The F1 Men’s results from yesterday’s race are below. If you look at the photos you can see how rough this race got.

Click on the results below to enlarge them.

Guy594 has also upload his superb photos here.

Guy594 has also upload his superb photos here.

The IWSF Racing Council is expected to confirm the time, date & venue of the 2009 Competitors’ Meeting. The sooner this is communicated, the less competitors will be inconvenienced at the Worlds. N.B. The Racing Council’s own meeting has already been confirmed.

The IWSF World Racing Council met at Long Beach, USA in July 2008 and held an extraordinary meeting. At that meeting, numerous items were discussed and there were a number of positive action-plans which were agreed. Those action-plans would benefit competitors and the sport at large. Below is a list which includes some of those items and others that are relevant to competitors. It would be a good idea for competitors to seek answers and clarification on the following items at the Competitors’ Meeting in Belgium. At the same time, IWSF Racing Council members reading this have sufficient time to establish valid answers to the questions and ensure that business is conducted properly.

Download the minutes from the 2008 IWSF Racing Council Meeting here

1) World Racing Council Development Fund
In July 2008, the IWSF Racing Council agreed that this fund was to be set up and built by IWSF Racing Council members who agreed to sell a minimum of 15 raffle tickets each which would raise US$ 16,500. It was agreed that the raffle draw would take place at the 2009 Southern 80. The proceeds were to be split between competitors and the Racing Council (read this IWSF minuted item here) – What has happened with this raffle and fund?

2) Chairman Election
The IWSF bylaws state; “The Chairman shall be elected from among and by the members of the Council every two years to coincide with the meeting at the Divisional World Championships”. This means that the IWSF Racing Council must elect a Chairman in Belgium.

It is expected that a new Chairman will finally be elected in Belgium and this is well overdue. I proposed last year that Glen Coles stands down and Dusty Schulz stands for Chairman. It’s quite likely that Dusty will become Chairman in Belgium (although others could be elected). In my view, Dusty will make a good Chairman and I personally asked him to take on the role in 2008. The only shame is that a year has been wasted, little has been achieved, and this all could have happened last year with perhaps a lot more being done for the sport, other that re-writing some rules.

3) Athelete’s Representative Election
The election in 2007 was a complete shambles. In 2007 Jim Grew (IWSF Vice President) wrote; “…elections are conducted at your respective events to select replacements for or reelection of your current members of the IWSF Athletes Commission. This is an election by the athletes, not by the council, and is for a period of two years, until your next World Championships“.

This means that the IWSF Racing Council (usually the Chairman or Secretary) is obliged to arrange for competitors to elect or re-elect an Athlete’s Representative in Belgium. To date, there seems to have been no public communication on this matter. What is being done to request candidates to stand for election or re-election? Who are the candidates that athletes will vote for in Belgium? Remember – this is NOT the racing Council’s vote, but the racing Council must facilitate this election professionally and transaparently in Belgium – not after the event.

4) Racing’s 2008 Male & Female Athlete of the Year
In January 2008, Clementine Lucine and Jaret Llewellyn were announced by the IWSF as being 2008 IWSF Athletes of the Year. The IWSF promoted the accolade that these two fine skiers had been awarded. Every year, the IWSF asks the Council of each discipline (Tournament, Barefoot, Racing, etc) to elect its Athletes of the Year.

I have not seen any promotion of Racing’s elected 2008 Athletes of the Year. The skiers who work so hard to become the best deserve to be recognised amongst its sport and the IWSF Racing Council has a duty to promote the achievements of these skiers. I can’t see that this has been done. Why not? If it was done, why were these skiers not applauded by the Racing Council and announced to the sport at large? Were any Racing skiers even selected in the way that all other disciplines selected skiers?

5) Wild Card Skiers at World Championships
At the 2008 IWSF Racing Council meeting, the concept of Wild Cards was discussed (see page 18 of the minutes). Nothing was done about it after everone walked out of that meeting, but it should be discussed at the IWSF meeting in Belgium (see here). It is not necessary that such items have to wait a whole year to be finalised. This is poor management of a committee and the sport.

6) More Needs to be Done and Communicated
I hope for the sake of ski racing’s competitors, that things get better. Too many actions are discussed and agreed at IWSF Racing Committee meetings that are never followed up on. It’s very easy to have great ideas around a table but it’s another thing to go home, take action and put in the effort that’s needed to make those ideas reality. Where is the funding that the Racing Council committed to raising? Where is the communication on what is being achieved? Who did the Racing Council elect this years as Male and Female water ski racers of the year? Etc.

The questions above are all very legitimate, but the answers to these and other questions remain unheard by the vast majority of competitors who part-fund the IWSF Racing Council. It’s about time the Racing Council as one body, starts answering to the people it is supposed to be serving, starts proactively communicating to the world, being more transparent, promoting the sport and its champions, raising funds and doing more than it does at the moment. I hope there are enough strong, bright and dynamic individuals elected on the Racing Council this year to ensure that positive change and progress occurs over the next two years.

If you care about what happens to your sport, I recommend that you consider all of the above and other things that matter to you, attend the Competitors’ Meeting in Belgium, and speak up. You can also discuss the matters with your Regional IWSF Committee Rep beforehand, especially if you are unable to be in Belgium.

A list of Racing Council members is posted here on the IWSF site and a screenshot is shown below. (John Newton formally stepped down in 2007 but is still named as a Council member)

Below you will find the information pack and entry form.

Download Geel Entry Form

Download Geel Info Pack

If you require more information, contact the General Secretary Office for the Open Race:

Non-EAME entries should be sent to Vera Van den Bossche at: vera.vdbossche@skynet.be

EAME entries should be sent via www.waterskiracing.be

• 03 May – Lyme Regis National *
• 17 May – Hunstanton National *
• 24 May – Allhallows National *
• 30/31 May – Penarth National
• 13/14 June – Weston Super Mare National
• 5 July – Brixham National
• 18-26 July – 16th World Racing Championships – Belgium
• 2 Aug – Europe Cup International Open – Eguzon, France
• 5/6 Sept – Torquay National
• 20 Sept – Stone National
• 28 Nov – Racing Ball – Belfry Oxford

Download and Print Worlds Bulletin 3

Download Worlds Bulletin 3

• height 4,6ft
• chest 27″
• waist 25″
• hips 26″

Would love to hear from you as getting a real ear bashing from my 10 year old son.

Thanks – Jane

contact 07764149672
email janeholland11@hotmail.co.uk

See more at http://guy594.myphotoalbum.com

Check out the latest offerings by clicking on the logo below.

Gregory Dumetier

You can see more Guy594 ski racing shots at www.guy594photography.com

The event will take place in Cairns on 27th June at Lui Garrozzo’s newly completed Salt House Restaurant.

Download the Wayne Mawer Send-off / Fundraiser Invitation

Keith said; “After recovering from her Biracial Plexus neck injury from the 84 Worlds, Dawna won the women’s open 1988 Nationals first day, from the outside pole position with Dick “Fireball” Sieler at the wheel . The next day, behind Bills Tub of Fools and sitting on the pole position, was clocked at 111 mph on a radar gun, only to burn up a v-drive in the first turn. She never raced again”.

Keith added; “It has been an honor and a pleasure to be associated with such a human being! He will be greatly missed!”

A full obituary can be found here

To raise funds for the many costs involved in this exciting event, the team are holding a fund raiser at the Shelbourne Hotel.. The F21 is safely tucked away in a crate on the way to Belgium but they will have their Force F19x on display. Please come along, enjoy some drinks, lunch and fantastic raffle prizes.

WHERE The Shelbourne Hotel – 200 Sussex St – (Crn of Sussex & Market Sts) Sydney
WHEN This Saturday the 20th of June
TIME 1pm till 5pm
COST $ 25 entry which includes a delicious lunch

RAFFLE PRIZES INCLUDE
* 1 weekend away at any Rydges Resort in Australia and New Zealand
* 1 weekend away at the Sebel Resort in Kiama
* $300 voucher for Wildfire Restaurant
* $200 Voucher for Wildfire Restaurant
* 6 Tickets to see Chicago at the Star City Casino

If you have any questions please contact Andrew Fyfe on 0417 – 027 842

http://www.shelbournehotel.com.au

www.forceboats.com

Click on the 43Videos link at the very top of the web site and consider sharing the videos and other posts at skirace.net via Facebook etc with your friends. It all helps promote the sport of water ski racing to people outside the sport.

Thanks to Sue Fleming, the results are here

Steve Bird wrote: “Toby Duggan who is a dauphin skiing with Team 10 The Lions, Driven by Steve Cox and Observed by myself, won on Saturday at Weston Super Mare and made it 5 out of 5 races giving him the title of British Dauphin Champion so early on in the season. This is now 2 years on the trot.  He is turning out to be a great skier and actually lead the whole support race overall for over 3 laps.  Definately one to watch in the future and now we are after doing well in the european cup in Eguzon, France.”

See the full British water ski racing calendar for 2009 here

F1 Men

• Todd Haig
• Sam Frey
• Andy Anderson

F2 Men

• Brady Hoggins
• Cameron King
• Greg Anderson
• Roy Frey (Reserve)

F1 Women

• Katelin Wendt
• Mallory Nordblad
• Lori Dunsmore

F2 Women

• Kelly Ireland
• Amy Threlfall
• Dawn Wallace
• Rose Kinslow (Reserve)

Junior Boys

• AJ Herrera
• Trevor Wendt

Junior Girls

• Chelbe Kinslow

Team Captain

• Randy Jarrell

The full Aussie Team is listed below and Australian fans can find a lot more information now, as we get closer to and during the event at www.waterskiaustralia.com – This is an excellent initiative by the Austrailians.

Australian Water Ski Racing Team

www.waterskiaustralia.com

Scott Gibbons - Photo by Neil Pallender

Click here to see the dozens of photos that Neil took at Cardiff National

“It’s a gruelling run, a really hard run up to the lighthouse,” Greenwood said. ”By the time I got to the top I was absolutely spent. The ski and swim were all right but it’s just the hill. It’s about 2km up and 2km back but it’s steep the whole way.”

The 21-year-old has competed in the teams section of the event before but never completed all three legs. ”We did a training run on it but it was harder this time around.”

Greenwood’s boat Hustler had the edge on competitors despite his observer having to deal with a broken fuel pump during the race. Last year’s winner Wayne Mawer finished second, using their rough water training boat Force Nine they did not have the speed in the smooth conditions.

“We couldn’t do any more, we didn’t have the boat to do the job and their (Greenwood’s) lead was a bit too big by the time we got to the island,” Mawer said.

Runner-up: Wayne Mawer battled in the ski leg yesterday

Mawer, who in is training for next month’s world ski titles, said he had enjoyed the calm conditions on the water. ”The run and swim were easier this year because I didn’t have to push too hard on the ski and ended up having a bit of a rest because we didn’t have too much power there.”

Stuart Tobin’s Port Douglas Diesel team won the teams event.

Thanks to Neville Fry for submitting this article.

The event was a great success with the new course providing a few challenges for skiers in sloppy conditions. Great racing was had by all and thank you all for attending and supporting Ski Racing SA at these championships. Results are now finalised and can be found at skiracingsa.com

Shelley Obst has sent in a few bunny hops from the event – captured on camera by Craig Coffey.

Brett Dominguez and Steve Rowe in the air

Brett Dominguez

Brett Dominguez

Stuart Cox

Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche writes …It is with sadness that we have to confirm the passing away of Richard.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Dear Sport Friends

It is with sadness that we have to inform that Richard died this morning.

Please find herewith the funeral arrangements:

Saturday June 13, 2009 at 10.00 h

Church: “Notre Dames de Messires”

Rue de Bertaimont

At 7000 Mons (Bergen)

Belgian Skiers are requested to bring their ski to pay tribute at the Church to Richard and his beloved family.

We are counting on your presence.

Kim De Witte – Van den Bossche - Team Captain Belgium

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

Join the dedicated group on Facebook:  Pakuszewski Richard R.I.P.

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

22:00 CET 8 June

Peter Moorkens has confirmed the very sad news that Richard Pakuszewski has lost his courageous fight to survive the injuries from the accident he suffered recently.

Luc Vermeiren was in the hospital this evening together with the crew from the boat, where the sad news was confirmed.

Richard Pakuszewski
Born in Mons on 21st June 1968
Passed Away in Geel on 9th June 2009
Funeral 13th June 2009

Funeral:
Zaterdag 13 juni 2009 om 10.00 h
Kerk: “Notre Dame de Messires”
Rue de Bertaimont
7000 Mons (Bergen)

Last respects:
Richard groeten kan op :
Donderdag 11 en vrijdag 12 juni
Telkens van 14.00 tot 18.00 h
Adres: Funerarium Borgno
Rue des Arquebusiers 2
7000 Mons Bergen

Paula Newland - captured in action by Keith Slater

See more from Keith Slater here

The photos are dedicated to Richard Pakuszewski who is still in hospital.

Boat 19

Kim Lumley

Darren Kirkland

Chris Stout

You can see all photos at www.powerboatracing.be

Just add robbiellewellyn as a friend in your Twitter account. You will then receive almost immediate updates as and when I publish 160 character news reports and photos from the Worlds in Belgium. You can receive these Twitter updates on your mobile device or the net. They’ll be informal and informative with quite a few being published every day during the Worlds – providing you with up to the minute news and photos from the edge of the canals and the pits before and after races.

If Twitter is all a bit confusing, the posts will appear on my Facebook account www.facebook.com/robllewellyn and a live feed will appear at the very right of www.skirace.net containing the latest 50 Tweet posts from the Worlds. Remember to refresh the web page so that any new Tweets can be displayed. Look to the right of this page and you will already see a small Twitter feed. This is where the Twitter updates will appear.

If you still haven’t discovered Twitter, check out the following links:

www.twitter.com – set up a Twitter account here for FREE

Twitter explained