UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

27th December : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The January Edition of JS&PW is on sale from all the usual stockists priced £3.20. Included in this new look edition are all the usual sections restyled plus The London Boatshow Preview, JSPW's guide to the 2005 PWC line-up, World Finals Reports, The Wight Stuff, A World Exclusive look under the hood of Jordan Fielders Twin piped Kawasaki SXR plus much more.
Get Yours Now!

16th December : Merry Christmas.
JMUK would like to thank you all for your visits over the past year.
A special thanks must go out to the site sponsors be sure to visit them by clicking on their banners above.
2004 has been another fantastic year for PWC here in the UK.
Yet again we made our mark on the European and World Racing/Freestyle Stage with top titles brought back from both championships.
The JSRA British Championship toured the UK prompting a record rider attendance. The Freestyle National Tour introduced more budding freestylers to the world of competition, Xtreme Action Events were held here and in Ibiza, More clubs and more progress was made, JS&PW celebrated 15 years of circulation, the list goes on.
There will be a short break as we get ready for 2005 beginning in January with the London Boatshow.
We look forward to seeing you all Out n About until then have a safe but very merry Christmas.
JM

14th December : Stolen PWC Database.
StolenBoats.org.uk is the recently launched Online database of stolen boats and marine equipment.
The searchable database is divided into categories of watercraft and you can select to view only the Personal Watercraft category information.
You can sign up to the Theft Alert mailing list to receive instant notification when a new theft is added to the database.
All the information on the website is provided by the marine Insurance industry and the Police and is linked to the Police National Computer.
If you have any information on any of the stolen items on this site simply click on the "provide anonymous tip-off" link displayed below the theft information.
www.stolenboats.org.uk

10th December : Latest Waverunner Offer.
0% interest finance over 12 months on all Yamaha WaveRunners.
Yamaha are pleased to announce a fantastic finance offer on all Yamaha WaveRunners that makes it even easier to enjoy the water.
Whilst stocks last, you can enjoy 0% finance over 12 months on the entire Yamaha WaveRunner range.
If you would like to finance your purchase over a longer period they also offer extra special low interest rates of:
2% Over 24 Months 3% Over 36 Months 4% Over 48 Months Minimum Deposit Of Only £999
Your choice of which personal watercraft to purchase for the New Year just got a whole lot easier.
For further details, contact your Authorised Yamaha WaveRunner Dealer. Finance subject to status.
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

10th December : Wirral Winter Ski.

Wirral Jetski Club will be holding there annual winter ski on Monday 27th December.

Weather permitting they will ride from New Brighton to Liverpool Pier Head and around River Mersey.

Leaving from New Brighton slipway around 11.30 am on the falling tide.

Hot food will be served to brave riders and cold onlookers at Redcaps pub just by the slipway.

This is a great way to get over your Boxing Day hangover or build up an appetite for another Christmas party. All welcome.

More info N&C Jetski 0151 691 0006

9th December : Anthony Joins The Jet Set.

Crewe Chronicle

WHILE his mates turn out for football and rugby teams every weekend, Anthony Burgess travels to Oxford to hone his skills on a jet ski.

Muddy fields hold no lure for the 15-year-old who prefers to dazzle spectators with incredible tricks on the water. A trip to try the sport just two years ago fuelled a burning ambition.

Now the Malbank School pupil has become the British Jet Sports Racing Association (JSRA) junior freestyle champion in his first year of competition.

Anthony, who lives at The Broadway, Nantwich, said jet skiing has become an obsession.

'My dad Pete, and brothers Craig and Lee, have enjoyed jet skiing and my dad took me to Preston to try it out,' he said.

'I liked it and soon realised I was good at the tricks. I did a lot of practising and then entered the JSRA Freestyle competition at the start of the year.

'I never expected to do so well but it is a fantastic feeling to be a national champion. I am already looking forward to next season.'

He added: 'My mates play football and rugby. They are interested in what I do, they wish me good luck and congratulate me when I do well, but it is just normal for them so they don't get too excited any more.'

Freestyle jet skiing is not like racing. Each rider has to put together a two-minute routine of tricks which a panel of judges gives a score for different aspects.

They include difficulty of tricks, success of tricks, crowd appreciation, smoothness and individuality.

Anthony shows off skills like barrel rolls, somersaults, aerial turns, sub-marine dives and handstands to bring crowds of more than 1,000 to their feet at different events throughout the season.

The youngster, who has just begun studying for his GCSE exams, achieved a fifth place finish in the overall JSRA competition, along with his victory in the U16 class.

Anthony, who travels to either Oxford or Preston to practise every weekend where he spends a minimum of five hours on the water, stopping only to refuel, is ready for the new season, next May.

He said: 'I do get really nervous before a big event but it helps to get the adrenalin pumping. The routine I have used this year has served me well but I want an even better one for next season, and I will practise until it is perfect.

'I aim to win the overall competition next year but it will be tough. Becoming an overall champion in the freestyle will earn me a place representing Britain at the World Finals, at Lake Havasu in Arizona, USA, next year.'

He added: 'It is possible to forge a career in jet skiing and that is my aim. It is very expensive and my dad and sponsors have been brilliant, so I just have to put the work in.'

Sponsored by H20 Leisure Sports, at Leisure Lakes near Southport, and Queenford Jetski, near Oxford, Anthony is also a member of the British Freestyle Display Team, and this year has been in displays at the Southampton Sportsboat and Rib Show, The RYA Powerboat Festival at Cardiff and at the Jet Bou Festival on the island of Ibiza.

iccheshireonline

8th December : Rescued man 'lucky to be alive'.

The man at the centre of an emergency rescue operation at Benone Strand at the weekend is lucky to be alive, according to the Coastguard.

The 27-year-old was in the icy water for over 20 minutes after he fell off his Jetski while jumping a wave on Saturday afternoon.

He sustained injuries to both elbows and was unable to climb back onto his Jetski.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 3.30pm and an inshore lifeboat and the Coastguard attended the scene.

The man was able to swim ashore but collapsed when he reached the beach and received medical attention before being transferred to the Causeway Hospital.

The Jetski was later retrieved and returned to shore by the emergency services.

Watch Manager with the Coastguard Diana Gadd has attributed the man's survival to the fact that he was wearing a wet suit at the time.

"If he hadn't been wearing the proper equipment it would have been a whole different story because 20 minutes in the water at this time of year is a very long time," she said.

"Obviously we would ask anyone who is going to be involved in any kind of activity in the sea to bear in mind the time of year and prepare themselves accordingly and always let other people know exactly what you are doing.

"This man was very lucky because he is relatively young and fit and would be able to survive for a longer period of time in the freezing temperatures than an older person."

Belfast Telegraph

7th December : ATP Freestyle Carb.
Introducing the ATP Freestyle Carb specifically designed and manufactured with Freestylers in mind.
With a unique annular discharge system utilising a 44mm inner Ventura and a 48mm throttle valve with an unprecedented throttle shaft design. This enables the Carburettor to work at the high pop off pressures that Freestyle riders long for.
The Carb greatly compliments the ATP Single Carb Manifold.
They can also retro fit your own 44mm or 46mm Mikuni Carb with this modification.
www.queenfordjetski.co.uk

6th December : Sportsboat & RIB Show 2005.

Lovers of fast boats and personal watercraft should set a date in their diary for The Southampton Sports boat & RIB Show, which runs from Friday 6^th - Sunday 8^th May 2005 at Ocean Village Marina.

At last year’s inaugural Show, over 12,000 visitors attended and viewed a fantastic array of new Sportsboats and RIB’s (Rigid Inflatable Boats) on 60 stands.

At the 2005 Show there will be more exhibitors, more action packed entertainment for visitors and more opportunities to view and buy boats and accessories.

Show Opening Hours:

Friday 6^th May 2005                         10am – 6pm
Saturday 7^th May 2005                     10am – 6pm
Sunday 8^th May 2005                       10am – 5pm

Ticket prices:

Adults £3.50
OAP’s, students and Under 16s £1.50

Advanced Ticket Prices (available from 24 hour Advanced Ticket Hotline 02380 2293850)

Adults £3.00
OAP’s, students and Under 16s £1.00

Members of Club Outlook, for MDL Berth holders, will receive 2 free entries to the Show on production of their Club Outlook card.

Ocean Village in Southampton has good road and rail access for visitors and exhibitors and has parking for 600 cars.

Further information regarding the Show can be obtained from Bill Knight, Marina Manager, Ocean Village on 02380-229385.

www.sportsboatandribshow.co.uk

6th December : Wilko Does It Again.

You may remember back at the beginning of November when Junior Racer Chris Wilkinson was awarded the Junior Sportsman title in the 2004 Lincolnshire Sports Awards.

Chris was recognised for his achievements this year with both British and European Ski Junior titles to his name.

Well last night Chris picked up another prestigious award.

BBC East Midlands Junior Sportsman of the Year 2004

Hosted at a champagne reception in the Nottingham Council Chambers with past and present stars including famous celebrities and sports men and women from the East Midlands region, broadcast live on BBC radio and televised with highlights to be shown on regional BBC 1 this Wednesday night.

Chris was also lucky enough to get hold of and be pictured with the Web Ellis Trophy (Rugby World Cup) and Golf's Ryder Cup.

Quite an evening!

www.bbc.co.uk

5th December : 2005 WaveRunner UK dealer trials.
Yamaha Motor (UK) recently gave an early opportunity for national dealers to get hands-on experience of the new 2005 WaveRunners range.
Travelling from Scotland, Wales and England for on-water trials on a damp and cold autumn day, the experience proved worthwhile for all concerned.
The new VX Sport and Deluxe range seemed to be the chosen favourite for 2005 with fuel economy being proved through only half a tank of fuel used over an afternoon of constant and hard running.
Dealers had the chance to evaluate speed, noise levels and comfort for rider and passenger, in fact every aspect of use.
A quick summary of the VX range was “easy to live with, economical to run and a pleasure to ride”.
The VX range will be available through authorised Yamaha dealers from January 2005.
More details can be found at www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

5th December : 2005 Calendars.
Looking for a PWC stocking filler for your loved one?
Jetman and Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images have captured all the freestyle and racing action from across the UK and wrapped it up in their 2005 Jetsport and Freestyle Action Calendars.
Featuring 37 impressive images in a freestyle or Jetsport format, the glossy A4 calendars demonstrate the level of competition to be found at events across the country.
2005 Freestyle Action spotlights the stars of the UK scene mixed with the world’s biggest names in freestyle that recently visited our shores.
The 2005 Jetsport Calendar highlights the riders and action from the 2004 JSRA British Championships.
See Jetman or Dave Out and about or order your copy by visiting the link below.
Order Now

3rd December : IJSBA Racer Survey.
Attention Racers!
Your input is very important to us, so please help us serve you better by taking a few moments to fill out this Survey Form.
The results will be returned to us automatically via the web. Please complete the information before December 17, 2004.
Enter to win a 2004 Dos Equis World Finals DVD, T-Shirt and Hat: We will select one lucky participant to receive a FREE 2004 Dos Equis World Finals DVD, IJSBA T-Shirt and IJSBA Hat, PLUS a surprise gift!
Who can complete the survey: You must be a current IJSBA or IJSBA Affiliate member (ANYWHERE in the World) and enter your member number to participate.
Privacy and Web Security: Your answers, comments, and e-mail address will be kept confidential. We also protect the security of your information during transmission by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software, which encrypts information you input.
Thank you,
IJSBA
www.ijsba.com

1st December : G-Force Graham is up for new challenge.

WORLD record breaker Graham Hicks is set to take on another challenge to raise awareness of deafblind people.

Graham, who is deafblind himself, will attempt to jetski around Britain. It will be his fourth world record if he is successful.

The 43-year-old, of Hyholmes, Bretton, Peterborough, holds the record for jetskiing from Holland to England in under six hours and he is the only person to jetski from Britain to the Scilly Isles.

Back on terra firma, Graham – known as G-Force to his friends – smashed his way into the record books by riding a quad bike at 133mph, supported by pillion rider Pc Brian Sharman, in August.

Six police officers will help Graham on his next challenge, to take place in the summer.

He said: "I'm looking forward to getting into training for my next programme of challenges in 2005, starting with the Round Britain jetski challenge, and welcome the opportunity to work with Cambridgeshire police again to set a new world record."

The officers who will take up the challenge with Graham have yet to be announced.

Each one will have to learn a touch- based signalling system, satellite navigation and first aid at sea, and will take it in turns to support their driver.

They plan to leave from the River Thames, in London, and the challenge is expected to take between 10 and 14 days.

Spokesman Jo Johnson, for Deafblind UK, in John and Lucillevan Geest Place, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough, where Graham is head of challenges, said: "Graham is a role model for us.

"He wants to break down the barriers and let others know that it is easy to communicate with deafblind people."

The announcement came at an awards night on Sunday, where the Cambridgeshire police chief constable was guest of honour.

He gave out awards to all those who have supported Graham's drive and enthusiasm at his events this year.

Graham said: "I would like to thank everyone I have worked with in 2004. The support they have given has been vital for all my challenges and events.

"The work we have been doing raises awareness of deafblind people throughout the country and shows just what deafblind people can do, given the right support."

From Peterborough today

1st December : New four-stroke Yamaha WaveRunners for 2005.
The new 2005 UK Yamaha Waverunner line-up is yet another landmark in the history of personal watercraft development and as with so many other significant industry turning points, it is Yamaha that sets the pace once again.
It is the first time any manufacturer has launched a range where the latest technology four-stroke models outnumber conventional two-stroke machines.
Yamaha has been the UK market leader for the past two years and is aiming for a third through competitive pricing and significant product benefits.
The incredible smoothness and sophistication of the four-stroke WaveRunners is well known and appreciated, as is the legendary speed, reliability and fun factor provided by earlier two-stroke models.
But two-stroke power is not about to be replaced, because with their ultimate speed and performance, the Yamaha GP and SuperJet models still rule the race circuits of the world. Look no further than Nicolas Rius, racing for Yamaha, with the 2004 European Championship in the Runabout Superstock class whilst riding a GP1300R. But it’s not just professionals who want this sort of extreme performance, as these machines are still proving as popular with everyday watercraft enthusiasts.
To emphasise the point, the 2005 two-stroke GP1300R has new features and even more power – now 170hp.
Every year is important and exciting for the Yamaha customer, with new models and innovative features from the latest WaveRunner range.
WaveRunner FX, FX High Output, FX Cruiser and FX High Output Cruiser
Spearheading the 2005 WaveRunner range are machines that take the four-stroke watercraft concept to new heights. As its name implies, the FX HO (High Output) delivers even more power than the standard FX model, while its partner machine, the FX HO Cruiser, can surely be described as the ultimate ‘sports-touring’ watercraft, with seating for two passengers and an impressive 100 litres storage capacity. In terms of product development, nothing stands still at Yamaha – for example the hull of the FX HO designed for superior performance and speed, or the compact remote locking control unit. This not only disables or enables the ignition at the touch of a button; it can also activate a ‘Beginner Mode’ function to down-tune the power and performance capability, making the machine easier and more controllable for first-time riders or novices until they gain experience. Another press and full-on power instantly returns for use by the skilled rider. All four models offer the smoother, quieter, more economical riding experience that is the hallmark of all the Yamaha four-stroke WaveRunners, the outstanding Yamaha MR1 engine providing the foundation for stunning acceleration and high-end performance that has proved such a revelation, even to experienced riders, on their first exposure to these class-leading watercraft.
Model colours
FX HO: Yamaha black metallic/white. Price inc VAT £10199
FX HO Cruiser: Yamaha blue/black. Price inc VAT £10499
FX: White/blue metallic. Price inc VAT £8999
FX Cruiser: White/red/silver. Price inc VAT £9299
Two all- new WaveRunners: VX Deluxe and VX Sport
True affordability in four-stroke watercraft – that was the brief and that is what Yamaha has achieved with the launch of these two exciting VX models. Both are completely all-new WaveRunners, from sleek hull to compact power unit. And in typical Yamaha style, the affordability has been achieved without stripping away the performance of the clean, quiet, smooth four-stroke engine or compromising our legendary reputation for turnkey reliability. Put simply, these are well engineered, solid, stylish WaveRunners with two different levels of specification and customer appeal and with up to 50% of the running cost of comparative competitor models. The Sport offers aggressive styling, exceptional performance and excellent all-round ability. Move up a level to the VX Deluxe and you get the same, plus the benefits of mirrors, reverse and remote locking security with innovative ‘beginner’ mode. With these competitively priced new four-strokes, Yamaha has simply confirmed its position as the undisputed world leader, not only in the personal watercraft market as a whole, but in the fastest-growing and most innovative part of the industry, the four-stroke segment.
Model colours
VX DELUXE: Yamaha Blue metallic/silver. Price inc VAT £7299
VX SPORT: White/red. Price inc VAT £6599
WaveRunner GP1300R and GP 800R
In terms of pure, out-and-out speed and performance handling, the stunningly fast, fuel-injected GP 1300R – the world’s most powerful two-stroke production watercraft – is still the leader of the musclecraft pack! And it’s closely followed by its GP 800R stablemate. 2005 sees a further boost to the high performance of the GP1300R – the combination of even more power from the engine and a new high output jet pump now delivers 170hp. Offering a combination of performance, handling and comfort, the GP1300R and GP800R are excellent examples of the unmatched pedigree of performance and reliability inherent in every WaveRunner. These race-bred machines, with their surefooted handling and awesome acceleration and speed, have a dominant track record in international competition spanning many years, and the technical knowledge and experience gained from these racing successes is used to further develop the WaveRunner product line. The GP 1300R features the very latest Yamaha Engine Management System (YEMS). Among its many talents, this computerised system controls and adjusts ignition timing, fuel injection mapping, engine diagnostics and off-throttle steering. This brilliant function activates when the operator releases the throttle lever but still needs to steer. So it helps the driver to execute a turn safely, even when decelerating. The GP 1300R and GP 800R are definitely machines for the serious rider who wants a great-handling, powerful (and very fast) production watercraft.
Model colours
GP1300R: White/black metallic. Price inc VAT £8649
GP800R: White/yellow/silver. Price inc VAT £6999
WaveRunner XLT 1200
A luxury Sport Tourer with a deservedly high market profile and reputation, the XLT1200 is a past winner of the Watercraft of the Year title and features the industry’s most technically advanced, reliable engine, with the unique, race-bred YAMAHA Power Valve System (YPVS) and the patented YAMAHA Sound Suppression System (YSSS). So for sheer fun, whether ridden solo, with a passenger (or two), or used for towing wake boarders and waterskiers, the XLT has no equal. It can be trimmed on-the-move with the amazing YAMAHA QSTS (Quick Shift Trim System) and to further enhance the riding experience, this model features remote locking, reverse gear, five-position steering angle adjustment and an impressive 13-function electronic instrument and control display.
Model colour
XLT1200: White/blue. Price inc VAT £7999
WaveRunner XL700
For an all-round combination of performance, handling and comfort there’s still no better value in the personal watercraft market! Add in the almost miserly fuel consumption, large (50-litre) fuel tank and legendary reliability and you have the evidence to explain why the XL700 has become the first choice of so many rental companies and professionals around the world.
Model colour
XL700: Yellow/silver. Price inc VAT £5949
The WaveRunner SuperJet 700. In a class of its own.
Despite its unequalled list of National and World Championship titles, this sleek, powerful WaveRunner is still renowned for being more fun to ride and control than any other stand-up machine, even for novices. The choice of racers and freestyle champions the world over; it is simply “The Original”.
Model colour
SuperJet700: Metallic ‘Stealth’ black. Price inc VAT £4899
Ease of purchase schemes for recreational leisure
New schemes are being introduced to ensure affordable boating and a Yamaha WaveRunner is just a different type of boat. All major purchases of product or package from the Marine Division have the possibility of purchase through Bank of Scotland Marine Finance, subject to status. Initial schemes for 2005 are 0% and low rate finance. All new Yamaha WaveRunner machine s are supplied with Datatag identification kit and registration, a £50 RYA training voucher and a RYA training video. This add-on package of items is intended to guide the public to the merits of safe and secure use of personal watercraft.
Yamaha working in partnership with professionals
Following a successful full year of operation the RNLI ordered additional Rescue Water Craft (RWC) adapted from standard Yamaha XL700 WaveRunner Personal Water Craft for the summer of 2004. Continuous daily deployment during the season at Poole, Bournemouth, Perranporth and Newquay proved both efficient and cost effective with many rescues carried out. The first RWC units were strategically placed during the 2003 season alongside RNLI lifeguards to deal with many incidents close to heavily used beaches and inshore waters in the South and West of England. Capable of shallow water and surf operation, these units go where traditional inshore craft are unable to operate safely at similar speeds.
yamaha-motor.co.uk