Racer’s Edge
Edition #1 || August 2015
RECAP
An Aussie victory at the catalina!
5 Minutes with MICK
Five minutes isn’t enough when he gets going with Dave ‘BISHO’ Bishop! Welcome to the new season | Members Survey | Strategic Plan
SUPERMAN vs. HELLRAZOR
Will the battle
between the 2014
Hawkesbury 120 champ & the 2014/15 pacesetter resume?
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Around the Buoys Catalina Race Strong showing at the Catalina for Australia
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t’s known as the greatest ski race in the world and the 67th running of the USA’s Catalina Ski Race (CSR) lived up to the hype, especially for Australian Jake Tegart who claimed victory against 12-time champion and local skier Todd Haig in record time. While Tegart claimed top honours in the open men’s class, Australia produced a strong showing to see Ellen Jones claim a close second in the open women’s race, while fellow male competitors Ben Gulley and Jack Harrison came home in third and fourth places respectively. Skiing for team ‘Warpath’, led by driver Mike Avila, Tegart completed the 62-mile race in a time of 45 minutes and 31 seconds to win what is regarded as one of, if not the toughest race in the world to beat hometown hero Haig. Looking back on the victory, Tegart said it was pleasing to beat the Americans on their home turf , before outlining how much preparation went into a victory that came in just his fifth attempt at the race. “It’s always good to get one up on the Americans, this is Todd’s backyard and he gets to train here all the time,” Tegart said. “Our preparation is very different, we train behind smaller boats and only go over once a year and have a limited time to get things sorted. “The race itself was hard work. We got a good start and put ourselves in a good position, allowing us to maintain the lead. When we got back in the breakwater it was just a matter of staying ahead of Todd. “It’s one of the toughest races to win and often the conditions play a big part in that. This year as always was difficult, there was a bit of swell on the course, but our entire crew did a great job.” In the women’s race it was the USA who edged out Australia as Katelin Wendt crossed the line a meagre two seconds ahead of Jones, denying the young Aussie a chance to win back to back CSR titles following her triumph last year. The second place continues a run of good form for Jones in 2015, after the Hawkesbury local claimed the junior girl’s world championship in New Zealand in April. With the Australian season underway, expect both Tegart and Jones to put in strong showings at the major events, with the first of those the Hawkesbury 120 from August 29-30.
A few whales got in on the act at Catalina. Picture: Alexander Doulames
CATALINA SURVEY HERE: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebbl8o0nich2v007/a013gidjxu47e/greeting Racer’s Edge | 4
Directors Deck
Welcome to the new season
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t’s been a busy start to season 2015/16 at Ski Racing Australia with improvements to the Ski Racing system Casalar, ongoing work with the Racesafe system as well as developments in drug testing, results of the members survey, our new strategy and the appointment of a new communications partner. Much of the work being undertaken at this point in time is aimed at making our sport as efficient as possible. I see a focus and investment in technology as a key area for our future development, and as a means to ensure that the volunteers that organise our events are equipped with the support of time saving systems that they deserve. One of our first actions in readiness for the new season was to upgrade the Ski Racing system Casalar, with event organisers the major benefactors courtesy of long needed improvements to its functionality. These developments have also aided progress in making the Racesafe system seamlessly interactive with the Casalar system, which we hope will be available in the near future. We have also made inroads into the race seeding process and much thanks needs to go to our Seeding Committee, who are currently developing a ranking database. Trials to confirm the accuracy and application of the system will take place, with the outcome hoped to improve the way that competitors can view where they are placed within the sport based on their performances. In conjunction with our focus on safety (see column right), SRA is in discussions with a drug-testing partner. This partnership will allow an increase in the number and frequency of random testing of illicit substances at events. The drugs policy is under review and the final announcement will take place within the first few weeks of the season. As promised the results of the Members Survey have been collated and included on the next page for your review. There are some interesting insights into how the sport should move forward. Key components of the survey have already been used for discussion by the Safety Committee and to guide decisions at the board level.
Keeping in line with the future directions of the sport, the board has also recently completed the SRA Strategy, which is also availableon the next page. This document sets out what SRA is responsible for and its strategic challenges. In recent weeks SRA have also appointed a new media partner, Racer’s Edge | 5
Sports Communication Australia (SportsComm). Based in Sydney, the media/PR agency already works with clients including Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall, Water Polo Australia and BMX Australia, as well as the Discovery Channel/Eurosport TV network among others. They are a good fit for Ski Racing and I look forward to what they can provide the sport. As the memberships continue to come into the office in high volumes, we look forward to another year of great racing! Remember to be safe, ski within you capabilities and drive to the conditions. Have a great year. Regards,
Grant Cummin
Chief Executive Officer
Download the Member Survey Results HERE: http:// ow.ly/R7xZn
Download the Strategic Planning Workshop HERE: http://ow.ly/R8i0j
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Feature:
While Hellrazor battled in the opening four rounds of 2014/15, they soon rebounded to be the pacesetters for the remainder of the season. Now with the 2015/16 season on our doorstep, Hawkesbury 120 race director Ken Cheetham has earmarked McGuire and Cranny as two men whose teams will bring the high speed come August 29.
Hawkesbury T
120
he120km from Windsor to Wiseman’s Ferry and back on the Hawkesbury is a test of speed and endurance like no other and in the 10th anniversary edition of the Hawkesbury 120 expect to see close to 100 boats take the start line. The Hawkesbury 120 is a testament to the growing success of ski racing in Australia, inaugurated by a tight knit committee who wanted to bring a classic event to Ski Racing NSW and kick-start the ski racing year.
“Darren McGuire has been there for a few years now and knows the river well, and Superman have a good crew with Brett Armstrong, Daniel Graziano and Daniel Cotton,” Cheetham said.
“I’d also expect to see Mark Cranny and Hellrazor to be among the top competitors. Mark knows the river backwards and he has a very reliable boat and crew. “Don’t discount the contest between the women either. The ‘3 Carat’ and ‘Prima Donna’ teams are both competitive and have good skiers on board and will be going just as hard for victory.” While there’s no secret that the best way to win is by being the quickest, reliability can make or break a race and it was Superman who found that out at the Ted Hurley last year, when a fuel pump failure ended their race with just one corner to go.
Although the short turnaround between seasons and cool August temperatures provide challenges to entry numbers, the event thrives off strong competition and it looks like 2015 will provide yet anothCheetham continued, that while each team have er year of just that. their own strategy, the weather or unforseen reliRewind 12 months and it was Darren McGuire’s ability issues could derail even the best laid out ‘Superman’ who began their season run of three strategy. successive victories with top honours at the “Every team has their own little strategy and they Hawkesbury 120, going on full attack when Mark know what they want, but essentially you need to Cranny’s ‘Hellrazor’ faltered, to start the season in get to the 60km turnaround point in good shape the best way possible. before getting home as quick as you can,” he said.
Racing across the board
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t’s not just the Superclass and Unlimited competitors that will be in focus at the Hawkesbury 120. There are plenty of other classes competing that day and one that is drawing keen interest is the Under 16’s boy’s class. While the speeds have been increasing in all classes, it is the under 16’s that are proving one of the quickest with boats beginning to reach in excess of 100mp/h (160.93km/h OR 86.89 knots). The under 16’s is a category that continues to produce some of Australia’s top skiers, highlighted in April this year when Hawkesbury locals Jack Harrison and Ellen Jones both claimed their respective Racer’s Edge | 7
“But at the end of the day what you need is a reliable boat and an adaptable plan if the conditions become changeable. If the wind comes up this race will get very choppy, the rollers will come in and it can be notoriously bad on Pitt Town Straight.” While the main event may be on the Sunday it is the Saturday that will build the anticipation ahead for the 120, when the Shootout decides the grid for Superclass and Unlimited competitors (with other classes also invited to participate). Running from Windsor to Sackville and back the Shootout will be a close QUICK FACTS contest with all the crews RACE DISTANCE: 120km aiming to SPEEDS: 100mp/h + claim the coveted number RACE STYLE: 2up one starting position, and boasting rights before backing up to make good on their efforts in the main race the next day. The Hawkesbury 120 will be held on the weekend of August 29-30, beginning and finishing at Windsor with a turnaround point at Wiseman’s Ferry.
Fuelled on Volunteers H
eaded up by a small sub committee, the Hawkesbury 120 exists off the back of tireless work of volunteers who are busy preparing for the better part of 12 months to make the event the success that it is. Those volunteering their time are just as passionate about the sport as the competitors vying for victory, with all contributing a particular set of skills either on the course or off it. Briefing sessions for volunteers will begin on the Friday prior to the commencement of the event. As always, Ski Racing Australia would like to extend its gratitude to all the volunteers at the Hawkesbury 120 and all upcoming events for the year.
Key Events Across the Weekend SATURDAY: Shootout: Windsor - Sackville Return SUNDAY: Hawkesbury 120: Windsor - Wisemans Ferry Return
junior boy’s and girl’s world titles in Wellington, and both will be in action at the Hawkesbury 120. It isn’t just the electric speeds of the elite competitors that make the Hawkesbury 120 special; people of all ages take to the water and in 2015 the youngest will be just nine years old. Among the participants will also be the veteran and disabled classes, proving that this sport is one of the most inclusive in Australia. Importantly each year the money raised from the event is used to put funds into Ski Racing NSW to set up opportunities for the full season, part of which is a focus on junior development to ensure the future of the sport remains bright. Racer’s Edge | 8
MICK: Bisho, you’re possibly one of the most liked, most recognisable faces, and voices, in ski racing. How have you come to be the enigma that is Dave Bishop?
Meet Mick Kelly. A world champion observer, former winner of the Southern 80, top racer, mentor to newcomers - at times outspoken (but always with the best intentions) Mick’s up for a chat! In each edition of The Racers Edge Mick puts one of our members in the spotlight. You don’t have to be famous, nor a winner. But you do have to be committed and love our sport...that’s what turns Mick on. Sit down, have a breather and spend 5 minutes with MICK
BISHO: Haha I’m not sure about that Mick! I guess I can answer that by saying that my favourite question when interviewing people is “Where did you grow up skiing?” Invariably they answer with “well my parents had a caravan at (Insert name of lake or river here!) And that’s where we skied. I’m no different! I grew up on the banks of Lake Eppalock near Bendigo in Victoria and learnt to ski at the age of five. So with my dad, who races cars as well, and always had boats, there was no other way for me to go really. M: Hah! I wish I had have asked that now!!
Your role in racing is a varied one; tell us about all the positions, places and roles you’ve been a part of.
B: I started racing in 1993 and my first race was at Lake Cooper where Lisa Clancy (Carne) and Lucas Brown used to get on the PA and do impromptu commentary. As I was towing Lisa at the time I jumped on the PA from time to time to give them a hand. I still can’t believe the opportunities that has given me over the years. I had been ski racing for around ten years when guilt got the better of me and I joined the board of SRV to give back to a sport that had given me so much. I remained on the board for the next nine years where I learnt a lot about the sport, people and life in general. M: Which do you prefer?
NAME: Dave Bishop (Bisho, Lips, Screaming Eagle) depending where I am AGE: 46
TEAM: Spinal Tap Racing / Race Marine / Cold Play / Hulk / 300 POSITION: Driver
YEARS SKIING: 41
YEARS RACING: 21
B: Actually I really enjoy skiing but as a skier I make a pretty good driver! I love doing the commentary as well, particularly when it’s an exciting race, you’re on fire and the crowd is right behind you getting into it, it’s a fantastic feeling seeing people smile and really enjoy what their watching. But my real passion is driving those outboard boats! They take a lot of skill and I really admire those guys that are really good at it - especially in the rough water. M: Ski racing – why? What are the factors that keep you coming back? Racer’s Edge | 9
B: The team element. I have raced cars and had a go at offshore, drags and circuit boat racing and enjoy them all but when you finish a tough ski race and everyone in your team has done a good job, win, lose or draw you can share that moment with your team and there’s nothing better.
B: I think the two major challenges for committees and the sport as a whole are safety and the cost of doing business. These two issue are intrinsically linked. If we can make the sport safer our major cost of insurance will come down. Although as this column is only 5 minutes with Mick, that’s another M: Your commentating is legendary. Do you put whole column all by its self. a lot of work into it, or just M: You’ve been involved have the ability to wing it? for a long time now – how has the sport changed? B: Probably the work that
goes into it is in trying to B: Obviously the gear has know the people & teams changed a lot. Hulls, enyou are talking about. Do gines, and skis have all I study programs and the changed a lot! I often say like? No. I’m far too lazy for that the biggest change that! My knowledge comes and safety improvement has from being somewhat of been the good quality intera people person (maybe com systems that are now a sticky beak!) Talking to available. It’s amazing to teams and finding out what look through how the times they’re up too is one of my have come down in the last favourite parts of the sport. twenty years as well. Dave ‘BISHO’ Bishop Winging it is the staple of M: Would you say for the my commentary. I think if most part these changes you have real passion it comes out! You can’t fake have been positive? that or fool the fans. B: I think so. Sometimes I think a negative would M: You’ve been an integral part of SRV, which be that we have lost a lot of boats that social skied has the largest membership base in Australia, every other weekend and were used to race on the and for that matter I’d say the world. How hard race weekends. The 60mph class has helped with is it to keep the wheels turning on such a big this but unfortunately they don’t seem to have anyenterprise? where to go when they come out of that class. We B: SRV has been faced with some major challeng- used to have 6cly & 6ltr centre mount and 140hp es over the last twelve months and I think it’s an outboard classes that we no longer have or just absolute testament to the current and preceding aren’t supported. boards that we are still even operating! The current M: Absolutely. While it’s easy to say cost has group on the board is a fantastic mix of youth and driven some of these smaller classes out, do experience and we have already moved forward you think it’s also just evolution? A tough centre from that disastrous time and I have full confidence mount was pretty cool when I was a kid, but it’s in the current SRV board to continue to move forno 1350. ward from here. I’m not currently on the board, however they are well aware that I’m ready to help B: True! I guess the outboards are so good now in terms of reliability and performance, which may out in any way and I think that’s important that all have killed off some of the smaller classes as well. members in all states have the same attitude. At the end of the day the people on the board are M: What is next on the agenda of change? volunteers and the workload should not be left to B: As I’ve mentioned we need to look at skier safety them alone. first & foremost. We have had a couple of disasters M: What do you think is the biggest problem faced by committees and organisations today?
in terms of not only skier fatality but some shocking arm injuries as well.
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That will be for smarter people than I, but we do need to have and test any products that may be able to avoid this happening. M: I hear you there. Do you see the formation of a safety committee as a step in the right direction? B: Absolutely! Even the fact that we are being proactive is a giant step in the right direction.
M: Safety is a massive issue obviously. Through your involvement in varying forms of motorsport, do you see opportunities for technologies to cross over?
B: In power boat racing the reinforced cockpit is used but I can’t see how this would be practical in ski racing. While we have had a bad year in terms of boat crew fatalities, it’s not what I see as a recurring problem in the sport. Devices such as the HANS (Head And Neck Safety) device or similar or something adapted to our sport that uses these principals may be a good starting point, not only for boat crews, but skiers as well. M: Funnily enough, a few boys and myself have been looking into HANS devices and similar. We think there is a lot of merit in the concept - but can racing as a whole find the money to test and adapt these things? Do you think it would have the support of the membership base? B: I’m sure the membership base would be behind anything to keep our skiers safe. But it can also sometimes come down to a balance of dollars & cents as well
M: Kids today…. They’re all getting fit and being serious and stuff. Is there any future for older blokes like us in the sport?? B: I bloody hope so Mick! The true success of water ski racing is, as my old & good friend Richo Partington says, “Its participation”. Hopefully we will get to have lots of fun for a bit longer mate! M: Finally, I’m looking to set up a boat - what would you recommend?? (Insert shameless V7 qc4v plug here!) B: Step in to my office Mick...
M I CK
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Date: 3/8/15
CHANGES TO SRA BOAT SAFETY SCRUTINEERING 2015/16. The Ski Racing Australia (SRA) Technical committee and the SRA Board have introduced a change to the safety scrutineering requirements for the 2015/16 ski racing season. The process introduces a new scrutineering gate between October – February as outlined below: GATE 1 - Prior to boats first event (per current process) GATE 2 - If a boat has competed in any SRA sanctioned event prior to 19th October 2015 it must be re-scrutineered before competing in any further SRA sanctioned events. GATE 3 - If a boat has competed in any SRA sanctioned event prior to 1st February 2016 it must be re-scrutineered before competing in any further SRA sanctioned events. GATE 4 - If a boat has competed in any SRA sanctioned event prior to 14th March 2016 it must be re-scrutineered before competing in any further SRA sanctioned events. Boats that have undergone the process prior to the start of the season and do not intend to run until after gate 2 are not required to gain scrutineering again. SRA will maintain a database to track boats competing and will advise upon receiving registrations from event organisers any boats that may need to be re-scrutineered before being eligible to race. Boats intending to compete the week after each gate will need to ensure the boat has been re-scrutineered before competing and update SRA accordingly. This change does not alter the requirements in place to change your steering cable twice during the season. www.skiracing.com.au PO BOX 7598 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VICTORIA 3004
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Statement Ski Racing Australia (SRA) is focussed on providing the safest possible racing experience for members. Introductions of the Race safe system, new scrutineering oversight, random illicit drug testing, event and emergency management oversight and breath testing are in place to benefit members at SRA sanctioned events. In the last eight years SRA members have been supported through injury at Ski Racing events to a total of over $1.4 million, and liability claim reserves placed at over $2.5 million. Membership of SRA, and competing at sanctioned SRA events, provides a level of cover for members so that should the unthinkable happen, you and your family, the volunteers and event organisers have a level of cover to fall back on. Without the appropriate levels of insurance ultimately the risk ends up with the person. This means YOU may be personally liable for the cost of your actions while at the event, whether competing or volunteering. SRA events are sanctioned and recognised by the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation. Competing in non-SRA sanctioned events can affect competitors’ eligibility to be selected for world championship racing. Competitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the IWWF Rules of Eligibility for World Title Events. To assist members in their knowledge of the SRA insurance cover a summary is provided on the next page. SRA encourages members to familiarise themselves with the aspects of the cover and have full knowledge of the benefits they receive when competing at sanctioned SRA events. The existence and extent of insurance cover provided at non-SRA sanctioned events is generally determined by the relevant event organiser and may therefore vary significantly from event to event. By competing only at SRA events however, you can be confident that insurance cover is in place, as set out over the page. The risks of ski racing are high enough – competitors should take great care before deciding to race at a non SRA sanctioned event.
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Ski Racing Australia Incorporated Insurance Summary
Public & Products Liability Insurance
Covers third party bodily injury and/or property damage arising out of the activity of “Ski racing and Incidental event organization” of a sanctioned SRA event.
Limit of Liability
$20,000,000
Member to member
$5,000,000
Goods in physical & Legal control
$500,000
Extensions of cover included:“Member to Member” liability extension
Covering for proceedings brought against a “member to member” (Example:- Skier falls off and get injured and sues the driver of the boat for the said injury) “On Water Racing” activities extension:-
Covering any liability arising out of use watercraft including whilst racing including liability arising for each member watercraft (Example:- Boat loses control and runs up the bank and cause injury to spectators). (Note: Traditional privately purchased “Pleasure craft” covers have a “racing exclusion” so this excludes all bodily injury and/or property damage arising out of incident so you cannot rely on the participants private policy!) “Unregistered Vehicles” extension:-
Covering any liability arising out of the use of unregistered vehicle that may be used to launch or retrieve a boat out of the water. “Principal Indemnity” extension:-
Covering any of the principal or key stakeholders for liability where they maybe vicariously liable arising out of an event (Water Ski Club, Maritime Boards, Police, Ambulance, Volunteer Groups)
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Injury Insurance
Covering whilst an Insured Person is engaged in Ski Racing Australia sanctioned events which are under the direct control of the Insured, including trials, practice sessions, qualifying, racing, officiating, promotional work, voluntary work/committee meetings/training authorised by and under the control of the Insured and whilst an Insured Person is travelling directly to or from an event or authorised business. Capital Benefit
(Events 1-16) $50,000
Period of Benefit
52 weeks
Weekly Benefit
$1,000 per week or 80% of pre-injury income, whichever is lesser
Excess period
2 weeks
Expenses
90% of costs up to $20,000 per claim
Non Medicare
Student Tutorial Costs
$500 per week for 26 weeks
Disclaimer - This information is only a summary of the cover provided. The policy documents with full terms and conditions are available by contacting Ski Racing Australia Inc.
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30th July 2015 Dear SRA Judges, Officials and Competitors, NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO SKI RACING AUSTRALIA (“SRA”) RULE BOOK (“RULE BOOK”) I refer to the above matter. In accordance with rule 2.6, the Ski Racing Australia (SRA) board ratified an amendment to the SRA Rule Book (Rule Book) on Monday the 27th of July 2015. The amendment to the Rule Book is effective immediately and will be included in the next Edition of the Rule Book The amendment relates to rule 10.4 (d) and introduces two new helmet types at (iii) and (iv) as follows: Rule 10.4
(d) The Driver and Observer must wear a helmet that is approved by one or more of the following standards; (i) Australian Standard AS1698 (ii) British Standard 6658 (iii) European ECE 22-05
(iv) Military Spec - MIL-DTL87174/A
(v) SNELL SA 2005 or later version of this approval (eg: SNELL SA 2010) Note - SNELL approvals other than the SA standard are not acceptable Note - Skier’s helmets are NOT to be worn by Drivers or Observers. Regards, Grant Cummin
Chief Executive Officer Ski Racing Australia
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www . skiracing . com . au
Racer’s Edge Edition #1 || August 2015