British Water Ski Racing Programme 2012

E 2 M 1 0 2 GRAM O R P

WELCOME I am pleased we can again look forward to a full programme of 5 Europe Cup races this year, Tulln & Vienna in Austria host rounds 1 & 2, with the Viersel Diamond Race as round 3 and Geelround 4 both in Belgium, Eguzon in France hosts the final round 5.

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As the Chairman of British Water Ski Racing, it is my pleasure together with the entire Racing Committee to once again welcome you to the British National Water Ski Racing 2012 season.

This year the National series will consist of 8 venues, and 6 results will count to the Championship titles. We begin with Lyme Regis, followed by Hunstanton, from there we make a welcome return to Lochearnhead Scotland for race 3 & 4, followed by Cardiff. We travel to Brixham, then on to the Stone Club in Essex, and finally for our last GB race Weston Super Mare.

This year the European Championships are to be held at Genk in Belgium from the 10th – 18th August, and the first five races in the British National Championships will be the selection races for our squad of skiers and team members.

The venue for the 2012 Racing Ball will once again be the Thistle Hotel on the Seafront at Brighton on November 24th, where we shall be celebrating not only another successful year in British National Ski Racing but hopefully some major achievements in the European Championships.

In conclusion I would like to wish everyone a very enjoyable, successful and safe year of Water Ski Racing in 2012.

Barry Frame Chairman of BWSW Racing Committee

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BRITISH WATER SKI & WAKEBOARD Our mission: Expand participation, improve performance and beat the world.

Our vision: to provide the best water ski experience for anyone to enjoy.

British Water Ski & Wakeboard is the National Governing Body for water skiing in Great Britain and is recognised as such by Sport England and UK Sport and is in receipt of Exchequer Funding from them.

British Water Ski & Wakeboard is the only recognised voice speaking for water skiing in the UK. Joining us is the best way of supporting the sport now and for the future. We are a non-profit making organisation with all of our income invested in developing and protecting water skiing throughout Britain from the grassroots level through to our top athletes. British Water Ski & Wakeboard is responsible for the development of the sport; co-ordination of national and international competition; selection of National teams; training and registration of coaches and officials; and increasing the opportunities for participation in water skiing for all residents of this country, including the disabled.

British Water Ski also actively encourages newcomers to the sport, promotes good practice and safety and works to enhance and improve standards of coaching and driving. We also have highly active competition programmes in all divisions of the sport.

the world of water skiing having individual skiers and riders as World and EAME Champions, as well as teams featuring in the medals at World and EAME Championships. As part of the IWWSF we also have a good number of our members sitting on World and EAME Committees and therefore able to put forward a British perspective into the rules of the sport.

The IWWSF is responsible for organising World Championships in the Sports Divisions (see below). The EAME Region organises EAME (European) Championships in the same divisions.

National Sporting Links British Water Ski is a member of the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR) which is the umbrella organisation for the national governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK. The CCPR speaks and acts to promote, protect and develop the interests of sport and physical recreation at all levels.

We are also members of the Boating Alliance; the European Boating Association, the Parliamentary Waterways Group and ROSPA. Membership of these bodies is important to our ongoing environmental programme.

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FORMULAS AND CLASSES The support race is divided into the following categories: The main race is divided into Formula 1, 2 and 3 and is open to any age or sex of skier.

Formula 1 • All hulls must be a minimum of 18 feet in length • Boats can be single or twin outboards or single or twin inboard engines • Maximum engine power of 9.420 cc Formula 2 • All hulls must be a minimum of 18 feet in length • All boats must have single outboards only • Maximum engine power of 300hp Formula 3 • All hulls must be a minimum of 18 feet in length • All boats must have single engines only • Maximum engine power of 150 hp / 111.85 Kw

Ladies Open to ladies of all ages Juniors Up to and including the year of the 17th birthday Senior Man 35 years of age and over Open Class Any BWS member The Brit kids race is divided into the following categories and skiing times: Brit Kids A Up to 11 years old on 1st January of the year of competition, and race for 15 minutes plus a lap.

Brit Kids B 12, 13, 14 years old on 1st January of the year of competition, and race for 25 minutes plus a lap.

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Designers of the BWSW Racing Programme 2012

• The crew consists of a boat driver and one observer only • The minimum age for a driver is 18 years of age • The minimum age for a observer is 16 years of age • Either one or two skis maybe used, although skis must be in serviceable condition and must be florescent flame orange • The minimum length of a tow line is 21 metres, including handles.

Maximum length of 75 metres including handles • Either single or double handles may be used

• Life jackets or built in buoyancy wet suit must be worn by the skier.

All skiers must wear a top which is florescent in colour ensuring they are visible in the water • Drivers and observers shall wear a life jacket in a easily visible colour.

Life jackets must be equipped with collars and leg straps • Skiers must wear crash helmets meeting the British Water Ski regulations • Non skiing crew members must also wear bright red or orange helmets

FORMULA ONE

RACING RULES Before the start of each race every team shall attend a briefing, this enables them to understand the circuit.

All courses run in an anti-clockwise direction.

Race distances: Main Race 50 minutes plus 1 lap Support Race 35 minutes plus 1 lap Brit Kids A 15 minutes plus 1 lap Brit Kids B 25 minutes plus 1 lap Races are to be conducted over a 5 km course where possible.

For a simultaneous mass start, a 3 minute signal shall be given by raising the National flag together with a green flag on a starting boat or dock in sight of the skiers and boat crew.

The 30 second signal is given by lowering the green flag. Skiers may then enter the water from their boats which may then take up the slack in the ski line. The start will be signalled by the lowering of the National flag and skiers must not be in a skiing position until the start is signalled.

TEAM ON THE PULL Race control flags Yellow - Caution The judges and safety boats will raise the yellow flag when the skier has fallen, when a skier is in the water or in any other case of interference after the National flag has started the race.

Red - Stop the race All judge boats will carry a Red flag to stop the race on the instructions of the Chief judge. At the completion of the race the red flag will indicate ‘return to the pit area’.

Black - Disqualification The black flag is used to notify a competitor that he/she has been disqualified and must retire from the race. When shown it will be pointed at the offender and they must withdraw from the race immediately.

Blue The blue flag is used to signal to all competitors that the leader of the race has begun his last lap.

Chequered - Finish The chequered flag indicates the end of the race.

Orange For use by observers when their skier is in the water.

Blue/white To be used by observers when medical attention is required.

Boat number: 38 Boat: Cyclone F1 Ski Club: Hunstanton Ski Club Skier: Harvey Robinson aged 23 is a mechanic from Cambridgeshire. Harvey has been skiing for 8 years, he started skiing at a National competition in Hunstanton in 2003 and hasn’t looked back since. The best racing experience for Harvey was skiing F1 in the World Championships in 2009 and winning the F2 category at the Hunstanton National in 2010.

Driver: Robert Jenkins aged 32 is a marine engineer from Weston Super Mare. Robert has been driving boats for over 12 years and first started racing when his brother bet him Robert would never own a boat which his brother couldn’t ski behind! Rob says he has now proved him wrong! Robert’s best experiences whilst racing are winning the Europeans in Harderwijk and also the Diamond Race in Belgium, all in the same year.

Observer: Kevin Clark aged 42 is a plumber from Bristol. Kevin has been observing for 16 years and his best racing experiences were winning the Europeans in Plymouth and also winning the Europeans in Harderwijk with Robert Jenkins.

This will be the second year Harvey, Robert and Kevin will race together and their goals for this year are to be selected for the British Team to take part in the European Championships in Belgium in August.

FORMULA ONE TEAM H20 Boat number: 200 Boat: Cyclone Inboard Ski Club: Lyme Regis Power Boat Club Skier: Richard Kirk aged 36 is an equipment engineer from Newmarket. Richard has been skiing for 16 years and learnt to ski behind his dad’s boat on holiday in Devon. Richard is current F2 British Champion.

Richard says his best racing experience was participating in the Catalina Ski Race in America and also winning F2 in Diamond Race last year.

Driver: Bradley Cannings aged 38 is a Managing Director from Exeter. Bradley has been driving for over 16 years and learnt to ski at his local club in Exmouth when he was only 4 years old. Bradley started racing as a teenager. Bradley says his best racing experience was the Catalina Water Ski Race in America.

Observer: Tim Mayers aged 42 is an electrician from Lyme Regis. Tim has been observing for over 25 years and has been driving for 24 years.

Tim was first involved in ski racing many years ago when he took part in a regional race in Lyme Regis. Tim is also the Vice Chairman of the British Water Ski Racing committee and he is very active in the promotion of the sport. Tim’s best experience was driving and winning the river Trent Race at Marnham in 2010.

Team H20 have been racing together for 8 years and have achieved 3 times British Champion in Formula 2, as well as Gold medal winner in the Diamond Race in Belgium in 2011. A fantastic achievement.

When asked what they most enjoy about racing they said, “As a team, when it all clicks into place it’s an amazing buzz and you can’t leave the sport alone!”

FORMULA ONE TEAM G – FORCE Boat number: 43 Ski Club: Scotland

Skier: Grant McAra aged 37 is a joiner from Lesmahagow in Scotland. Grant has been skiing for 18 years and started skiing in 1991 when he was taught by his father. Grant likes to train 3 to 4 times a week and says that after being out of ski racing for a while he is looking forward to getting back on the ski and joining in the competitive Formula 1 class.

Driver: Graeme Petrie aged 25 is a manager from Lesmahagow in Scotland. He has been driving race boats for 4 years and started racing in 2009.

Graeme’s father was very involved in ski racing many years ago and he has encouraged Graeme to also join in this fantastic sport. His best racing experience was the Marnham River race in 2011, until they broke down!

Observer: David McAra aged 65 is a sales executive from Lesmahagow in Scotland. David has been observing for 18 years and started in 1991 with some friends. David says his best racing experience was in Strathclyde Park.

The G – Force team have been racing as a team for 4 years and they are looking forward to the feeling they get when they cross the finish line.

Their team goals for 2012 are to win a race.

FORMULA ONE TEAM PLUS ONE

TEAM 81

Boat number: 34

Boat number: 81

Boat: Connelly 21

Boat: Cyclone 21

Ski Club: Whitstable

Skier: Jamie Cramphorn aged 30 from Whistable has been skiing for over 22 years and says his best racing experience was being lucky enough to win the only race to be held in Monaco.

Driver: Neil Harvey aged 36 is an Oil baron and has been driving racing boats for over 20 years.

Observer: Wayne Harvey is 39 and is an accountant from Cardiff. Wayne has been observing for over 20 years.

FORMULA TWO

The Plus One team have been together for 9 years and are current Formula 1 British Champions.

When asked what the enjoy most about racing they said, “When it all comes together as a team and you get close to having a perfect race”.

The team goals for this year are to win the British Formula 1 Championship.

Ski Club: Lyme Regis Power Boat Club

Skier: James Bartlett is an engineer in the South West. He has been skiing competitively for 5 years and this is his third year in F2. After a break of nearly 15 years, James returned to competitive racing after a bit of arm twisting. His father, John Bartlett, who competed for 20 years as a driver in the sport, was the reason James got involved in ski racing originally.

Driver: Damian Hopkins runs his own building company. He has been driving competitively for 5 years, but took a year out in 2011. James and Damian have been friends since school and he is very much looking forward to competing together as a team once again.

Observer: Mark Anderson, known to most as Frank, is heavily involved in the art of agricultural coiffeuring. This will be his fourth year of competitive racing, he observed for James in 2011 and obviously did a good job, as he was asked again this year!

Team 81 are looking forward to a great season ahead. The adrenaline keeps them going, but it’s the people involved in the sport and the social aspect which keeps them coming back.

FORMULA TWO

Skier: Will Newland aged 20 is an architecture student from Caterham in Surrey. Will has been skiing for 12 years and learnt to ski aged 8 when Mum (Paula) was racing in the 1999 World Championships in Spain, “After we came back I competed in my first race a month or so later.”

When asked about his training regime he said “During the winter it’s normally difficult to find the motivation to train because it’s always cold and dark! Fortunately I play hockey whilst I’m at Uni. During the racing season, circuit training, cycling and running make up the majority of my training on dry land whilst we also try and get on the water as much as possible. Practice makes perfect!”

Driver: Nigel Newland aged 44 is from Caterham in Surrey. Nigel has been driving since turning 40 when, he says, his skiing life came to an end so he began driving. Nigel started skiing/driving with

FORMULA TWO

TEAM TRUE COLOURS

TEAM NO LIMITS

Boat number: 5

Boat number: 924

Boat: Cyclone 21

Boat: Cyclone Invader

Ski Club: Penarth Ski Club

Ski Club: Hunstanton Ski Club

his parents who joined the Varne Boat Club in Kent in the early 70’s and Nigel grew up playing on the sea every weekend. When asked about his best racing experience he said, “I have been very lucky to have skied in most formula’s and represented my country, but driving or observing for Will especially in the World Championships in Australia last year has to top it all so far.”

Observer: Chris Lakin aged 29 is a boat builder from Walsall in the West Midlands. Chris has been observing for a year and started ski racing as a skier then went away from the sport for a while until he received a call from Nigel a few months prior to the start of the 2011 season. Chris says he jumped at the chance of observing for Will and has loved every minute of it. Chris says his best racing experience has been finishing overall 3rd in the British formula 2 championship in their first season together as a team.

Skier: Jack Lynch is 23 and a builder from Reach in Cambridgeshire. Jack has been skiing for 8 years and was taught by his step dad. Jack says his best racing experience was taking the silver medal in the Diamond Race in Belgium last year.

Driver: Greg Bassam is the owner of GB Water sports selling engines and boats from Peterborough. Greg has been involved in the sport for many years and started at the age of 14 and has driven for many skiers over the years and has competed in European and World Championships. When asked about Greg’s best racing experience he said, “I have had so many great experiences such as driving for my daughters and most recently taking the silver medal in the Diamond race in Belgium last year.”

Observer: James Robinson aged 47 works in logistics in Reach in Cambridgeshire. James

started skiing at the age of 8 and the river and has been a part of Hunstanton Ski Club ever since. James has driven and observes for his son Harvey Robinson, and also drives for his daughter Georgina in the Ladies category and is now observing for Jack too. James says his best racing experience was helping and watching his 3 children achieve their goals within the racing circuit.

This will be the first year the No Limits team will race together but they have spent many years training together so the transition will be smooth.

When asked what they enjoyed about the sport they said “The family atmosphere and the competitive racing.”

The team goals for 2012 are to gel together as a team and gain selection for the GB team too.

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FORMULA TWO TEAM STAND & DELIVER Boat number: 121

Skier: Dan Ellis aged 17 from Penarth in Wales.

Dan has been skiing competitively for 3 years and started in February 2009 as a form of punishment from his father! Dan says his best racing experience was taking the bronze medal in his first Diamond Race in Belgium in 2010 and achieving 3rd place in the Junior European Cup in 2011. Dan also came 5th in the F1 World Championships in 2011.

Driver: David Ellis aged 51 is a game designing guru from Penarth in Wales. David has been driving for 25 years and started when he bought a Picton GTS and raced it in a National race at Chasewater in 1986. The Picton gained the affectionate name of ‘The Plastic Pig’ in that race.

Shortly afterwards David bought ‘Yampower’ and pulled Martin Davies to win 2 gold medals in 1987 and 1988 in formula 4. David’s best racing experience was winning the bronze medal with

FORMULA TWO TEAM

SCREAMIN DEMON Boat number: 6

Boat: Cyclone F1

Boat: Bernico Xtreme

Ski Club: Penarth Ski Club

Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club

Dan at the Belgium Diamond Race last year.

Observer: Colin Harris aged 57 is a bouncer at Toys R Us in Cardiff. Colin has been observing for 6 years and started when the ski boat was first invented! Colin says his best racing experience was winning 7 titles and also skiing Formula 3 in the Diamond Race in Belgium.

The Stand & Deliver team have been racing together for 2 years and their achievements to date include 2nd place in the junior British championships in 2011, 3rd place in the European Championships in Euro Kids B in 2010 and 3rd place in juniors in the Diamond Race in Belgium.

This year will be the first year that the team have raced in the Men’s Formula 2 category and their team goal is to get a place in the GB team for the World Championships in America in 2013.

Skier: Daryl Tyndall aged 20 is an electrician from Romford in Essex. Daryl has been skiing for 8 years and started racing when he watched a regional race at Stone club and wanted to give it a go. He hasn’t looked back since!

Driver: Peter Tyndall aged 50 is an electrical engineer from Romford in Essex. Peter has been driving for 2 years competitively and he started racing when his son Daryl decided he wanted to give it a go. Peter says his best racing experience was taking part in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

Observer: Simon Smith aged 47 is a furniture manufacturer and upholsterer from Hornchurch in Essex. Simon started skiing, then observing when his children took over the skiing and then onto driving. He has been observing competitively for 7 years.

This will be the 1st year the team have raced all together and they love the fact ski racing is very much a family sport and very sociable. They have made many friends all over the world in the last 8 years.

The goals for the Screamin Demon team in 2012 are to do their best in F2 and improve on last year.

FORMULA TWO TEAM HOTSHOT

THE MUTTS NUTS

Boat number: 18

Boat number: 52

Boat: Bernico Formula 2

Boat: Phantom 21

Ski Club: Allhallows Ski Club Skier: Jake Frame aged 18 is an apprentice electrician from Rochester in Kent. Jake has been skiing for 12 years and started at a club race in Hunstanton. Jake trains 4 evenings a week and ski’s as often as he can at weekends. When asked what Jake’s best racing experience was he said, “Representing the GB as a junior in the 2011 World Championships in Moreton Bay in Australia.”

Driver: Barry Frame aged 64 is a company director from High Halstow in Kent. Barry has been driving race boats for over 20 years and started driving when he couldn’t ski any longer.

Barry says his best racing experience was observing for Jake in the 2011 Catalina Island race in Long Beach California.

FORMULA THREE

Observer: Simon Faulkner is a transport manager from Rochester in Kent. Simon has been involved in the sport for 15 years and started with Barry when they were a team with Chris Cole. Simon says his best racing experience was observing for Jake in the 2011 World Championships in Moreton Bay in Australia.

Hotshot racing has raced together as a team for many years and their achievements to date include 2 Formula 2 bronze medals in World Championships with Chris Cole, Junior European Champion with Mark Avela and 2 GB Junior Titles with Jake Frame.

When asked what they enjoyed about ski racing the team all agreed they most enjoyed the family involvement in the sport.

The team goals for 2012 are simply to survive!

TEAM

Ski Club: Weston Super Mare Ski Club Skier: Chris Preece aged 23 works in education and lives in Weston Super Mare. Chris has been skiing for 10 years and started off of the back of a 14ft Fletcher many years ago with his Dad teaching him. Chris has a regular off water training regime and he visits the gym and also tries to get as much time on the water as possible. Chris says his best racing experience to date was the Lyme Regis race until the boat broke down on the final turn buoy on the last lap!

Driver: Rob Solomon is a project controls director from Weston Super Mare has been driving boats for 24 years. Rob started skiing in Weston Super Mare during the summer of 1975 and entered his first race as a skier at Penarth in the BCSSA regionals a year later. Rob says his best racing experience was the 1990 European Championships which were held in Jersey.

Observer: Aaron Solomon aged 17 is a trainee telecommunications engineer from Weston Super Mare. Aaron has been observing for 2 years and he started his involvement in the sport when he learnt to ski in Phuket in Thailand when he was 10 years old. Aaron says his best racing experience was the Lyme Regis race in 2011.

The Mutts Nuts team have been racing together for a year and they won the Open Race championships in 2011 and they enjoy the fun, excitement and camaraderie of water ski racing.

Chris would like to thank Gecko headgear for providing his helmet, Tidboald off-road logistics and his mum, without whom, he wouldn’t be able to do this.

SENIORS

SENIORS TEAM ON THE PULL

TEAM G-FORCE

Boat number: 38

Boat number: 43

Boat: Cyclone F1

Boat: Bernico XTS

Ski Club: Weston Super Mare Ski Club Skier: John Grimes aged 52 is a steel erector from Weston Super Mare. John was given a ski magazine when he was in hospital with a broken femur and it gave him the incentive to get back going again 22 years ago. John has been skiing for 22 years socially and 16 years competitively.

John says his best racing experience was becoming Formula 3 champion in 2005 and also Cardiff Bay in 2009 when he won the race overall and winning 3 times Formula 3 at Marnham.

Driver: Robert Jenkins aged 32 is a marine engineer from Weston Super Mare. Robert has been driving boats for over 12 years and first started racing when his brother bet him Robert would never own a boat which his brother couldn’t ski behind! Rob says he has now proved him wrong! Robert’s best experiences were winning the Europeans in Harderwijk and also the Diamond Race in Belgium, all in the same year.

Observer: Kevin Clark aged 42 is a plumber from Bristol. Kevin has been observing for 16 years and his best racing experiences were winning the Europeans in Plymouth and also winning the Europeans in Harderwijk with Robert Jenkins.

Their best achievements to date are Formula 4 sports boat in 1994, winning the river Marnham in Formula 3, Diamond race winner in 2003, 4th in the Under 19 Southern 80 in 2006 and many more.

When asked what the team enjoy most about racing they said “The teams and people and the thousands of miles they travel and the opportunity to ski in 2 World Championships and 4 Europeans.”

Ski Club: Scotland Skier: Colin Campbell aged 42 is a plumber from South Queensferry in Scotland. Colin has been skiing for 15 years and started skiing in 1997 when he was introduced to the sport by friends.

Colin trains 3 to 4 times a week and is looking forward to getting back into competitive racing again.

Driver: Graeme Petrie aged 25 is a manager from Lesmahagow in Scotland. He has been driving race boats for 4 years and started racing in 2009.

Graeme’s father was very involved in ski racing many years ago and he has encouraged Graeme to also join in this fantastic sport. His best racing experience was the Marnham River race in 2011, until they broke down!

Observer: David McAra aged 65 is a sales executive from Lesmahagow in Scotland. David has been observing for 18 years and started in 1991 with some friends. David says his best racing experience was in Strathclyde Park.

The G-Force team have been racing as a team for 4 years and they are looking forward to the feeling they get when they cross the finish line.

Their team goals for 2012 are to win a race.

SENIORS

LADIES TEAM STAND & DELIVER

Skier: Russell Cox aged 47 is a market trader from Essex. Russell has been skiing for 38 years and says his best racing experience was winning the silver medal in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

Driver: David Ellis aged 51 is a game designing guru from Penarth in Wales. David has been driving for 25 years and started when he bought a Picton GTS and raced it in a National race at Chasewater in 1986. The Picton gained the affectionate name of ‘The Plastic Pig’ in that race.

Shortly afterwards David bought ‘Yampower’ and pulled Martin Davies to win 2 gold medals in 1987 and 1988 in Formula 4. David’s best racing experience was winning the bronze medal with Dan at the Belgium Diamond Race last year.

TEAM TRUE COLOURS

Boat number: 121

Boat number: 5

Boat: Cyclone 21

Boat: Cyclone 21

Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club

Ski Club: Penarth Ski Club

Observer: Colin Harris aged 57 is a bouncer at Toys R Us in Cardiff. Colin has been observing for 6 years and started when the ski boat was first invented! Colin says his best racing experience was winning 7 titles and also skiing Formula 3 in the Diamond Race in Belgium.

The Stand & Deliver team’s achievements to date include 2nd place in the Junior British Championships in 2011, 3rd place in the European Championships in Euro Kids B in 2010 and 3rd place in Juniors in the Diamond Race in Belgium.

This year will be the first year the team have raced in the Seniors category as a team and their team goal is to get a place in the GB team for the World Championships in America in 2013.

Skier: Paula Newland from Caterham in Surrey has been skiing since the age of 8. Paula learnt to ski on Llangorse Lake in South Wales behind a Dory which was a tender to a luxury powerboat.

Paula says her best racing experience was conquering the dreaded Belgium canal at Viersel to win the 2010 Formula 2 Ladies race.

Driver: Dave Llewelyn aged 72 is from Bargoed in South Wales. Dave has been driving boats for 34 years and started when he met Martin Davies, Paula’s dad.

Observer: Nigel Newland is 43 and is a construction manager from Caterham in Surrey.

Nigel began skiing at the age of 8 at the Varne Boat Club on the Kent coast as he was fortunate

to grow up boating with his family most weekends. Nigel says his best racing experience was meeting his wife Paula at venues in 1986.

Warning: Nigel says women weaken legs!

The True Colours team have raced together for around 10 years and have achieved a place in the British team for 4 World Championships in Spain, USA, Belgium and Australia. 2010 and 2011 Ladies British Champion, 2nd place in F2 ladies in the European Championships in 2010 and 1st place F2 ladies in the Diamond Race in Belgium in 2010.

The team goals for 2012 are to enjoy every race and race safely.

Paula’s father Martin Davies also races in the Senior category and her son Will races is F2.

LADIES

LADIES TEAM TAYLOR RACING Boat number: 925 Boat: Connelly Ski Club: Hunstanton Ski Club

Skier: Clare Taylor aged 39 is a financial director from Sherstone. She learnt to ski as a teenager behind her dad’s boat and was introduced to water ski racing by her father. Clare trains hard both on and off of the water at the gym, doing circuits, spinning and swimming. She says her best racing experience was winning at Brixham last year and the heading off to take part in the World Championships in Australia – apart from breaking her finger in the first race!

Driver: Greg Bassam is the owner of GB Water sports selling engines and boats from Peterborough. Greg has been involved in the sport for many years and started at the age of 14 and has driven for many skiers over the years and has competed in European and World Championships. When asked about Greg’s best racing experience he said, “I have had so

many great experiences such as driving for my daughters and of course driving Roy’s wonderful boat!”

Observer: Roy Taylor aged 32 is a managing director for Taylor’s Auto in Sherstone. Roy has been observing for 5 years and started through a family interest. Roy says his best racing experience was meeting his wife Clare.

Team Taylor Racing have been racing as a team for 5 years and their achievements to date include 2 blown engines, a gear box and a transom! As part of the British team they have taken part in the World Championships in Belgium in 2009, the European Championships in Spain in 2010 and also the World Championships in Australia in 2011. The team goals for 2012 are to win the National Series.

TEAM ON A BUDGET Boat number: 49 Boat: Cyclone Ski Club: Hunstanton Ski Club Skier: Georgina Robinson aged 16 is a student from Reach near Cambridgeshire. Georgina has been skiing competitively for 3 years and was taught by her brother Harvey who competes in F1 and Jack Lynch who competes in F2. She does as much running as possible to keep her fitness level up and also as much skiing as she can fit in too. When asked what her best racing experience was she says racing in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

Driver: James Robinson aged 47 works in logistics in Reach in Cambridgeshire. James started skiing at the age of 8 on the river and has been a part of Hunstanton Ski Club ever since. James says his best racing experience was helping and watching his 3 children achieve their goals within the racing circuit and also the

first Formula 2 win at Hunstanton pulling his son Harvey.

Observer: Chris Lakin aged 29 is a boat builder from Walsall in the West Midlands. Chris has been observing for a year and started ski racing as a skier before taking time out from the sport for a while. Chris says his best racing experience has been finishing overall 3rd in the British Formula 2 Championships in his first season back in the sport.

This is the first year the team On A Budget will race together and they are looking forward to being competitive. Georgina is still a junior but she has chosen to ski in the Ladies category this year.

JUNIORS

JUNIORS TEAM JUMP N JIVE Boat number: 35

Boat number: 9

Boat: Cyclone 21 Invader

Boat: Sequel 6-5

Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club Skier: Charlie Cox aged 17 is a student from Wickford in Essex. Charlie has been skiing for 6 years and learnt to ski when he went out on the water with his Dad and uncle. Charlie says his best racing experience was skiing in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

Driver: Robert Waite aged 58 is a ‘not so dodgy car dealer’ from Pevensey in East Sussex. Robert has been driving for over 20 years and started driving when his brother-in-law Gary Clark and his Dad Fred introduced him to ski racing at Varne Boat Club in Kent. Robert says his best racing experience was driving Russell and Charlie in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

TEAM THE LIONS

Ski Club: Weston Super Mare Ski Club

Observer: Martyn Robinson aged 45 is a HGV Driver from Rayleigh. Martin has been observing for 11 years and first became interested in racing when he was asked to be a safety boat at a National ski race at Stone Water Sports Club 13 years ago. Martyn enjoys being part of the Jump N Jive team and enjoys his part in each race.

Skier: Toby Duggan aged 16 is a student from Burnham on Sea. Toby learnt to ski at Middlemoor Water Park and has been skiing for 10 years. When not on the water Toby trains hard at the gym and also spinning and of course as much skiing as possible. Toby says his best racing experience was the Weston Super Mare regional.

The Jump N Jive team has been skiing together for 4 years and they have achieved Silver in Brit Kids B in the British Championships, 4th overall in the European Championships including 2nd place in the 2nd race.

The team goals for Jump N Jive are to be in the top 3 in the Junior category, Charlie is very keen to prove himself and he is training 3 times a week, a star of the future!.

Driver: Steve Cox aged 50 is a water ski coach from Middlemoor Water park in Burnham on Sea. Steve has been skiing and driving boats for 30 years and began in Burnham on Sea bay. Steve says his best racing experience was taking part in the World Championships with Toby in Brisbane Australia in 2011.

Observer: Steve Bird aged 42 is a builder from Burnham on Sea. Steve has been observing for Toby for 4 years and used to ski race himself.

Steve started coaching Toby during training sessions and then became his full time observer in races. Steve says his best racing experience was skiing the Dassan Island ski race in Cape Town which is the longest race in the world.

Team Lions have been racing as a team for 5 years and have achieved 5 national championships and also being selected for the GB team at the World Championships in Australia last year.

The team goals for 2012 are to keep the team injury free and to become junior champions in 2012.

BRIT KIDS B TEAM STAND & DELIVER

Driver: David Ellis aged 51 is a game designing guru from Penarth in Wales. David has been driving for 25 years and started when he bought a Picton GTS and raced it in a National race at Chasewater in 1986. The Picton gained the affectionate name of ‘The Plastic Pig’ in that race.

Shortly afterwards David bought ‘Yampower’ and pulled martin Davies to win 2 gold medals in 1987 and 1988 in formula 4.

TEAM KRAKEN

Boat number: 12

Boat number: 266

Boat: Cyclone 21

Boat: Cyclone 21

Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club Skier: Lee Holland aged 12 is a student from Brentwood in Essex. Lee has been skiing for 3 and a half years and started to ski in October 2008 behind his grandfather’s pleasure boat and has been hooked ever since. To keep himself fit Lee exercises most days after school and also plays basketball, football, rugby, swimming and cross country. Lee says his best racing experience was winning the Diamond Race twice and becoming European Champion in 2011.

BRIT KIDS B

Observer: Mark Holland aged 42 is a company director of a property and finance company currently developing government backed projects in Hungary and lives in Brentwood in Essex. Mark has previously observed for Lee for fun and in training but this year he wants to be there for Lee and be a part of his son’s team.

This will be the first year Stand and Deliver have competed as a team in Brit Kids B, although Lee has skied with the team in some of the European races last year.

Team achievements to date are winning the Diamond Race in 2010 and 2011 and 2nd place in the British Championships in 2011 as a Brit Kid B and in 2010 as a Brit Kid A. Lee was also European Cup Champion in 2011.

The team goals for 2012 are to simply to be the best!

Ski Club: Lyme Regis Power Boat Club Skier: Robyn Veater aged 14 is a student from Radstock near Bath. Robyn learnt to ski in Lyme Regis with her parents when she was 8 years old. Robyn’s god father suggested she should race in the Lyme Regis national in 2009 and she skied with his team and loved it. Robyn says her best racing experience was winning the Lyme Regis national race in 2011 and also skiing in the Diamond race in Belgium in 2010 and 2011.

Driver: Alan Veater aged 42 is an Operations manager from Radstock near Bath. Alan has been skiing and driving for many years and learnt to ski when he was 10 In Bristol Docks. This is Alan’s 4th year of driving on the National circuit. When asked what was Alan’s best racing experience he said, “Driving H20 F2 boat for my daughter Robyn in Lyme Regis last year, the water was very rough and we took off on several occasions but Robyn held on tight and won the race.” Alan says he

loves the camaraderie of racing and the adrenalin rush at the beginning of each race.

Observer: Tim Mayers aged 42 is an electrician from Lyme Regis. Tim has been observing for over 25 years and has been driving for 24 years.

Tim was first involved in ski racing many years ago when he took part in a regional race in Lyme Regis. Tim is also the Vice Chairman of the British Water Ski Racing committee and he is very active in the promotion of the sport. Tim’s best experience was driving and winning the river Trent Race at Marnham in 2010.

This will be the first year team Kraken will compete together and they are looking forward to the challenges and fun the sport brings.

The team goals for the 2012 season are to achieve a podium place in Brit Kids B.

BRIT KIDS B TEAM JUMP N JIVE Boat number: 35 Boat: Cyclone 21 Invader Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club Skier: Daisy Slade is 12 and is a student from Brentwood in Essex. Daisy has been skiing for 6 months and was taught by her observer Martyn Robinson. Daisy like to keep fit and healthy and says her best racing experience was the Stone Water Sports Club Worlds last year.

Driver: Robert Waite aged 58 is a ‘not so dodgy car dealer’ from Pevensey in East Sussex. Robert has been driving for over 20 years and started driving when his brother in law Gary Clark and his Dad Fred introduced him to ski racing at Varne Boat Club in Kent. Robert says his best racing experience was driving Russell and Charlie in the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

Observer: Martyn Robinson aged 45 is a HGV Driver from Rayleigh. Martin has been observing for 11 years and first became interested in racing when he was asked to be a safety boat at a National ski race at Stone Water Sports Club 13 years ago. Martyn enjoys being part of the Jump N Jive team and enjoys his part in each race.

This year will be the first year for Daisy and the team and they are hoping to have lots of fun.

Their goal for 2012 is to finish the first race.

Daisy has only been around ski racing for one season but has made lots of friends, Jump N Jive welcome her into the team and wish her lots of luck.

BRIT KIDS B TEAM IRRESISTIBLE Boat number: 63 Boat: Ring Powercraft 21c Ski Club: Stone water Sports Club Skier: Samantha Clark aged 13 is a student from Uckfield, East Sussex. Sam has been skiing since she was 4 years old. Sam’s parents have been ski racers for many, many years. They taught Sam to ski and are still her crew today. Sam had a nasty fall in Hunstanton in 2010 and broke her cheekbone so she missed a lot of races in the 2010 National series, but she fought back in Brixham and went onto Spain. Sam says her best racing experience was winning the European Championships Brit Kids A category in Spain in 2010.

Driver: Gary Clark aged 48 is a property landlord from Uckfield, East Sussex. Gary has been driving boats for over 30 years and he started racing when he drove for Julie (Sam’s mum) in club and regional races in the late 70’s. Before that he used to ski behind a 15’ Fletcher with a 135 Evinrude.

Gary says his best racing experience was driving for Julie for many years and seeing Sam improve race by race.

Observer: Julie Clark is a Customer Service Manager for a large insurance company and lives in Uckfield, East Sussex. Julie has been observing in competition since 2007 and has always been Sam’s observer since she first learnt to ski and this continued when she started competing. Julie says her best racing experience was seeing Sam on top of the podium at the European Championships in Spain in 2010.

The irresistible Ski Race team have been racing as a team since 2007 and they have achieved a gold in the European Championships, British Champion runner up 2008/09, European Cup runner up in 2008 and Club champion in 2009.

When asked what they enjoyed most they said travelling as a family around the country and Europe in their camper van and meeting up with friends and the close competition every week.

The team goals for 2012 are ensuring sam settles in to Brit Kids B following her successes in Brit Kids A.

BRIT KIDS B TEAM

TRIPLE EIGHT RACING Boat number: 888 Boat: Cyclone 21 Ski Club: Stone Water Sports Club Skier: Nadia Jay Mersey aged 14 is a student at Stoke Newington School and lives in Islington in London. Nadia started skiing at Stone in Essex on the River Blackwater with her family when she was only 4 years old, her mum Julia taught her how to ski just as her Nan and Granddad taught her. Nadia keeps her fitness up by skiing as much as possible and also through her dance program and her PE sessions. Nadia says she enjoys most of her races but she loves skiing in Cardiff and Belgium.

Driver: Simon Smith aged 45 is a furniture manufacturer and upholsterer from Hornchurch in Essex. Simon started skiing, then observing when his children took over the skiing and then onto driving. He has been driving competitively for 8 years and says he loves all ski racing.

Observer: Barrie Clapson aged 50 works in hospitality and is from Billericay in Essex. Barrie has been observing for 3 years for Nadia and started when he decide to have a break from driving. Barrie says his best racing experience was going to the World Championships with his son Sam. The team have been racing together for 3 years and their achievements to date are completing all races and skiing the Diamond Race in Belgium.

When asked what they enjoy most about ski racing they replied ‘the challenges and the disciplines’.

The Triple Eight team goals for 2012 are to do the best they can and keep training hard.

BRIT KIDS B TEAM THE LIONS Boat number: 10 Boat: Seaquel Ski Club: Weston Super Mare Ski Club Skier: Grace Cox aged 12 is a student at Holy Trinity in Kidderminster. Grace learnt to ski on her Dad’s lake at Middlemoor Water park when she was only 5 years old. Grace says her best experience was winning the National Championships in 2010.

Observer: Steve Bird aged 41 is a builder from Burnham on Sea and has been observing for 20 years. Steve now finds it difficult to ski after he was run over by another boat. Steve’s best racing experience was touching 100mph in Las Vegas, he says “I only observed, but OMG!”.

Driver: Steve Cox aged 49 is a water-ski instructor from Burnham on Sea. Steve has been skiing and driving since 1981 when he was teaching the navy in Gibraltar. Steve says his best experiences are seeing the children’s faces after winning a race but this is also his worst experience, if they lose!

The Lions have been racing as a team for 4 years and have achieved 5 British titles between Grace and Toby. The team enjoy racing as it is a family sport that really excites all of the them.

The team’s goals for 2012 are to win the British Championships for a 3rd year.