UK Personal Watercraft News

30th May : Father Of Girl Killed By Jetski Angry At Cypriot Bike Owner's £500 Fine.
Helen Carter
A man who hired out a jetski illegally to a teenager who was too young to ride it and who crashed it killing his girlfriend, was fined the equivalent of £523 at a Cyprus court yesterday.
Aristos Ioannou was fined at Limassol district court almost two years after the death of Hannah Sutton, the girlfriend of James Dudley, who was allowed to hire the high-speed machine at the age of 16.
In Cyprus jetskis can be used legally only by people aged 18 or over.
Yesterday, Hannah's father, Stephen Sutton, an officer with Greater Manchester police, said: "It is not going to deter anybody in the future ... the message it sends is 'don't worry about it, it's just a slap on the wrists'.
"For the judge to spend all that time and come up with that figure - that sums up the complete farce of the whole thing."
The mother of Hannah, Lynne Sutton, who was on the beach when the crash occurred, had watched as her daughter's body was brought ashore.
Hannah, who lived with her father, and her two brothers, at Alderley Edge, Cheshire, had just completed her GCSEs at the private Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, where James Dudley was also a pupil. She had been on a visit with her boyfriend to her mother, then a teacher at St John's Middle School, Episkopi, Cyprus.
Ioannou, 30, still runs Chris Watersports at the resort with his father, Christakis Iaonnou, 46, who was cleared of the same offence. Both men were accused of failing to check the age of the teenagers by looking at their passports.
Marios Elias, defending both men, said that only Aristos was at the beachside hut when the pair hired the bikes.
The maximum sentence he faced was three years' jail or a £3,000 fine. But Demetris Kitsos, the judge, imposed a fine of £523.
After the tragedy James was briefly jailed but released after admitting causing Hannah's death. He was fined £2,000 by a court in 2005.
Hannah's family said they blamed those who had let the youngsters take the bikes, vehicles which can reach 45mph. An inquest into Hannah's death, in Britain in January, heard of the inadequate instructions the youngsters were given for riding the bikes.
The south Manchester coroner, John Pollard, had recorded accidental death, saying: "I will be writing to the Foreign Office in the hope they will warn travellers about the dangers of these vehicles."
Yesterday's hearing was the 12th for the case; under Cypriot law it was heard without a jury, and the judge gave the verdict. Hannah's family did not attend the hearing.
James Dudley's family said in a statement the difficulties he had had in the past 21 months were nothing compared to the agonies for the Sutton family, and that the lesson was to ensure no other family had such an experience.
At least six other Britons have died since 2000 while engaged in water sports in the Mediterranean.
A report in Holiday Which? last year said 11 of 18 water sports operators surveyed in Greece and Spain were unsafe or potentially unsafe. Part of the problem was the absence of Europe-wide safety regulations and the fact that existing rules were often flouted.
Guardian.co.uk

29th May : Sea Tragedy Boyfriends 'Guilt'.
A teenager whose girlfriend died in Cyprus when he crashed into her on a water bike which had been illegally hired to him has spoken of his loss.
James Dudley, of Colwyn Bay, Conwy, was 16 when the accident involving Hannah Sutton, also 16, happened in 2005.
Aristos Ioannou, 30, was convicted by a Cypriot court of allowing him to use the machine and fined just over £500.
"Nothing will ever change the guilt I've got from my responsibility for it," said James.
James and Hannah, both pupils at the Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, had gone to Cyprus for a holiday after their GCSEs and were staying with her mother.
They went to hire the water bikes while out on the beach but were not told by the rental company that they had to be 18.
Shortly after taking to the water Hannah was killed, when James lost control of his machine.
He was briefly jailed following the accident but released - and fined £2,000 - after he admitted his part in Hannah's death.
Aristos Ioannou was fined £523 at Limassol District Court on Tuesday although he could have faced a three-year jail term and a much larger fine.
Ioannou continues to run Chris Watersports on the resort's beach with his father, Christakis Ioannou, 46, who was cleared of the same offence.
Speaking after the case's conclusion, James said he believed both men should have taken responsibility for their actions.
He said nothing would ever take away his feelings over the tragedy.
"I will always feel responsible," he said.
"But there are factors which lay outside my control, for example, the whole idea of being 18 to ride them. I was only 16 at the time. I wasn't aware of the rules.
"Maybe if I'd been made aware of the rules I certainly wouldn't have gone on them because Hannah's mum wouldn't have let us."
Hannah's family have said they did not hold James responsible but instead blamed those who had allowed the youngsters to hire the bikes.
Her father, Stephen Sutton, said: "He (James) understands that we attach no blame to him at all. He has to live with this.
"We feel the responsibility for the whole thing rests on the operators' shoulders, not James."
Mr Sutton added that the fine was a "missed opportunity".
Moving on
James took a year off school after Hannah's death to "try to get back on track".
He said the end of the two-year court case in did not change anything for him.
"Ultimately the amount of money, the fines and the sentences and the money are irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. It doesn't change the events that happened that day.
He said not a day went by without thinking of Hannah.
"Every day I wake up, first thing in the morning I think about her, last thing at night I think about her and the events of that day.
"I wish I could take time back, but you can't and you've just got to find a way of moving on.
"Each day it doesn't get easier, but easier to find ways of moving on and easier to control your feelings."
BBC News

29th May : Let Off For Death Crash Jetski Owner.
By John Kelly
A Cypriot man who hired a jet-ski out to a British schoolboy who crashed into and killed his girlfriend has escaped with a £523 fine.
Sixteen-year-old James Dudley fatally injured Hannah Sutton at the Cypriot resort of Pissouri in 2005.
Hannah, 16, from Alderley Edge in Cheshire, died from her head injuries. She had finished her GCSE exams a few weeks earlier.
Aristos Ioannou, 30, was convicted at Limassol District Court of hiring out the powerful waterbike, which can reach speeds of up to 45mph, to a person under the legal age of 18.
His father Christakis Ioannou, 46, was cleared of the same offence. Both men were accused of failing to check the age of the teenagers by asking to see their passports.
Judge Demetris Kitsos could have imposed a maximum sentence of three years in jail and a £3,000 fine.
After the accident, James, from Colwyn Bay in north Wales, was briefly jailed but released after he admitted causing Hannah's death. He was fined £2,000 by the court.
Hannah's family said they did not hold him responsible. They blamed the Cypriot authorities for allowing youngsters to hire the bikes.
An inquest into Hannah's death, held last January, heard of the "woefully inadequate" instructions the youngsters were given on how to ride the powerful machines.
At least six Britons have died in the past seven years while taking part in watersports in the Mediterranean.
Sky News

29th May : JSRA British Championship Pics.
Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures taken at round three of the 2007 British Championship at Barrow In Furness at the weekend.
Visit xtreme-action-images.com and check out the Jetski link in the Sports Galleries.

28th May : European Championship On TV.
Round one of the 2007 Corona European Jetski Championship from Murcia, Spain goes to air on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413 ) beginning Today at 18.00.

The world's top jetski racers put on their unique form of competition on the shores of some of Europe's favourite holiday destinations.
The half hour program is then repeated at the following times.
Tuesday 29th May
11:00
Thursday 31st May
15:30

www.motorstv.com


24th May : Water Sports Champs Jet In To Barrow Dock.
World and European champions will be in Barrow this weekend when the British Jet Ski championships come to town.
The three world and two European champions will be among 70 competitors taking part in the third round of the championships, being held at Ramsden Dock.
With the top racers reaching speeds of up to 85 miles an hour on the course, the event promises to provide spectators with an action-packed weekend.
Jeremy Hoyland, events co-ordinator for the Jet Sports Racing Association, said there would also be up to nine freestyle riders thrilling the crowds with dramatic demonstrations of barrel rolls and 360 degree turns.
He said: “They do things you would not believe were possible with a jet ski"
Mr Hoyland is delighted the event is coming to Barrow, as the sport is keen to give more people the opportunity to see what it is all about.
Harbour Master David Carpenter said: “The event is being sponsored by West Lakes Renaissance, to allow it to open to the public.”
Assistant project manager David Haughian said: “It is fantastic that we can attract a national event to Barrow.
“We have already had one sporting first this year with a national round of the kite-surfing championships being held on Walney Island earlier this month, and the power boats are returning in June. It shows that Barrow is fast becoming a top destination for water sports.”
Ann Taylforth, Barrow town centre and festival manager, said: “It is marvellous that Barrow Motorboat Racing Club has been able to attract a jet skiing event to Ramsden Dock and this demonstrates that Barrow is a great venue for water sports.”
The jet ski championships are being held in Ramsden Dock, with racing taking place from lunch time on Saturday until 4pm, and from 9am until 4pm on Sunday.
North West Evening Mail

24th May : Weekend Ski Trip.
Jersey!
Departures from Manchester, Birmingham and Gatwick at 08.00 approx.
Saturday 23rd June, spend Saturday and Sunday in Jersey, leaving Sunday evening, 24th June.
 
What’s included? :
Flights, transfers, bed and breakfast accommodation and a watersports package comprising a jetski session, a water ski lesson, a wakeboard lesson and a speedboat trip or banana ride. (you can spread the package over both days!)
All watersports are at the Jersey Sea Sport Centre, which is probably Europe’s largest Hire Centre with 8 three-seater jetskis, a sports model, 2 "stand-up" solo models and even a surf-jet motorized surfboard! 
Add 2 powerful speedboats, for wakeboarding, water-skiing, banana rides and speedboat trips and you have all the great watersports rolled into fun!
Don't worry about wetsuits or equipment, we've got it all, and its all included in the price!
There’s a café on the beach, "Crusoe's Cabin", St Aubin’s harbour, with many fine restaurants and pubs, is nearby, and the beach is only 5 minutes from the Hotel.
The Jersey Sea Sport Centre is licensed by Jersey Maritime Authorities, and carry Public Liability Insurance of £ 2,000,000.
 
Cost of this package is :
£254 from Manchester,depart Sat at 08.00, return Sun at 20.10
£214 from Birmingham,depart Sat at 08.40, return Sun at 20.05
£234 from Gatwick, depart Sat at 08.50, return Sun at 18.55  
To include all the above.
 
To book call Geoff Spencer-Tucker
Tel: 07797 738 180   Fax:01534 865 2321   email:geoff@jerseyseasport.com
This package is offered by The Jersey Sea Sport Centre with the travel and accommodation handled by Premier Holidays (A.B.T.A. bonded).
The prices quoted are subject to flight and accommodation availability at time of confirming the booking, so book early to avoid disappointment! Prices from other destinations and on different dates on request.
www.jerseyseasport.com

21st May : HSR News.
Special Edition

We offer a Special Edition of our stock ski (110 HP) with painting of S04 race ski from the World Finals.
This special version is limited to 60 units worldwide. Retail price: Euro 10.985. Orders are welcome.
 
 
Service Instruction Meeting
Next instruction meeting will be held in our head office in Pöchlarn/Austria on June 4th. Take your chance to get the latest news about our stand up S04.
 
HSR Race Support Truck
The HSR Race Support Truck accompanies the HSR Race Support Program with layovers at international and national races.
From week 21 you can find the tour plan for the truck online.
 
 
Race Support Program Launched Successfully
HSR-BENELLI established a world-wide Race Support Program, which is on Web since 24 April 2007.
he HSR Race Support Program is a unique program, which offers all Hydrospace pilots the possibility to profit from it.
This is also obvious in enthusiasm for registering for the HSR Race Support Program. Please find all necessary information on.

www.hsr-benelli.com


21st May : Leisure Lakes Open Day.
Saturday 26th May 2007
Display by Word Amateur Freestyle Champion, Dan Ashcroft. Jet Ski rides, water ski-ing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding etc.
Marquee with barbeque, party and disco, complete with "bucking bronco".
Raffle with first prize a Kawasaki Jetski Telephone, other prizes. (Profits will be donated to a local charity.)
Fairground rides, five live acts in the adjacent Western Frontier pub.
Camping in our own area at £12.00 a night.
Slalom competition.
All starts at 0900 til late.
Ring the shop if you need any further details
01772 811866
Advisable to book camping as soon as possible.
www.avoswatersportsden.com

20th May : Lifeboat Helps Two While Training.
The Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat carried out two rescues while out on routine training on Sunday.
A personal watercraft owner, who had become stranded off Burnham was the first to receive aid from the crew who towed the craft to the town's jetty.
A twin-masted yacht was next to get help after its main mast collapsed leaving it stranded on its way from the River Axe to Minehead.
The yacht was then towed back to the River Axe.
BBC News

17th May : Top Nautical Prize Is Perfect Reward For Rick.
A Chichester-based Jetski instructor has received one of the most prestigious nautical awards.
Rick Lewendon has been chosen as the Royal Yachting Association’s personal watercraft instructor of the year.
He was one of 13 exceptional coaches and instructors to be given a training award for remaining at the top of their end of coaching and instructing disciplines during the past year.
The RYA introduced the awards to acknowledge the importance of instructors and coaches within the UK’s boating community.
Categories cover all aspects of boating from powerboating to dinghy sailing and windsurfing and squad racing from weekend sailors to Olympic medal standards.
Rick was nominated by Whittington Marine’s Darrell Hardy, whose jet ski hire business is based on Bognor Regis seafront.
Darrell put forward Rick even though he had been teaching personal waterfront courses for only a year.
“Rick has been a consistently great instructor whose enthusiasm for his job has put so many of his apprehensive students at ease, allowing them to achieve great things,” said Darrell.
“He is a wonderful ambassador for the RYA and personal watercraft usage.”
Rick was presented with his award by the association’s chief executive, Rod Carr. He was also given some equipment from the award’s supporter, Gul.
ChichesterToday

18th May : JSRA British Championship Pics.
Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures taken at round two of the 2007 British Championship at Grendon Lakes last weekend.
Visit xtreme-action-images.com and check out the Jetski link in the Sports Galleries.

16th May : Clonbur man (21) Dies In Jetski Tragedy.
By: Majella Loftus
South Mayo was once again plunged into sadness last week with the death, following a jetski accident, of 21-year-old Patrick O’Haire.
Patrick, who was from Petersburg, Clonbur, An Aichre, had been living in Gortmore, Tourmakeady and died on Wednesday last, when he got into difficulties while jet-skiing with a friend on Lough Mask.
A member of staff of Irish Pride bakery in Ballinrobe, where he was a van driver, Patrick experienced engine problems while out on the Gortmor side of the lake.
His companion managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm.
Corrib Mask Rescue quickly launched two vessels and the Coastguard helicopter arrived on the scene before 11pm.
Conditions at the time on the lake were said to have been ‘extremely difficult’.
Gardai from Castlebar, Partry and Tourmakeady were on the scene throughout the night in an operation which was lead by Superintendant John Quirke.
Over the course of the night, rescue efforts were hampered by extremely strong winds and heavy rain which reduced visibility. 
The Corrib Mask Rescue relaunched two rescue vessels in the early hours of Thursday morning, having been reduced to one during the night because of the conditions which were said to be ‘horrendus’ and the rescue helicopter arrived at 6am.
Mr O’Haire’s jet ski was located at first light just before 6am and minutes later his body was recovered at Carrigeenamore, close to Carrowneeragh Point.
This is the second death of a young man on jet-ski in less than a year.
Alan Joyce, Ranaghy, Islandeady tragically lost his life on Lough Beltra, Glenisland, Castlebar on August 6 last when his jet ski turned over on the lake.
At his inquest, Coroner for Mayo South, Mr John O’Dwyer indicated he would be writing to Mayo County Council to make recommendations about the use of jet skis after hearing these had to be adopted by the local council.
The regulations have yet to come before the council.
The South Mayo area has experienced much tragedy over the past six months following the deaths of three young men, Patrick Morley (24), Johnathon Donovan (21) and Aaron Morley (20) last November.
Patrick O’Haire was a close friend of the men who lost their lives in the fatal car crash on the Castlebar Road. In a tragic twist of fate, Patrick had taken over Pat’s bread run after he was killed.
Western People

15th May : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The June 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 Kawasaki's Ultra 250X On Test, Cuban PW Adventure, Tow in - in Ireland, French Freeride, Back to the 80's - Jammer interview, Cornish Road Trip and much more.

Get Yours Now!


15th May : JSRA British Championship Results.
Results from Round 2 of the 2007 British Championship held at Grendon Lakes are now online.

Check them out at...

www.jsra.co.uk


14th May : EJSBA European Championship Results.
Results from the first round of the EJSBA Corona European Jetski Championship held in San Javier, Spain are now online.

Check them out at...

www.ejsba.net


10th May : Lough Mask Jetski Man Has Died.
Gardaí have confirmed that a 22-year-old jet skier who got into difficulty on Lough Mask, Co Mayo, has died.
He was found on the eastern shore of the lake near Carrowneeragh Point shortly before 6.30am this morning.
The alarm had been raised shortly after 9pm last night, after a man with him succeeded in getting ashore in the Tourmakeady area.
The Shannon-based coastguard helicopter took part in the search operation until the early hours.
The Sligo-based helicopter joined the search this morning.
Gardaí and local rescue teams remained at the scene throughout the night.
RTE News

10th May : Grab And Smash.
AN intruder was seen stealing a jetski on a trailer from a garage - and then minutes later crashing it into a parked car as he tried to speed away.
The late night drama on Saturday in Lancing started when a neighbour heard noises coming from a garage compound in Shadwells Close.
He looked out of the window and saw a jetski on a trailer being pulled out of a garage which had had its door jemmied open.
The thief then attached it to his car and drove off at speed. The resident phoned 999 having noted down a description of the car and registration plate number.
But minutes later the suspect crashed into a parked BMW in Grinstead Lane abandoning the jetski and trailer and driving off northwards towards the A27.
The owner of the BMW came out of his house to discover his car had been damaged but he also managed to get a description of the getaway car and vehicle number.
Police officers immediately started searching for it in the area while the garage compound was sealed off for forensic examination. They seized the £2,200 jetski and trailer from Grinstead Lane. The suspect car was later found dumped.
Worthing Today

8th May : RYA Web Forums.
The RYA is pleased to announce the opening of a great new resource for members – RYA Forums, which are scheduled to open their doors to the public on the 16th May.
Whether you’re a yacht cruiser or racer, windsurfer, RIBster, powerboat racer or dinghy sailor, if you like to get out on the water, you will soon be able to compare notes on technique, locations, maintenance, legislation, safety issues and more with like-minded RYA members.
Think of the RYA forums as an extension of your club notice board:
If you want to sell your boat or unwanted gear, chances are there’s another RYA member who’s a willing buyer.
If you want to broaden your horizons and try boating at a new location, chances are there’s another RYA member who’s been there, done that and got the T-shirt.
Perhaps you just have a great story of a cruise or boating experience you’d like to share with other RYA members, or want to engage in a debate about a boating news or feature article on the RYA website, or anywhere else. RYA Forums should be your first stop.
Maybe, like all of us, you’ve taken a boating ‘widget’ apart and are scratching your head on how to put it back together? Simply post some photos of the bits in the RYA Forums and see if there are any of our 100,000 members out there who can help!
Got RYA qualifications and interested in furthering your career in the watersports industry? RYA Forums are set to be the place to go to find jobs in instructing and skippering on anything from windsurfers to superyachts.
Need experienced crew for your own boat… You guessed it- RYA Forums!
Forums launch officially on the 16th May, so keep your eyes open for the Forums button appearing at the top of the website!
www.rya.org.uk

8th May : Arrests Over Fraudulent Payment.
Two men have been arrested in Norfolk after they were caught driving a silver BMW convertible which they bought using a fraudulent bank draft in Devon.
The men are believed to have bought the car in Ivybridge on 26 April. One of the offenders gave the name of "Dominic Larson" and claimed to be Norwegian.
The duo are also suspected of buying a personal watercraft in Paignton on 27 April using another fraudulent draft.
The men are due to be brought back to Devon for questioning. 
On the first occasion, the man used an Audi motor car believed to be silver / blue or bronze in colour. He was accompanied by a second person driving a small green car, possibly a Fiat.
On the second occasion, the male offender used a silver Audi A4.
The police said the fraudulent bank drafts used were of a high quality and were supported with other high quality documents including driving licences. Police believe four men were involved in the frauds.
Police are keen to hear from witnesses who may have seen the men in Devon between 25 and 27 April.
BBC News

7th May : Jetski Theft From Lock-Up.
Fury over yet another raid.
A Luton man is furious after thieves stole his jet ski from a lock-up garage in Leagrave, just as he was about to sell it.
Colin McGee, 48, had someone interested in buying his £960 Kawasaki 650 X2 jet ski, but now he is left with nothing, as the watersports equipment wasn't insured, because insurance is only necessary when it is on the water.
It's not the first time that items have been stolen from the lock-up garage in Glaisdale Court.
Thieves have also nabbed a disabled scooter, tools, and camping gear from the same storage unit.
f you know anything about the jet ski, contact Luton Police station on 01582 401212.
Luton Today

4th May : Top Jetskiers Perform At Southampton Sportsboat & RIB Show.
By Nicola Holder
5th-7th May, 2007, Hamble Point Marina
It's not often you can see some of the world's top jet skiers in action, but you can see just that at this year's Southampton Sports Boat and RIB Show, Hamble Point Marina, 5th - 7th May.
Freestyle Asylum, one the UK's leading freestyle jetski teams will be performing jaw-dropping displays at the event.
The daredevil team is made up World AM junior freestyle champion, Ant 'barrel roll' Burgess; Matt Hards, former Pro freestyle champion, and Darren Ogden, who beat off competition to gain 2nd position at the J.R.S.A British Championships last year.
"What these guys can do on the water really is fantastic," says Mike Lawrence, spokesperson for the Sports Boat and RIB Show team.
"Show visitors will love it, and with five of them performing regular on-water stunt displays each day of the Show it's going to be a real crowd pleaser."
Freestyle jet skiing is performed with stand up jetskis, mainly Yamaha superjets due to the fact they are lighter and smaller.
The talented Freestyle Asylum team will slice through the water doing various technical tricks and stunts, including back flips and bunny hops - creating some of the most impressive water-displays that can be seen on the South Coast.
The 4th annual Sports Boat & RIB Show will take place at Hamble Point Marina, River Hamble this year due to the creation of a new luxury hotel at Ocean Village Marina.
The event promises fast and furious on-water displays and one of the most comprehensive display of sports boats, RIBs and marine products from leading companies including Raymarine, Revenger, ICOM, Offshore Powerboats and Marina Marbella.
For further information about the Show visit
www.sportsboatandribshow.co.uk

1st May : BRP Multi-Media.
BRP has recently launched a new wave of multi-media promotion for its industry leading Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boat brands.
Following the much talked about and viewed Sea-Doo films campaign of 2006, a new action film Shortcut has been released; this time in combination with the new Sea-Doo sport boat Future of Boating informative videos.
Both motion picture collections can be viewed at the entirely redesigned sea-doo.com website.
The elaborately integrated “Break Free” campaign is appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers, designed to be entertaining and informative to the true boating enthusiasts but more so with first time buyers.
The effort is intended to engage people who fit the family boating profile - but have not yet become a boat owner - of the newest technology and how Sea‑Doo watercraft and sport boats are fun, easy-to-use, built to last, and offer distinct competitive advantages.
The redesigned website utilizes a bilingual female host to guide visitors to the information and introduce the videos.
Shortcut is a mini movie shot in the LA River utilizing Sea-Doo watercraft in incredible stunts.
The Future of Boating documents the many advantages that Sea-Doo sport boats, with Direct-Drive technology, offer over traditional stern-drive runabouts.
The Break Free campaign will be promoted through intriguing ads on television, in print media, and mainstream internet.
Visit the new www.sea-doo.com to view the entertaining film and informative videos.

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