Racer’s Edge January 2017
The 2016 Southern 80 saw salvage 3rd place. Now they’re back for another crack at the ski racing monument. The official Ski Racing Australia publication
In this issue
Directors Deck..................................6 RaceSafe H20 Update.....................8 S80 Superclass Profiles..................10 FEATURE: 99 Psycho Clowns........18 5 Minutes with Mick.......................26
Major Events 2016/17 AU G U S T
2 0 1 6
Hawkesbury 120, NSW.....................................August 27-28
O
2 0 1 6
c t o b e r
Grafton Bridge to Bridge, NSW...........................October 1-2 Murray Bridge 110, SA......................................CANCELLED
N
o v e m b e r
2 0 1 6
Bridge to Bridge 2UP, NSW............................November 26-27
J
2 0 1 7
a n u a r y
Australian Championships, NSW.......................January 11-15
F
e b r u a r y
2 0 1 7
Southern 80, VIC...........................................February 11-12
M
a r c h
2 0 1 7
Ted hurley Memorial Classic..................................March 4-5 Robinvale/Euston Ski Race, VIC...........................March 11-12
A
p r i l
2 0 1 7
Mildura 100, VIC................................................April 15-16 Barrie Beehag, VIC...................................................April 29
M
a y
2 0 1 7
Barry Carne Interstate Challenge, NSW..................May 13-14
Directors Deck Nationals, Worlds Selection & the Southern 80 The Australian Speed and Marathon Championships (The Nationals) was a great festival of ski racing at a superb venue at Jindabyne. I am informed the event went well, although at times the water was very rough for an inland waterway! Congratulations to all who competed, and it is a great talking point to be able to say you have competed at the Ski Racing National titles irrespective of where you finished. You can see the excitement in the photo of the victorious men’s and women’s open skiers below, who look like they were happy to get their hands on the victory champagne. I would like to say well done to the CACT members for the organisation of the Nationals, and assisting prior with the world’s selection race three. The world’s selection races four & five were held on the final weekend in January on Botany Bay and congratulations to all competitors who put on some great racing to match the eager anticipation prior to the event. The last round at this site provided intense and close racing on a great course to observe the ski racing action, and we saw an exciting repeat the second time around due to generally rougher water conditions. Completion of rounds four and five means we are nearing the end of this long and testing series of races for world championship selection, which will conclude with one more round to go at Lake Mulwala at the end of March. Good luck to all world’s 6
selection competitors for remainder of the process and remember to race to the conditions on the lake. Of course there is another event coming up on the Murray that needs no introduction except to say ‘Southern 80’ a term known to all boaties, not just skiers, as the unofficial image of Ski Racing in Australia. As an administrator it has been interesting to observe the extra intensity this race has generated even in the event organising stages. I am reliably informed competitors have been earnestly training in all classes and suggest the competition will be of a very high standard when the event gets underway on February 11 and 12. I have listed below the Australian Ski Racing Champions - Open Men’s and Women’s winners, and would like to congratulate them on their titles.
Wesley Lloyd, SRA CEO
Men’s Open Winners: 1st: Cameron Osborne 2nd: Daniel Graziano 3rd:Jake Tegart
Women’s Open Winners: 1st: Kathrin Ortleib (Austria) 2nd: Shantelle King 3rd: Courtney Grech
7
RaceSafe H20 Update Antenna Placement Notice prior to Southern 80 This document outlines the correct placement of the RaceSafe H2O antenna. Failure to follow these guidelines can cause problems with the system and may place you and other competitors at risk. You may be requested to refit or replace your antenna before competing if it does not comply. Antennas must be placed on the exterior surface of the boat in a level position clear of obstructions. Please see diagram below:
While we understand it may be difficult to find a totally level surface, placing an antenna any more than 15° from level will reduce its effectiveness and will result in non-compliance. Wrapping or painting antennas can also cause a drop in signal. While in some cases this may have no effect, for safety purposes you may be asked to repair or replace any wrapped or painted antennas. Please check with RaceSafe staff before wrapping or painting antennas. Any further questions please contact RaceSafe here: contact@statusas.com 8
Ever thought about giving Ski Racing a go? If that’s a YES Ski Racng Australia has several different types of memberships!
From beginner to advanced, there is an option for you!
Call our membership team 03 9681 7058
email: memberships@skiracing.com.au
Let’s get you on the water!
SOUTHERN 80 Superclass Team Profiles
10
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: The Mistress
2016 Finish: 1st Driver: Leo Welch Observer: Brian Griffin Skiers: TBC & Dylan Stevenson Hull: Force Motor: Chev Team comes from: Echuca - the locals! Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: Skiing the entire event in the wash and doing a good time. Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 6 mins, 35 sec (2016) Best time in the full Southern 80 course: 30 mins, 23 sec (2016) Predicted times 2017: 6 mins, 30 sec (Bakers Blitz); 30 minutes (Southern 80) Social media tag: #locals
The Mistress Ski Race Team Pics & Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
11
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: Merc Force
2016 Finish: 2nd Driver: Don Gulley Observer: Kevin Boylan Skiers: Kristofer Knights & Jake Tegart Hull: Force Motor: Mercury Team comes from: Brisbane, Windsor, Cowra Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: The corners and avoiding bad luck. Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 6 mins, 38 sec (2015) Best time in the full Southern 80 course: 30 mins, 58 sec (2015) Predicted times 2017: 6 mins, 30 sec(Bakers Blitz); It’s a secret! (Southern 80) Social media tag: #TeamMercForce
Team Mercforce Ski Racing Pics & Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
12
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: 99 Psycho Clowns
2016 Finish: 3rd Driver: Jessica Pearse Observer: Daniel McMahon Skiers: Codie Rigg & Michael Kelly Hull: Force Motor: 1350hp Mercury Team comes from: JP:Echuca, DM: Bendigo, CR: Sydney, MK: Brisbane Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: The corners and narrowness. Plus, the Bakers Blitz - if you get a bad starting spot then the main race is over Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 6 mins, 45 sec (2015) Best time in the full Southern 80 course: 31 mins, 30 sec (??) Predicted times 2017: 6 mins, 30 sec (Bakers Blitz); 30 mins, 45 sec(Southern 80) Social media tag: #99pc #drivelikeagirl
99 Psycho Clowns Pics & Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
13
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: Superman
2016 Finish: 4th Driver: Darren McGuire Observer: Brett Armstrong Skiers: Daniel Graziano & Daniel Cotton Hull: Force Motor: PFM Team comes from: NSW Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: Getting a big boat down a tight river quick. Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 6 mins, 54 sec Best time in the full Southern 80 course: Not sure! Predicted times 2017: 6 mins, 48 sec (Bakers Blitz); 31 mins (Southern 80) Social media tag: #SupermanSki
Ski Racing Australia Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
14
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: Sapphire
2016 Finish: DNF Driver: Tim Pickford Observer: Christopher Gelle Skiers: Lloyd Woolman, Steven Berry Hull: Force Motor: Mercruiser Team comes from: Echuca, Melbourne Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: The 124 bends and being consistent. Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 6 mins, 40 sec (2016) Best time in the full Southern 80 course: 31 mins, 20 sec Predicted times 2017: 6 mins, 40 sec (Bakers Blitz); mid-30 mins (Southern 80) Social media tag: #Lookingforconsistency
Ski Racing Australia Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
15
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: Strike Force
2016 Finish:
Contested Unlimited Class
Driver: Gerald Gulley Observer: Justin Pick Skiers: Benjamin Gulley & Raymond Ball Hull: Force Motor: N/A Team comes from: All Brisbane, except Ray - Sydney Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: Attempting a clean and fast run and bringing the boys across the line safely Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: Low 7 mins in Unlimited Best time in the full Southern 80 course: Yet to record a respectable time Predicted times 2017: Under 7 mins (Bakers Blitz); sub 33 mins (southern 80) Social media tag: #StrikeForceSki
Ski Racing Australia Pics & Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
16
2017 Southern 80 - Team Profiles: Top Gun
2016 Finish:
Contested Unlimited Class
Driver: Russell Lewis Observer: Clifford Bamford Skiers: Craig Gordon & Trevor Bray Hull: Force 21s Motor: Mercruiser 1350 Team comes from: Southern Highlands, Port Macquarie, Woolgoolga, Seven Hills Biggest challenge at the Southern 80: Finishing safely. Best time in the Saturday Bakers Blitz: 7 mins, 13 sec as the OLD Top gun Best time in the full Southern 80 course: 32 min, 04 sec (2nd outright, 2011) Predicted times 2017: Under 7 mins, 15 sec (Bakers Blitz); sub 32 mins, 30 sec (southern 80) Social media tag: #TopGunSki
Ski Racing Australia Pics & Info supplied by Moama Water Sports Club
17
Lessons learned from year 1 The 2016 Southern 80 saw 99 Psycho Clowns salvage 3rd place. Now they’re back for another crack at the ski racing monument.
One part preparation, three parts good fortune.
When you talk about the Southern 80 it’s difficult to accurately capture the significance and magic of Australia’s in fact the world’s - biggest water skiing event.
didn’t come together,” laments Pearse. “Third was a bit of a let down due to the amount of work we had put in, it was deflating. “The Bakers Blitz brought us undone in bizarre circumstances. We have a hand trim and foot trim in our boat, and last year my foot slipped onto the uptrim and I didn’t realise. The boat went into a spin and it was all over.
Spanning 80 kilometres with more than 120 corners, this race isn’t for the faint hearted. Preparations often begin months in advance, but come race week even the “Normally I just used the hand trim. most experienced and prepared crews can see their chances at victory dissipate “I have thought about it every day. I knew in mere seconds. the boat inside out, it hurt and I think the In 2016 it was local Echuca crew The Mis- whole team shed a tear that day. We had been so confident prior.” tress who triumphed, breaking a 26-year hoodoo at the event in what was undoubtSome may say that 99 Psycho Clowns edly one of the most popular victories in had a case of sour grapes. But that recent times. couldn’t be further from the truth. Pearse As the crew of Leo Welch (skipper/driver), is quick to quell any notion that her team was upset with the end result, to the conBrian Griffen (observer), Zac Welch and trary they were pleased to see Welch and Dylan Stevenson (skiers) rode the wave his team storm to victory. of emotion that followed, the 99 Psycho Clowns team were left ruing a missed opHowever after months of work, and a lot of portunity, despite finishing third. faith, she and the team understand a year The dismantling of the best-laid plans for that felt to be theirs simply wasn’t. 99 Psycho Clowns didn’t occur during the main event last year. Saturday’s shootout, “We are 100 per cent happy that The Mistress won,” says Pearse adamantly. the ‘Bakers Blitz’ saw things go pearshaped, and from there the team were “Like us they put in so much time and efleft to play catch up. It’s a moment that fort and they had a lot of emotion behind 99 Psycho Clowns driver Jessica Pearse their effort. It is exactly what should have has re-lived almost daily for the past 12 happened. months. “We trained so hard, and put in some much time on the water ahead of last year’s race and felt it was our year, but it
“For me it was my first time driving in Superclass, I had driven the event in unlimited before, but Dan (owner/ observer 21
Jessica Pearse, Mick Kelly & Daniel McMahon (Pics supplied by Southern 80 organising committee)
Daniel McMahon) but a lot of faith in me to be his driver. Superclass is the best of the best and I got there in a short time. “In saying that, this is a team sport and the four of us worked really hard. “Once the win was gone, we were gunning for second place, but couldn’t get there.” Result aside; Pearse broke ground at the 2016 Southern 80 by becoming the first female Superclass driver in the history of the sport, as well as becoming the first female to win a place on the Southern 80 podium. They’re stats that she wears with a badge of honour.
The 99 Psycho Clowns are among some of the mo Clowns Facebook page)
Saturday run you may as well count Sunday out,” she says. “With the skiers having to stay in the wash now we run our ropes out longer, so trying to overtake another boat at 110 miles per hour just isn’t safe. “With all the bends in this race, having a driver and observer that can get the team around, and skiers that can hang on is so important.
“From a driver’s perspective you need to know how the boat handles. For example, ours struggles through tight left corners, so I need to know where to place it on approach to account for this. A lot of teams struggle at Dead Mans Bend, it’s a Now with even more experience, both tight right and too often skiers are left with good and bad on her side, Pearse is back slack rope. with 99 Psycho Clowns for another tilt at winning this iconic event, and despite a “You have to know your team, and your lower intensity preparation, she now has observer needs to understand your skiers a greater wealth of knowledge that she and their body language for a strong run. feels will see her through. “I haven’t done much river racing this “Basically in this race, if you muck up the year, the focus has been on ocean racing 22
ost passionate (Pic supplied from 99 Psycho
The 99 Psycho Clowns engine draws the attention of fans young and old (Pic supplied from 99 Psycho Clowns Facebook page)
and qualifying for the world championships. That has been going quite well, so we will see where we end up in Echuca.” Another change for 99 Psycho Clowns is their skiing line up. With Steven Berry on the move, the team has called on 2012 Southern 80 winner Michael Kelly to take up the ropes. It’s a decision that puts the entire team at ease, with Pearse describing Kelly as something of a nerd of the sport, a skier that has the strength, talent and knowledge to complete any team line up.
him as someone who can pull on a ski and go. “He’s also a tactics man and talks numbers, rope length, you name it! You go to him with an idea and he does the calculations and then comes back and tells you things.”
The business of skiing aside, Pearse and 99 Psycho Clowns are arguably the most popular team ready to compete in the event. Their Facebook page boasts more than 10,000 fans and when it comes to the pre-event ‘Total Tools Static Display’ “We have been mates with Mick for years, they are the one team that will be consisand Dan used to tow Mick, so he was altently swamped by fans. most already part of the fold,” she said. In a sport that is often hidden away on “Steve initially decided to retire last year, Australia’s most lush waterways, it’s a so Dan contacted Mick and he said he considerable fan base that rivals more was happy to step in for the Southern 80 mainstream sports, and Pearse puts the this year…but we’re hoping he’ll do a few overwhelming support down to the team others too. being themselves above all else. “I’ve towed Mick in practice and he’s won this event before, so he can definitely do it. He’s just a natural and everyone knows
CREDITS: Logo by Melanie Keys; Images by Julie Tegart.
“Obviously part of it is the boat and van, they both look and sound amazing and we have a cool name,” Pearse enthuses. 23
“We try and be really friendly, and I get on well with young kids because I’m probably a little less scary than the guys. But we try and get all the kids in the boat and they love that.
Ball who is in great form right now as their skiers. Those guys are good enough to win, but they will need Gerry (driver Gerry Gulley) to be in form, and their observer as well.
“Our older fans love the engine and detail in our preparation too.
“Hopefully they go well, but not as well as us.”
“We’ve also raced all over the world, including places like Spain and Belgium, which helps.”
There’s no doubting that even with a lesser focus on river racing so far this season, 99 Psycho Clowns will arrive hoping to end the weekend in tears of joy, rather than those of heartbreak.
With the 2017 Southern 80 now on our doorstep, 99 Psycho Clowns will come into the event hopeful of improving their All they need is three quarters luck and 2017 result. If they do that, they’ll need to the rest, will be up to them. beat a strong field, and Pearse is calling it to be one of the most unpredictable races in years. “We had all penciled in The Mistress to go back-to-back, that was until Zac (Welch) broke his leg a few weeks ago,” Pearse said. “They would have been hard to beat, but they might struggle without him now. “I also rate the Sapphire team really highly, they have Steve (Berry) and I know what he is capable of, as a package they are good. “Superman are amazing on the big open rivers, but their boat struggles on this tight river. I put Merc Force in the top three for sure though. “There are also some unknowns, one of them is Strike Force. I love that whole team and they have Ben Gulley, who’s an absolute freak at this sport, and Ray 24
The Southern 80 is organised by the Moama Water Sports Club with support from the Roads and Martime Service.
The 99 Psycho Clowns rig sits waiting to race (Pics supplied from 99 Psycho Clowns Facebook page)
25
5 Minutes With Mick!
Name: Kristy Nicholls Age: Senior citizen Years skiing: Started skiing when I was 3 years old Years racing: 11 years Current team/s: Crack Oar, Race Marine and Korrupt Favourite race: Barrie Beehag and SA Titles (Murray Bridge) Mick Kelly: So you’ve been around for a while now, how’d you actually get into racing? Kristy Nicholls: Thanks for the interview Mick!
Meet Mick kelly A world champion observer, former winner of the Southern 80, top racer, menter to newcomers - at time outspoken (but always with good intentions) - Mick’s always up for for a chat! In each edition of Racer’s Edge, Mick puts one of our members under the spotlight for an in-depth chat. They’re not always famous, nor prolific winners, but each person is committed and loves the sport...that’s what turns Mick on. Sit down, have a breather and spend 5 Minutes, With Mick! 26
As a kid, I always wanted to get involved in ski racing, but the set up costs alone were too much for my family at the time. When my younger brother Craig turned 18, he started racing. Watching him compete motivated my older brother Daniel to get his Stephens (the original Bad Influence) ready to race the following season. That was my opportunity to get behind the boat and start racing. MK: What would you say is your favourite aspect of a race weekend? KN: Aside from enjoying the physical and mental challenges of the race itself, I love going away with my family and catching up with the friends I’ve made through ski racing. We are all like-minded people who are passionate about ski racing, so the conversation is always good. MK: You’ve been known to get behind the wheel as well – any plans on ditching the ski for a full-time gig in the boat?
KN: Yeah, this is my second season behind the wheel of Crack Oar. I’m not ready to give up skiing just yet. I like the diversity of driving one day, skiing the next. MK: Do you think being a skier makes you a better driver?
is it the racing or simply an opportunity to see new places that motivates a big journey? KN: I lived in Katherine (NT) from 20082010, but didn’t want to give up racing during that period. Therefore, I spent a lot of time and money travelling back to Victoria to race with the family team.
KN: I think being a skier makes me a more cautious driver! But the guys I tow in I’m still happy to travel to a good race. social are ‘guns’, so I really don’t need to Going to Bundaberg last year for the be as cautious as I am. Aussie Titles was fantastic. The course was great and the atmosphere was MK: Women drivers are becoming a friendly and welcoming. I’d go back there fairly common occurrence now. Are in a heartbeat. you helping to ‘break down the wall,’ or simply just good people getting good Unfortunately I don’t get to do much opportunities? sight-seeing at interstate races because if I’m not racing, I want to watch my friends KN: There are some amazing female and family race. All I really see is a modrivers out there! I’ve been lucky enough tel room and the water, as I’m sure most to ski behind a few of them, and they are competitors do. very capable drivers. Being a male dominated sport, I think it’s just natural that MK: Over the past five years, there has there’ll be more male drivers than female. been a shift in the safety driven aspect But it’s great to see so the ratio slowly of administration in the sport, resulting decreasing. in the introduction of new rules. Do you feel this is a step in the right direction? My opportunity arose when Stewart Willison called me and said ‘We’re a team KN: Due to the tragic fatalities over the member down for social, what do you last five years, I think it’s essential that the want to do, ski or drive?’. I thought he was safety of the sport is analysed and changjoking at first, but a week later, he was es implemented. SRA are certainly taking giving me driving lessons. a step in the right direction. MK: How do you go on the steer, any big moments? KN: I have a LOT to learn. Wentworth 2015 was my first race as a driver, and the first leg was very loose to say the least. Lucky for me the Crack Oar team is very laid back and supportive. There are also a lot of genuine, helpful people in the ski racing community who have given me advice and tips to help me improve. MK: I will take that as a yes....ha! You’re not scared to travel for a race –
MK: Do you feel all the ‘new’ rules are all increasing the safety of our sport, or are there a few that possibly need to be less of a blanket rule, and perhaps have adaptation allowed? KN: I can see what you’re doing here... There has been one new rule introduced, that I strongly disagree with. The ‘skiers must ski in the wash at all times’ rule. While skiing in the wash was commonplace for some teams, it was not practical for most vee-drive teams and social 27
teams, which is why it caused such uproar. I believe skiers should have the right to ski where they feel safe, and in control. And that will vary depending on the boat they’re behind, the course they’re on, and the individual skier’s ability and preference. I don’t believe forcing skiers to ski shoulder to shoulder around the tightest bends known to ski racing on the Southern 80/ Barrie Beehag course is putting the safety of skiers first. We are racing, which means we are pushing ourselves to the limit. Being so close to your ski partner on one side, and the edge of the wash on the other, minimises room for error. Skiing in the wash behind Bad Influence was not practical or safe. The boat creates potholes and has almost no wash around tight corners. Yes, we could have slowed down, but it’s a race, not a leisurely Sunday ski. And corners were where we made up ground on stern drives. We don’t spend thousands of hard earned dollars to race, and not be competitive. So unfortunately Bad Influence is sitting in my brother’s shed collecting dust. MK: So you believe the rule is actually holding boats back from the sport? If it’s true in your case I’m sure it’s safe to assume you’re not the only one. KN: Yes, I believe so. The ‘wash rule’ was the straw that broke the camels back for lot members.
ideas regarding safety. Competitors know the sport better than anyone, and genuinely care about the safety of their own teams, and their opponents. However, attending Annual General Meetings is not possible for a lot of members due to work commitments, family commitments and location. MK: You do a fair split of lake and river racing, which would you choose if you could only choose one? KN: River races. MK: Why? KN: Besides being a bit of a sook on rough water, I prefer skiing as a team more than skiing solo. MK: I had a bit of experience with ‘Full Pulse’ then, but ‘Bad Influence’ now; it’s a cool bit of gear hey? KN: Haha, yeah it goes all right! When my family bought Full Pulse, we started to become competitive in our class. I love the old school boats. It may be a rough ride on the straights when Daniel lets the cav plates out, but it corners beautifully. It’s fast and smooth. It sounds pretty good too. MK: As someone that has done the hard yards behind what is now considered a little boat, are the young kids today at an advantage by having more opportunities behind the bigger boats?
MK: How do you feel the safety level is right now in racing? Are you concerned KN: Skiing behind a smaller boat certainor just aware of the inherent risks? ly makes you appreciate skiing behind a big boat. With a bigger boat, the ride is KN: I know that ski racing is an extreme, smoother, the wash is wider, and you can high-risk sport. I do what I can to stay ski faster without having to work as hard. safe and SRA are making some changes Before they consider jumping behind the with the aim to improve the safety of the biggest, fastest boat, it’s important that sport. kids, or new comers of all ages for that matter, ski with a team that will keep them I think competitors need to be given more skiing within their limits and build them up opportunities to voice their opinions and slowly, preventing a confidence 28
destroying fall. MK: How do you see that affecting the long-term future of the sport? KN: I think the speed restrictions for juniors are helping young skiers stay safe and build up progressively. However the low budget vee-drive teams are becoming extinct. MK: Where do you see yourself in five years? Will you still be racing, or will you have moved on? KN: Five years isn’t that long for someone as old as me! Hopefully my body holds together, and I’ll still be skiing. I’d love to keep driving too. MK: Easy on the old thing, I think I’m older than you! KN: I doubt that Mick!
Nicholls in the drivers’ seat & with her crew (Pic supplied by Kristy Nicholls)
Editors Note: The views expressed in this article regarding the ‘wash rule’ are those of the members who provided the content and not Ski Racing Australia (SRA). SRA stands by its decision based on recommnedations from the appointed SRA Safety Committee.
K C I M 29
Racer’s Edge January 2017