UK Personal Watercraft News

30th January : Cypriot Jetski Death Trial Adjourned.
THE trial of two men charged over the death of a schoolgirl in a jet-ski accident in Cyprus was adjourned yesterday.
Hannah Sutton, 16, was killed when her boyfriend James Dudley, also 16, crashed into her while they both rode jet-skis at the resort of Pissouri in Cyprus in summer 2005.
Hannah, from Alderley Edge, Cheshire, died from massive head injuries.
Hannah had just finished her GCSE exams at the private Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, where James was also a pupil.
Christakis Ioannou, 46, and Aristos Ioannou, 30, appeared at Limassol District Court to face charges over her death yesterday.
However the case was adjourned, for the fourth time, as the court did not have enough time to hear the trial. A new trial date has been set for February 26 at the same court in Limassol.
Both Cypriot men, who are on bail, have been charged with a single count of allowing the youngsters to ride the jet-skis without a licence.
After the accident James, from Colwyn Bay, was briefly jailed but released after admitting causing Hannah's death. He was fined £2,000 by a court.
Hannah's family said they did not hold James responsible - but blamed the Cypriot authorities for allowing youngsters to hire the bikes.
icwales

29th January : BRP Achieves Major Milestone.
A 2007 Seadoo RXP model becomes the one millionth watercraft assembled in Valcourt.
VALCOURT, QUEBEC--(CCNMatthews - Jan. 29, 2007)
BRP and its Valcourt employees celebrated last Friday their one millionth Seadoo watercraft to leave the assembly line, a 2007 Seadoo RXP model powered by a Rotax 4-TEC engine.
BRP invented the sport and, thanks to innovative features, striking design and unmatched performance, the Seadoo brand has been the industry leader for almost 20 years.
"BRP has always been at the forefront of the industry thanks to our employees' dedication to developing and manufacturing high quality products," said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, Snowmobiles, Watercraft, All-terrain vehicles and Sport boats, BRP.
"Over the years, the company has introduced new technologies to improve safety and decrease noise and emissions for its watercraft.
These are just a few of the reasons more and more people are discovering the excitement of riding on the open water aboard a Seadoo watercraft."
Today, the name Seadoo is synonymous with meaningful innovations, trend-setting style and spirited performance.
From the patented D-Sea-Bel system to reduce sound emissions, to the Seadoo Learning Key to limit the speed for new or less experienced riders, to the D.E.S.S. (Digitally Encoded Security System), BRP continues to out-innovate and out-design the competition by consistently developing safe and environmentally-friendlier features.
Each year, more and more families around the world are discovering the joys of an exciting adventure aboard a Seadoo watercraft.
According to Michel Hade, vice-president and general manager of BRP's International division, "today's Seadoo products are 90 percent cleaner and 70 percent quieter than models introduced before 1998. 
It says a lot about the company's commitment to this industry and to providing great fun on the water to both enthusiasts and newcomers."
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorized recreational vehicles. 
Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Skidoo and Lynx snowmobiles, Seadoo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as Evinrude E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles, Rotax engines and karts.
www.brp.com

29th January : Pair Face Trial Over Jetski Death.
Two men charged over the death of a British schoolgirl in a jet-ski accident will go on trial in Cyprus today.
Hannah Sutton, 16, was killed when her boyfriend James Dudley, also 16, crashed into her while they both rode jet-skis at the resort of Pissouri in Cyprus in summer 2005.
Hannah, from Alderley Edge, Cheshire, died from massive head injuries.
Her mother, Lynne, was on the beach at time of the accident and saw her lifeless daughter carried to shore.
Christakis Ioannou, 46, and Aristos Ioannou, 30, will appear at Limassol District Court to face charges over her death.
Both men have been charged with a single count of allowing the youngsters to ride the jet-skis without a licence.
The older man is the owner of Kris Water - a beachside jet-ski hire firm - and the younger man, believed to be his son, runs the business for him.
It is alleged both men failed to check whether the teenagers were old enough to hire jet-skis. In Cyprus the minimum age is 18.
They are also accused of failing to get either teenager to sign a disclaimer form to say the riders are competent, acknowledge the dangers and admit liability in case of an accident.
Hannah had just finished her GCSE exams at the private Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, where James was also a pupil.
She had travelled with James to visit her mother, who was then a teacher at St John's Middle School at Episkopi, a school for the children of British military personnel based on the island.
After the accident James, from Colwyn Bay, was briefly jailed but released after admitting causing Hannah's death. He was fined #2,000 by a court.
Hannah's family said they did not hold James responsible - but blamed the Cypriot authorities for allowing youngsters to hire the bikes.
The young couple were enjoying a day in the sunshine at the packed beach when James lost control of the powerful waterbike and crashed into his girlfriend.
Both men accused are understood to be still running the same business at the beach.
If found guilty they face a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a #3,000 fine - but legal experts in Cyprus say it is highly unlikely either man will face custody.
itvregions.com

26th January : Let JK Know.
Not everyone knows Joe Kenney, but I'm pretty sure everyone has met him, He's hard to miss!
If you have ever flicked through a watercraft magazine, picked up a catalogue or hung a freeride poster on your wall.
If you've ever watched an extreme watercraft video featuring insane stunts and incredible surf riding.
You've met Joe!
 
A big dude with a grin ear to ear and usually at the centre of any mischief.
Never happier than when he's on the water surrounded by his friends.
A truly amazing representation of the capabilities of man and machine.
 
Well Joe needs our help!

Photo Courtesy Heather Selwitz

Joe was recently assaulted which resulted in him sustaining serious head injuries. 
He is currently in a coma and needs us the personal watercraft community to help him through this.
Please visit letjkknow.com and help out in any way you can.
There are many things you can do from sending messages via the guestbook to making a donation towards the medical costs.
He needs our thoughts and prayers.

www.letjkknow.com


24th January : Youth Died In Tragic Jetski Accident.
A verdict of misadventure has been recorded following the death of a 19-year-old on a Jetski on Lough Beltra, near Castlebar.
Following the inquest, which was held at Castlebar Courthouse yesterday (Monday), Coroner for Mayo South, Mr John O’Dwyer said he would be writing to Mayo County Council to recommend that regulations governing the use of Jetskis on the county’s waterways be urgently put in place.
Describing the loss of Alan Joyce, Ranaghy, Islandeady, Castlebar as, “an absolute waste of life”, Mr O’Dwyer said he hoped the death would not be in vain and that lessons would be learned from the tragedy.
The inquest heard that Mr Joyce, a petrol forecourt attendant, was a passenger on a Jetski driven by a friend, Conor Deffely, when it overturned on Lough Beltra on August 6, 2006.
Neither of the youths had been wearing lifejackets at the time although there were lifejackets available on the shore.
Conor Deffely told the inquest that as they were turning on the lake at low speed the Jetski turned over and they were both thrown into the water.
They turned it back up to get back on but it turned over again.
Witness said he managed to get onto the Jetski but heard Alan calling him and swam over to him, to try and calm him, but he panicked and grabbed hold of him.
He went back to the Jetski and then swam back to Alan again but the same thing happened and he was unable to save his friend.
Mr Deffely said he used the upturned Jetski to float back to his friends on the shore.
Earlier on, there had been two Jetskis on the lake.
The one involved in the tragedy was a Kawasaki machine, bought by a local youth, Thomas McLoughlin, five days earlier for •2,000 from a man near Granard, Co Longford.
After returning a verdict of misadventure, Mr. O’Dwyer recalled Sergeant John Mahon to the witness box. Sgt Mahon said no regulations about the use of Jetskis had been adopted by the local authority, Mayo County Council.
The Maritime Safety Act empowered local authorities to make regulations on waters under their control but these regulations were not in use in Mayo.
Mr O’Dwyer said he had been told by the Council that it was a matter for the members of Mayo County Council to discuss and decide on. It was not a managerial matter. He would now write to the Council and make recommendations.
Insp William Keaveney said that if the regulations were introduced the Garda Siochana would play their role in enforcing them.
westernpeople.ie

23rd January : UAE Pilots Dominate Jetski Event.
Dubai: UAE pilots dominated the third heat of the UAE Jet Ski Championship held at Mina Seyahi on Saturday.
In a day full of surprises the UAE riders took to the podium in the Junior Ski, Ski Limited, Runabout Super Stock up to 1200cc and Free Style.
The Junior Ski up to 800 cc saw Al Mur Mohammad Bin Huraiz take first place with 60 points, Omar Abdullah Rashid and Abdullah Nader Bin Hindi were second and third respectively.
There was a tough fight between Masood Al Masood, Mohammad Al Muhairi and Rashid Al Owais for the podium.
The top spot was clinched by Masood Al Masood in the Ski Limited 800 cc category.
The Ski Super Stock up to 800cc witnessed Chris Wilkinson take the podium followed by Frenchman Steven Dauliach in second and Ludovic Caumont in third. Unfortunately, the UAE participants failed to make it anywhere in the first three. 
Alex Kim has found himself in a tight spot and had to concede to fourth place since the arrival of the Brit and Frenchman.
The Runabout Stock up to 1200 cc has always been dominated by the Kuwaitis and this time was no different.
Abdulrahman Ghazi Al Badar took first place, while countrymen had to drop to third place after being replaced in second position by UAE's Abdullah Jubara Al Marar.
Abdul Wahab Al Omer took third position.
Nadir Bin Hindi of Victory 77 fame won the Runabout Super Stock 1200 cc category, followed by compatriots Rashid Suhail Al Tayer and Omeir Bin Thani in second and third place respectively.
The Free Style antics and acrobats saw Mohammad Shafi Al Rumaithi put up some breathtaking stunts both on as well as off the waters.
New entrant Fahd Taher and Sultan Rashid Al Qubaisi earned themselves a place at the podium too in second and third place respectively.
gulfnews.com

22nd January : JSRA Winter Series Results.
Results from Round 2 held at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield and the overall Championship positions of the Jetsport Racing Association Winter Championship are now online.

Check them out at...

www.jsra.co.uk


21st January : Freestyle Training Day.
Following the success of their first training day at West Country Waterpark,

Darren 'Oggy' Ogden and Matt 'The Colonel' Hards in conjunction with Wayne at Bucks Jetski Centre are pleased to announce Freestyle Training Day Part II.
All those that attended FTD back in 2006 will tell of a fun day learning the freestyle ropes combined with meeting up with friends both old and new.
Everyone took away some freestyle knowledge from the day including Darren and Matt.
Who hope you can make it along to Part II!
Sunday 11th March 2007
Bucks Jetski Centre, Marlow
Cost for the day is £30 and includes Day Launch and Training.
Valid Insurance Must Be Produced
07796 944381 or 07835 210167 for further info.

16th January : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The February Edition of JS&PW is on sale from all the usual stockists priced £3.20.

Included in this edition are all the usual sections plus Wight Thrash at the annual White Air Festival, Meet the Atlantic Challenge Team, One Day on the RYA PW Course, Radio Control PW, 2007 Ultimate Buyers Guide, Win Jettribe Goodies and much more.

Get Yours Now!


16th January : JSRA Winter Series Pics.
Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures shot at the second round of the Winter Series at Rother valley Country Park on Sunday.
Visit xtreme-action-images.com and check out the Jetski link in the Sports Galleries.

11th January : Wamiltons Freestyle DVD.
After 15 years serving the Personal Watercraft community and industry, Wamilton’s Custom’s Team has decided that we needed to do something extra for the PWC or Jetski lovers.

Thinking like a beginner rider, we were trying to find something that we would like to get, to improve our style and abilities...We did
Wamilton’s Freestyle Video Vol. 1, was born from the idea of “a portable clinic”. We show everything for the basic steps for beginners to the basic intermediate tricks.
As this the first ever, step-by-step freestyle video, nothing would be better, than have a Pro Freestyle Pilot teaching the camera, as a regular clinic day.
Wamilton’s Customs knows that not just good performance parts work alone, we’ve decided to release the secrets and techniques for a good basic foundation.
A beginner rider needs to know, to have a good base and build a stronger background to be always ready for the next step.
Watch the trailer here.

www.wamiltons.com


9th January : Simon And Pat Compete In Jet Factor.
Christmas is by no means over for some celebrities, including Patrick Kielty and Simon Cowell, who are still enjoying a festive break in Barbados.
The pair were let loose in the Caribbean waters on jet skis, each with a glamorous lady clutching them for dear life.
X Factor judge Simon shared his jet ski with girlfriend Teri Seymour, while Love Island presenter Patrick rode with a mystery blonde.
Patrick, 35, has been living it up since arriving in Barbados.
He admits to being a happy singleton, and recently said: "All my mates are married and they want to live their life through me."
He was up to his old tricks yesterday when he also took two blonde stunners sailing.
After jet-skiing, Simon, Patrick and the girls relaxed on the beach, bumping into TV presenter Emma Forbes.
Barbados: perfect for the celebrity who wants to get away from everything…apart from other celebrities.
Story and Picture at...
dailymail.co.uk

8th January : Extreme Pie Sale.
Check out the new year sale at extremepie.com, the online surf, snow and skate store.
You could save 50% or more on men's and women's hoody's, sweats, pants, tees and shoes.
Also visit the competition page for your chance to win an ATC-2K helmet camera by simply sending an email!

extremepie.com


5th January : Yamaha News.
New Yamaha WaveRunners go green on stand SO91
2007 sees the introduction of new stricter EU emission laws for all leisure craft and Yamaha are leading the way in the PW market as new updates on the latest WaveRunner collection show.
Conforming to the new regulations, the 2007 Yamaha WaveRunner leisure market models have either been fitted with catalytic converters or have been fine tuned to ensure that the craft’s emission levels exceed the requirements laid down in the new RCD legislation.
The flagship FX HO and FX Cruiser HO have both been fitted with a new catalytic converter, allowing them to achieve a clean exhaust of a high grade matched with a high-level balance of power output.
All new 2007 WaveRunner models for leisure use now come with a gold graphic identifying that they meet the new regulations and have passed the strict new EU1 regulation.
The prominent positioning of the new graphic is designed to reassure the casual observer that these high performance craft do fulfil their low emission ratings.
 
WaveRunner VX family adds new VX Cruiser
A fresh addition to the WaveRunner VX range for 2007 is the new VX Cruiser; which follows the same design philosophy as the successful FX Cruiser HO models.
The driving force behind the VX Cruiser is a lightweight, four-cylinder, 1052cc, DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection, developed from Yamaha’s famous R1 motorcycle powerplant.
In a recent test of the VX Cruiser, Jet Skier & PW magazine reported that: “The sense of fit that the cruising seat provides lets you fully experience the handling of the VX hull, especially when carving in chop. The comfort factor is something else.”
The VX Cruiser is available in a slick black colour scheme, accented with red and silver graphics that give the craft an exclusive look.
The VX Cruiser comes with Yamaha’s remote Security Mode and L-Mode transmitter, which at the touch of a button allows the owner to disable the ignition or reduce the top speed. It also has reverse option, dual convex mirrors and dual drink holders. 
 
All Yamaha WaveRunners have extra benefits.
Like all new Yamaha WaveRunners the new VX Deluxe comes complete with Datatag security marking kit and registration, plus a video on safe use of the craft and a voucher worth £50 towards the RYA Personal Water Craft training certificate.
Commercial users of WaveRunners such as the RNLI, who use these craft for surf rescue duties and many harbour and even airport authorities, which use them for safety patrol duties, do not have to comply with the new regulations, which are intended only for leisure craft.
 
Wave running with the Queen’s Harbour Master
A successful first season of personal watercraft patrols has been carried out by the Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM) in Portsmouth Harbour. The QHM’s Volunteer Harbour Patrol (VHP) has been using Yamaha WaveRunners to patrol the military dockyard and commercial port to increase their coverage of the harbour, which has commercial, ferry, sail, power and naval vessels underway almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round.
The two WaveRunners are painted bright orange and equipped with VHF radios, blue flashing lights and tow-ropes. The craft are practical because a single person can launch, drive and recover one and the speed and manoeuvrability of the Yamaha makes them ideal for quick responses.
Commander Kendall Carter, Portsmouth’s QHM, explains: “My job is to create a safe regime for everybody, and personal watercraft are now an integral part of that.”
A PW Safety Gala day was held in Portsmouth to promote the safe and responsible use of PWs, thanks to the QHM and Personal Watercraft Partnership, which led to a massive PW ride-out. Nowhere in the world has the PW industry got together with a country’s navy to stage such an event.
 
Rius wins European title on a Yamaha WaveRunner
Nicolas ‘The Fighter’ Rius claimed his 14th European Championship at the 2006 Corona European Tour, at Disney Village Lake in Paris. Winning all three rounds of the Ski GP (Superstock) event on a Yamaha Superjet, Rius dominated the weekend’s racing in style, taking the Super Pole and claiming the top spot on the podium.
Rius has been riding PWs since the age of 14, and now lives in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA, where he runs Rius Racing; building and selling performance aftermarket parts for Yamaha WaveRunners.
After winning in front of hundreds of enthusiastic fans, Rius said: “It feels very good to have won this title, I’m very happy. It was a lot of work, and I’d like to thank Yamaha, because without them I would not be here. We’re going to do the 2007 European Championship and hopefully win again, yes - definitely.”
Nicolas gives a final word of advice for young racers: “We have many new racers coming up right now, but I’d say just practice hard and never give up.”
 
Yamaha ease of purchase schemes mean affordable WaveRunner ownership
All major products or package purchases from Yamaha Motor have the possibility of Bank of Scotland Marine Finance, subject to status, through participating dealers. Yamaha believes in affordable boating, with all efforts made to produce a finance package to suit individual requirements.
 
Latest WaveRunner details on the web
Full details and up-to-the-minute news of future events and all the new Yamaha WaveRunner range and watersports accessories including wet suits are available on  

www.yamaha-motor.co.uk 


1st January : Happy New Year.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2007.
The 2007 Calendar is starting to fill up with events for the year kicking off with the London Boatshow at Excel running from January 5th till the 14th. 
As events are confirmed they will be added to the Calendar section.
To see what is happening near you check it out...

Calendar


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