A competitive ski racing event at Lake Ellesmere

Press, 28 November 1980, Page 19

A competitive ski racing event at Lake Ellesmere

For only the second time ever, South Islanders will be given the opportunity to see water ski racing at Lake Ellesmere. The Canterbury Water Ski Association is holding the competitive ski racing event over a two-day period, November 30, 1980, and Februarv 8, 1981. Water ski racing is extremely popular in Australia and it is now gaining momentum here.

Recently, races have been run on a fortnightly basis in the North Island. This type of water ski racing was held for the first time, in the South Island. earlier this year. The event was so popular with competitor and

spectator alike, the association decided to hold another, with the assistance of Dominion Breweries, 3ZB, and Marine Dealers. This form of racing makes for exciting watching as the action is fast and furious, as very high speeds are reached during the race. The programme on Sunday has been divided into classes for boats, and for men, women, and youngsters. Spectator viewing will be especially good from the car park of the Lakeside Domain, Lake Ellesmere, as the whole course will be in full view from this area. About 50 boats will be competing in the five

classes at the week-end. All races will be ran over the triangular course of about 4.Bkm in an anticlockwise direction. The course will be marked by large red buoys. The open class, which features boat’s powered by more than 150h.p.,-will be raced over eight laps. The other classes are: A (lOOh.p. to 150h.p. and six cylinders), run over six laps; B (66h.p. to 99h.p. and four cylinders), run over six laps; C (up to 65h.p.), raced over four laps, and women and juniors, raced over three laps. Every competitor who completes the course will receive a certificate from the Canterbury Water Ski Association.

The races are open to anyone who is interested, whether they are club members or not. Late entries will be accepted on the day but

The attractions do not begin and end with water ski racing. Two water skiing displays, incorporating hang gliding and parachuting will be a feature of the Sunday event. .

you must report by 10 aun. Trophies have been given by Pyne Propellor Services (Open Class), Powerboat Centre . (A class), Sports Marine (B class, Outboard Service Centre (C class), Christchurch Marine (ladies) and Magnum Marine (juniors). Water ski racing has become very popular because as long as you can ski you are eligible to enter the races. The triangular course will make the racing most exciting from the spectators’ point of view and for the competitors it should prove a challenge. The rules for the racing are safety orientated. There is no passing allowed within 200 m of the cornering buoys on the inside. Passing on the straight parts of the course may be carried out on either side, providing adequate room is given.

There will also be a barefoot water display and a jet ski demonstration. The association has also organised an exciting series of fast relay races. A mini boat show has been specially

to coincide with the competitive racing. A variety of refreshments will also be on sale — as the aim is to make the event a family day. All these events will be dispersed throughout the racing programme, which is as follows:—Noon: juniors and. women; 1 p.m.: Class A; 2' p.m.: Class B; 3 p.m.: Class C; 4 p.m.: Open Class.