| 29th
April : Extra Rangers To Police Loch. |
| EXTRA
rangers are to police water sports on Loch Lomond this summer, in
response to concerns that the 10mph speed limit on Windermere in the
Lake District will drive jet-skiers north to Britain's largest
fresh-water expanse.
|
|
The
Scottish Executive yesterday announced it had granted additional
funding to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority,
which will use it to increase patrols by 50%, promoting responsible
use of the loch, and with rangers on patrol until midnight each day.
|
|
Lewis
MacDonald, deputy environment minister, said the additional £71,000
would help speed up the authority's introduction of new by-laws, which
are expected to restrict the use of fast boats and jet-skis.
|
|
Legal
requirements on changes to by-laws mean they cannot be introduced
until next December – the earliest point at which the park authority
can put its proposals to ministers for approval. But some locals want
a jet-ski ban before then.
|
|
The
authority, which launched a preliminary consultation on revised
by-laws in January, is not only concerned about Loch Lomond receiving
extra leisure activity, but also Loch Eck, near Dunoon, which is noted
for its tranquillity, and Loch Earn, which already attracts many
water-skiers. They all fall within the park boundary.
|
|
At
Holyrood yesterday, ministers came under pressure from local MSPs to
speed up restrictions on jet-skis, with Sylvia Jackson, whose Stirling
constituency includes much of the park, suggesting that Loch Lomond
should pilot separate zones for motor sports and other, quieter
activities. She argued that would allow both sides of the argument
about water sports to have equal respect in use of the loch.
|
|
Jackie
Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency extends into the area, wants a
speed limit on jet-skis, without taking the 10 years that it took in
the Lake District, warning that jet-skiers' websites were already
featuring Loch Lomond as a good prospect, since Windermere became off
limits last month. She argued the problem was more to do with the
noise and anti-social behaviour of some jet-skiers than with
water-skiers.
|
|
The
first, informal part of the by-law public consultation received what
the park authority described as an overwhelming response from 800
groups and individuals. A formal phase will follow this summer.
|
|
The
plan is to update by-laws which have been in place since 1996. Current
rules require all motor boats to be registered before they can be
launched, though there is no limit to the numbers that can register.
One proposal for the toughened by-laws would include sea-planes in the
registration scheme, as a private leisure operator is now using Loch
Lomond as a base.
|
|
A
park authority spoke-swoman yesterday said there were no signs yet
that the restrictions on Windermere would drive enthusiasts north.
Those who travelled from further away tended to register early, she
said, and there had been no sign of an upsurge in registrations for
this season.
|
|
DOUGLAS FRASER, Scottish
Political Editor
|
|
www.theherald.co.uk
|
| 29th
April : SBT Ride Right. |
| SBT
announces a very exciting project they've been working on with Ride
Magazine...
|
|
| The
creation of the best PWC DVD ever!
|
|
Soon you will be able to
purchase a single DVD that goes through everything you need to know -
from scouting out the best PWC for you (new OR used), how to maintain
your ski and it's engine, tons of riding tips and tricks, and MUCH
more!
|
|
This will undoubtedly be one
of the best products any rider can buy. It will save you time and
MONEY by allowing you to extend your ride time, and lessen or
eliminate your unscheduled downtime.
|
|
"Because we know that
getting all this information to you is so very important, we will also
have the DVD segmented and available for viewing on our forums."
Segments will be released in sections over the coming months!
|
| Segment 1
|
Introduction -
This is the introduction to the series, giving you a small preview.
Time 1:15
|
|
| Segment 2
|
PWC Terminology
- This segment introduces you to the common names and terms regarding
different skis.
|
|
Time 1:20
|
|
| Segment 3
|
Types of PWC -
This segment introduces the different size and type of PWC on the
water.
|
|
Price, handling, power, etc. is covered with pros and cons
detailed.
|
|
This is a great eye opener for all riders, but especially
for anyone new to the sport, or thinking about buying a ski!
|
|
Time 4:20
|
|
| Segment 4
|
2 Stroke vs. 4
Stroke - This segment explains the differences between 2 stroke, and 4
stroke engines.
|
|
|
It covers the mechanical differences, along with the
operational differences, as a PWC owner or operator would be
concerned.
|
|
|
Pros and cons of both types are explained,
so you may make
a more informed decision when purchasing or altering your PWC.
|
|
|
Time
4:40
|
|
|
Check
Them Out!
|
| 28th
April : The 2nd Southampton Sportsboat
& RIB Show. |
| The highlight
of the Southampton Spring boatshow season – the Southampton
Sportsboat and RIB Show will be taking place at MDL-owned Ocean
Village Marina from Friday 6th May to Sunday 8th May. Entrance is £3.50
(adults) and £1.50 (concessions) and advance tickets are £3 and £1
from the 24 hour advanced ticket hotline - 02380229385. The show is
open from 10am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday and 10am to 5pm, Sunday.
|
|
Around 80 exhibitors will be
showcasing a superb selection of new and used sportsboats, jet skis,
RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and luxury vehicles as well as
equipment, clothing and accessories.
|
|
There’s something for
everyone including displays from Zapcat racing teams along with
wakeboarding action, Jet Ski demonstrations from Professional free
style Jet Skier, John Church, a demo from Viper Boats and Mountain
Bike displays by the Animal Show team with champion Martyn Ashton and
much more.
|
|
Bill Kinght Marina Manager at
Ocean Village Marina is delighted to be holding the Sportsboat and RIB
Show for a second year: ‘We have over 80 confirmed exhibitors, both
the marine and non-marine. With such a vast array of displays and
exciting events the show promises to be excellent and we hope to
welcome many visitors to Ocean Village over the show weekend.’
|
|
The Sportsboat and RIB Show
is one of many high profile boating events held at Ocean Village
Marina, which has become famous for hosting the start and/or finish of
around the world yacht races such as the BT Global Challenge.
|
|
Ocean Village Marina has
ample parking for 600 cars and is situated in the centre of
Southampton near Southampton Central Station. It is easily accessible
from the M3 and M27 enabling visitors to get to the venue with ease.
The marina is surrounded by an extensive range of shops, restaurants,
cinemas and bars.
|
|
If you would like more
information on the Sportsboat and RIB Show please visit www.sportsboatandribshow.co.uk.
|
| 27th
April : Plans
To Jetski Drugs Across Channel. |
| LILLE, France
(AFP) - Three Britons face charges of drug trafficking after preparing
to cross the English Channel on a jet-ski with 46 kilogrammes (100
pounds) of cannabis, police said.
|
|
Three men, aged from 30 to
47, were arrested Sunday at a camping ground near Sangatte on France's
north coast where they were waiting for good weather before attempting
the crossing on a "high powered" jet-ski, police said.
|
|
The men were allegedly
carrying three large sacks containing 46 kilogrammes of cannabis when
they were arrested.
|
|
"It's fairly unusual
that drug traffickers risk a channel crossing on a jet-ski. It's
dangerous, especially at this time of year," a policemen said.
|
|
Two other men, suspected of
waiting to pick up the drugs, were arrested by police at Dover on the
British side of the Channel.
|
|
A total of 15,000 pounds
(29,000 dollars, 23,000 euros) was seized after police searched the
British home of the suspected head of the drug trafficking network.
|
|
From
Yahoo
News
|
| 21st
April : VX
Deluxe named Watercraft of the Year. |
| Yamaha has once
again set new standards of excellence for personal watercraft with the
latest 4-stroke WaveRunner, the VX Deluxe, being named "2005
Watercraft of the Year" by the international magazine, WaterCraft
World.
|
|
| This is no less
than the seventh time that a WaveRunner has been named Watercraft of
the Year, with Yamaha claiming nearly half of all the awards in the
15-year history of what is widely regarded as the industry’s most
prestigious and hotly contested honour.
|
|
The award recognizes the PWC
which best demonstrates excellence in the following criteria:
innovation, market appeal, and long-term impact on the industry. To
accomplish this achievement, Yamaha bucked the industry trend for more
expensive models and challenged its development team to produce a
four-stroke model that was genuinely affordable for the millions of
families around the world that are interested in on-water recreation.
|
|
Yamaha Motor UK’s Marine
Group, which is responsible for the distribution of the Waverunner
range, says "The VX Series not only expands the Yamaha line-up
and offers a whole new level of technology, but also represents a very
positive contribution to growing the sport as a whole. Ultimately, it
is our customers who are the winners since they are able to have all
the benefits of this cutting-edge craft at a truly affordable
price".
|
|
With bold, stylish designs,
and one of the best ergonomically-designed riding positions ever on a
PWC, the new VX Series spearheads Yamaha’s next generation of family
watercraft, utilizing the latest in low-noise, low-emission
four-stroke technology-all at a very attractive price. In fact, the VX
Series is priced far lower than any comparable machine, and around 30%
less than the industry average for four-stroke models.
|
|
But low price alone does not
a champion make. Performance is still king when it comes to personal
watercraft, and the VX really does deliver on that score too. As
WaterCraft World noted - "This watercraft delivers many of the
features of higher-priced models, but in a far more affordable package
and at a higher performance level. For the recreational rider who
wants a good-looking, all-around performer, the new VX could be the
perfect fit."
|
|
The VX110 Series features two
models, the VX Sport and VX Deluxe. The VX Sport is designed for every
way PWC are enjoyed. The VX Deluxe is the world’s first 'fully
loaded', three-seat, four-stroke PWC in its price band, and features
the industry's only remotely-controlled security system, as well as a
special Low-RPM Mode, which lowers the craft’s top speed to assist
novices and aid safety.
|
|
Equipped with an all-new,
4-cylinder engine that boasts 110 horsepower, these highly-versatile
craft are capable of towing a skier or wakeboarder with ease, yet are
also the ideal craft for family recreation and multi-passenger
adventure touring.
|
|
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk
|
| 19th
April : High Speed Checks On Breakwaters. |
| University
researchers are using jetskis and quad bikes to check on flood
protection and coastal breakwaters.
|
|
Inspections are carried out
after storms to test the effectiveness of measures along the east
coast.
|
|
The checks form part of
efforts to protect homes in the area which are at high risk from
coastal flooding.
|
|
Prof Chris Vincent, from the
University of East Anglia's environmental sciences department, said:
"Houses and entire towns could be lost forever."
|
|
For the past two winters
Professor Vincent and his team have been on standby to take
measurements before and after every storm.
|
|
"We measure and record
the shape of the beach using quad bikes, building up a 3D picture
using a global positioning system," he said.
|
|
"Jetskis carry echo
sounders to measure how deep the water is whilst the GPS recorded
their location.
|
|
"Putting this
information together enabled the scientists to map the beach and sea
floor out to the breakwaters."
|
|
From BBC
News
|
| 15th
April : Hydrospace Joins the IJSBA. |
| Costa
Mesa, Calif. (April 15, 2005) The International Jet Sports Boating
Association (IJSBA) is pleased to announce that Hydrospace GmbH. of Pöchlarn,
Austria has formally joined the IJSBA as the newest Personal
Watercraft Manufacturer Member.
|
|
| Hydrospace
is the first manufacturer to announce a 4-stroke stand-up watercraft.
Production is in full progress with a 100 HP naturally aspirated
“S4stroke“ model that should be available for sale by May 6, 2005.
Hydrospace will announce their dealer network shortly.
|
| Hydrospace
anticipates meeting IJSBA Homologation requirements of 200 units for
the “S4stroke” in time for the 2005 IJSBA Corona Extra Euro Tour
for May 6-8, 2005 in Spain.
|
| Cooperation
between IJSBA and Hydrospace began about one year ago with regular
exchange of information. “Hydrospace is very happy to be a part of
the IJSBA organization,” said Christian Schwaighofer of Hydrospace.
“We are very excited to go racing, and we have much interest in
supporting the IJSBA and make watercraft sport become more popular
worldwide” he concluded.
|
| IJSBA
Managing Director Biorn Tangeland is very excited about the new
relationship. “We are happy for the opportunity to have Hydrospace
join the IJSBA,” said Tangeland. “They are a serious company
coming in with the 4-stroke technology in a stand-up watercraft and we
will support them in any way we can. We are pleased to have this new
player in the group of manufacturers. We wish them much luck this
season in their pursuit of a championship and look forward to working
with them in the future.” Tangeland stated.
|
|
www.ijsba.com
|
| 15th
April : Hydrospace Tech Specs. |
| Hydrospace
S4stroke |
|
| Type |
2-Cylinder,
4-Stroke parallel-twin with balancer shaft 4 valves per
cylinder. Watercooled with thermostat. |
| Max Power
Output |
73,53 kw
/ 100PS |
| Displacement |
803cc |
| Valvetrain |
SOHC |
| Bore x
Stroke |
88 x 66
mm |
| Compression
Ratio |
12,5:1 |
| Ignition |
Electronic
engine management system |
| Lubrication |
Dry sump,
3.5l oil tank capacity |
| Fuel
Supply |
Sequential
multipoint fuel injection |
| Exhaust |
Titanium |
| Starter
System |
Electric |
| Fuel Tank |
19l,
Super min 95 Octan |
| Length |
2298 mm |
| Width |
730 mm |
| Height |
750 mm |
| Dry
Weight |
163 kg |
| Engine
Weight |
37 kg |
| Generator
Output |
150 watt |
| Battery |
16 Ah |
| Hull
Material |
Carbon,
Texalium and Fibre-Glass |
| Passengers |
1 Person |
| |
| Totally
new Axial Highpressure pump. Diameter 145mm with manual trim
function. |
| Forged
piston, conrods and crankcase |
| Direct
ignition coil |
| Exhaust
valves natrium cooled |
| Open
loop cooling system |
|
|
|
| Hydrospace
S4 HO high output (turbo) |
|
| Type |
2-Cylinder,
4-Stroke parallel-twin with balancer shaft 4 valves per
cylinder. |
| Max Power
Output |
119,85 kw
/ 163PS |
| Displacement |
750cc |
| Valvetrain |
SOHC |
| Bore x
Stroke |
85 x 66
mm |
| Compression
Ratio |
9:1 |
| Turbocharger |
Watercooled
jacket with watercooled intercooler |
| Ignition |
Electronic
engine management system |
| Lubrication |
Dry sump,
3.5l oil tank capacity |
| Fuel
Supply |
Sequential
multipoint fuel injection |
| Exhaust |
Titanium |
| Starter
System |
Electric |
| Fuel Tank |
19l,
Super min 95 Octan |
| Length |
2298 mm |
| Width |
730 mm |
| Height |
750 mm |
| Dry
Weight |
171 kg |
| Generator
Output |
150 watt |
| Battery |
16 Ah |
| Hull
Material |
Carbon,
Texalium and Fibre-Glass |
| Passengers |
1 Person |
| |
| Totally
new Axial Highpressure pump. Diameter 155mm with manual trim
function. |
| Forged
piston, conrods and crankcase |
| Direct
ignition coil |
| Exhaust
valves natrium cooled |
| Open
loop cooling system |
|
| 13th
April : Xtreme Action Weekend 2005. |
| Xtreme
Action Events regrets to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances
we have now had to cancel this year’s Xtreme Action Weekend,
scheduled for 1-3rd July at Grendon Lakes.
|
|
| This
situation has been caused by issues beyond our control, involving
planning permission problems with the local council at the proposed
venue. It is particularly
disappointing given that we had already been forced to switch from our
original venue at Tattershall Country Park.
|
| We
would sincerely like to apologise to everyone who was looking forward
to attending the event, or had already booked tickets for the weekend.
Full refunds will be made on all advance ticket sales.
|
|
Meanwhile, Xtreme Action
Events will continue to support a number of other key events scheduled
for later in the year, including the Cardiff Bay Festival on 13-14
August and the Jetbou event in Ibiza scheduled for the week commencing
11th October. Full
details of these and all forthcoming activities will be posted on our
website shortly.
|
|
Once again, we are sorry to
disappoint everyone who was planning to support this year’s event,
but we intend to make sure that we return with a bigger and even
better Xtreme Action Weekend in 2006.
|
|
Kind regards…
|
|
Paul
Hughes
|
|
www.xtremeaction.co.uk
|
| 8th
April : What's
On. |
| Racing
|
| This weekend
sees the final round of the JSRA 2005 Winter Series.
|
|
|
The last of the four rounds
in the 2005 Championship is on the line from 9.30am Saturday morning
at Tattershall Park near Lincoln. |
|
The winter tour has visited
Tyram Lakes twice this year before moving to Willen Lake, Milton
Keynes for the penultimate round. |
|
After the days racing the
champions will be announced at the evening awards presentation from
7.30pm in the onsite clubhouse. |
|
The days itinerary can be
found on the JSRA website. |
|
Expect a good turnout as
seasoned riders dust of the cobwebs in preparation for the 2005
British Championship kicking off in two weeks at Rother Valley Country
Park on the 23rd. |
|
All information on racing in
the UK can be found at www.jsra.co.uk |
|
|
|
Freestyle |
|
Also this weekend the
Freestyle National Tour begins its trek around the UK. |
|
|
First Stop is at Fosse Hill
Jetski Centre Brandesburton, East Yorkshire www.fossehill.co.uk. |
|
Recieve freestyle tuition in
a relaxed environment with amateur and open competitions held over the
weekend. |
|
With two rounds taking place
at the coast this year its sure to make for exciting viewing. |
|
For further details contact nationaltour@fsmail.net |
|
|
|
A Full Listing of UK Events
can be found on the What's
On Page. |
| 5th
April : Jordan Fielder Becomes Official
Kawasaki Rider. |
| World
Champion to promote Jetski Watercraft to a wider audience.
|
|
|
Jordan Fielder, has signed a
sponsorship agreement with Kawasaki Motors UK to race under the
official Kawasaki banner in 2005 as well as working on other
promotional activities for the company. |
|
Seventeen year old Fielder and
his father Stuart, have proved a formidable team in the competitive
world of personal watercraft racing and have garnered an astonishing
number of World and British Championship titles in the past few years. |
|
Like Kawasaki, the Fielders
can see interest in the sport broadening as “extreme” events gain
popularity. |
|
"As the face of Kawasaki
Jet Ski personal watercraft in the UK, we could not think of a better
candidate than Jordan”, said KMUK’s Product Specialist, Steve
Sarson. “Jordan will not only compete in the UK Ski Superstock
series as the official Kawasaki entry, but we will also work alongside
him on the promotion of other watercraft in our Jet Ski range via our
franchised dealers and at live events". |
|
Jordan
Fielder and Steve Sarson at Kawasaki's UK Head Office
|
|
|
|
Nottingham based Fielder will
not be simply talking to personal watercraft users though as
Kawasaki’s UK Marketing Manager, Martin Lambert, explained. “We
see this partnership with Jordan as a way of promoting him and his
success on Kawasaki product across the board not just within the
marine world”. |
|
As part of the initial year
long deal, Fielder is focusing on increasing the understanding of his
chosen sport as well as attracting new enthusiasts. |
|
“I am really looking
forward to being an official Kawasaki rider”, concluded Jordan.
“My father Stuart and myself are keen to reach into other areas of
the media to get the sort of wider coverage that we know our sport
deserves”. |
|
www.kawasaki.co.uk |
