UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

31st May : New Rules Follow Jetski Accident.

Tourism bosses in Cleethorpes are urging jet-skiers to act more responsibly after two teenage girls almost drowned at the resort.

The 15-year-olds were picked up during an air sea rescue on Saturday after getting into difficulties on jet-skis.

People who use the vehicles must now be vetted before being allowed out on the water in Cleethorpes.

Resort manager David Reed said: "We are hoping to prevent a repeat of this kind of accident."

Other new safety rules imposed by North East Lincolnshire Council include checks that jet-skiers have insurance.

People using the machines must also be trained and over the age of 17.

Coastguards said one of the girls rescued on Saturday, Michaela Crawford, was about 15 minutes away from death.

Michaela, an experienced jet-skier from Sheffield, had gone out during the morning with her friend Brook Mah.

From BBC News

30th May : European Championship Round 2 Results.
Results and overall championship standings after the Second round of the Corona European Championship in Reifnitz, Austria at the weekend are now online at...
www.ijsba.com

29th May : Jetski Girl Was 'Close To Death'.

A teenage jet-skier found drifting in the Humber estuary was only minutes away from death, her rescuers say.

Michaela Crawford, 15, of Sheffield, was suffering from severe hypothermia after three hours in the water off the coast of Cleethorpes on Saturday.

An RNLI spokeswoman said: "Given another 15 minutes we would probably have been dealing with a fatality."

Michaela was taken by RAF helicopter to hospital in Grimsby where she was recovering on Sunday.

Her 15-year-old friend Brook Mah, also from Sheffield, was rescued after just 15 minutes in the water when the crew of a fishing boat spotted her drifting near her jet-ski.

She was picked up by the vessel and told the skipper that her companion was missing.

He raised the alarm and two RAF helicopters, three lifeboats and seven other boats started a search.

RNLI spokeswoman Andrea Towler said: "The temperature of the sea is about eight degrees centigrade, there was a very strong south-westerly wind and a considerable swell - all factors which gave us cause for grave concern.

"Michaela had actually drifted almost three miles after becoming separated from her friend and was close to the point where the estuary meets the North Sea by the time we found her.

"The fact that she was spotted at all is a miracle. It is without doubt that both girls were found alive because they were wearing life jackets."

She said the girls, who were on holiday with their parents at the Fitties holiday park in Cleethorpes, were both competent jet-skiers but this was the first time they had been out on the machine this year.

From BBC News

28th May : Pair In Hospital After Sea Rescue.
Two teenage girls are recovering in hospital after an air sea rescue off the coast of North East Lincolnshire.
The pair, who are both 15, had been out on jet-skis in Cleethorpes on Saturday morning when they got into trouble.
Two RAF helicopters, three lifeboats and seven other boats started a search after one girl was picked up by a fishing vessel and raised the alarm.
Rescuers took about an hour to find the second girl, who was eventually located in the Humber.
Both were taken to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby suffering from shock and exposure.
The alarm was raised at about 1030 BST by a fishing vessel, the Zuider Zee, when it picked up one of the girls in the mouth of the Humber.
The second girl was found about an hour later and winched aboard an RAF helicopter after one fishing boat spotted her jet-ski.
Steve Kinroy, watch manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "At just about 1140 BST we had a call from a fishing vessel, Blue Jay, which was west of the Bull Sand Fort and within the search area, that he had come across someone in the water.
"We are of course immensely relived the girl has been recovered.
"Our thanks are due to all those rescue units who responded so promptly and at one point there were 10 vessels in a close line all searching."
From BBC News

26th May : European Championship On The Box.
Round one of the Corona Tour European Jetski Championship goes to air on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413 ) beginning today at 2.30pm.
The best jet ski competitors from around the world come to Europe to compete in the toughest championship in the world.
The half hour program is then repeated at the following times.
Thursday 26th May 16:00
Friday 27th May 22:30
Tuesday 31st May 05:00
www.motorstv.com

25th May : European Championship Round 2.
This coming weekend sees the Corona Tour European Jetski Championship make its second stop of 2005 in Reifnitz, Austria.
This is the first time in the tours history that it has visited Austria and Yves Van Heers has promised a picture postcard backdrop complete with medieval castle overlooking the race site for what promises to be an historic event.
On the line in Ski F1 is the first closed course appearance of the worlds first 4-Stroke stand-up piloted by Multi World and US National titled Chris MacClugage.
After failing to make the start at the previous round in Spain you can be sure the Hydrospace team will have it right for this appearance on home turf.
The worlds Finest will be lining up alongside Chris to see if this remarkable craft can live up to the rumors and speculation circulating the PWC community.
Kawasaki's Steven Dauliach, Yamaha's Nicolas Rius, Jean-Baptiste Botti, Brice Lopez, Renaud Urbain and Nick Jacobs are all up for the challenge.
The press test ride of both the S4 and S4 HO precedes the event and JMUK has pilots en route for a first impression.

In Runabout F1 the UK's Phil Pope will be fighting off the advances of 2004 Champion Nicolas Rius and chasing the top spot held by France's Franky Zapata from his current second position.
Lisa Barsby will be hoping to increase her lead at the front of the Ski Ladies class and Vicky Beale will be looking to improve on her current seventh position.
In Ski Junior also leading the pack Luke Brooks will be after another 180 points just like those he gained in Spain with three straight moto wins and lets not forget Jason Young in ninth who made his European debut at the first round.
James Bushell has a 41 point lead over second place in Runabout F2 after he collected 60 points in each moto and Ria Pickard is seventh with Josh Toogood, Daniel Thornton and Perry Field following. Josh is also eighth in Runabout F3.
In Ski F2 Jim Goodchild will be looking for some more holeshots like those in Spain before his head on collision with a disorientated competitor.
And Neil Smith will want to improve on his second place in Ski F3 chased by fellow M&M teammate Chris Wilkinson in fourth place on his Polaris Octane.
Freestyler Lee Stone is already on site in preparation to take on Rok Florjancic for the top spot, unfortunately fellow UK entrants Dan Ashcroft and Josh Knights are unable to make the trip.
The Corona Tour European Jetski Championship in Reifnitz on the 27^th, 28^th and 29^th of May.
www.ejsba.net

24th May : Human Powered Hydrofoil Seeks Jumpy Riders.
NewScientist.com news service Duncan Graham-Rowe
The first human-powered commercial hydrofoil, resembling a bizarre cross between a pogo stick and a jet ski, has gone on sale.
Riders operate the "Pumpabike" by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the rear of the contraption, whilst holding onto a steering column at the front.
In doing so, they can reach speeds of up to 16 knots (30 kilometres per hour), says inventor Mike Puzey, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Puzey’s design has no propeller and involves no pedalling. Instead, thrust comes entirely from the hydrofoils beneath the craft.
The vehicle is made from plastic and aluminium, and weighs just 14 kilograms. It has two hydrofoils, a large rear one that generates 80% of the lift, and a smaller one at the front for steering and stability. Each craft costs between $800 and $1200, depending on its configuration and where you buy it.
Hydrofoils enable a vehicle to move through water using less energy than an ordinary boat. They act like wings, raising the bulk of the hull out of the water, reducing drag and making it easier to propel the craft.
Bouncing and flapping
But the mechanical design of Pumpabike also transfers a rider's bouncing motion into a flapping action of the rear hydrofoil. "The foil stays straight, but its angle in the water tilts down by about 7 degrees [with each jump]," says Puzey. Provided the foil is already moving through the water, this change of angle converts some lift into forward thrust.
The only drawback of the device is that its rider needs to kick off from a jetty, a boat or a specially provided stand to get enough forward motion for the hydrofoils to start working. This means if the rider stops bouncing or falls off, the craft lowers into the water and they must swim back to the launch point, towing it in their wake.
Currently the world speed record for a human-powered watercraft is held by the Decavitator - a pedal-powered, propeller-driven hydrofoil built by a team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US. A record speed of 18.5 knots (34 kph) was set in 1991 by Mark Drela.
Puzey believes the Pumpabike could go even faster with a few design improvements. "But I’m not going to chase any speed records," he says. He has spent eight years developing more than 70 different prototypes and is now keen to get his invention onto the market.
www.newscientist.com

20th May : Hydrospace S4 Homologation.

The following new models have satisfied IJSBA homologation requirements and are considered eligible for IJSBA-sanctioned competition. This is in addition to the models listed in the 2005 Official Competition Rulebook.

Model	Eligible Classes
Hydrospace S4* (Naturally Aspirated)	Ski 1100 (four-stroke) Stock, Limited, Open, Modified Ski 800 Stock, Limited, Open, Modified

*Note: This model is not yet homologated for Regional Racing in the United States. Model is eligible to compete in International events (must be approved by the IJSBA), including the World Finals.

www.ijsba.com

20th May : Nitrojet Sale.

This forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend, Nitrojet Action Sports in Cirencester are holding a HUGE five day sale on all Watercraft and Accessories.

You can save hundreds on New and Used Sea Doo, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha Personal Watercraft and Polaris Quad Bikes as well as up to 25% off Wetsuits, Buoyancy Aids, Inflatable Toys, Wakeboards and Sea Doo PWC Accessories.

The sale starts 9am Thursday 26th May 2005 and goes on until 4pm Monday 30th May 2005.

So if you are looking for a New or Used Jet Ski, DON'T, until you've visited Nitrojet, in Love Lane Industrial Park, Cirencester, GL7 1YS

Personal Watercraft savings are only available in-store but accessories can be purchased either in-store or via mail order. Internet prices will vary.

www.nitrojet.co.uk

19th 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 Big Waves Day At JAWS, Tracking: PW Security, Junior Ski Class of 2005, Racing and Freestyle Round Ups, Unveiling The World's First 4-Stroke Stand-Up and much more.
Don't miss your free 2005 Where to Launch and Train Guide (included).
Get Yours Now!

17th May : Brooks and Field Signed.
Up and coming Jet Ski racing stars, Luke Brooks and Perry Field have just signed a one year sponsorship deal with Den Bol Watersports.
Jurgen Ketel , Sales Manager UK & Ireland, for Den Bol Watersports said "Den Bol Watersports (exclusive distributor of the Jobe brand for the whole of Europe ) has selected Perry and Luke, because they are not only very talented, but combine this with a very enthusiastic and positive attitude. Hopefully our support helps these guys to have a great season!"
Brooks and Field who are also sponsored by Nitrojet Action Sports are both very excited to have been selected to represent such an up and coming personal watercraft brand.
Brooks comments, “having additional sponsors gives me more motivation to do well on the race track. I’m not only racing for myself and my family now, but as a representative of Den Bol, and that makes me very proud.”
More information on the teams progress can be found at www.wakeski.com

17th May : British Championship Round 2 Pics.
Jetmans photos from Round 2 of the 2005 JSRA British Championship are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

16th May : JSRA British Championship Results.
The JSRA British Championship results from Round 2 at The American Adventure are online.
Check them out at...
www.jsra.co.uk

16th May : British Championship Round 2 Pics.

Photos from Round 2 of the 2005 British Championship taken by Dave Stewart at the American Adventure Theme Park can now be viewed at...

www.xtreme-action-images.com

12th May : Gemma's A Jet-Ski Marvel.
GEMMA Mason is making waves in the sport of jet-ski racing.
The 13-year-old recently finished third in her age group in the British Winter Championships on her Kawasaki SXR800, having only taken it up competitively at the turn of the year.
And she is already making her mark on the summer competition, finishing second in the junior section to confirm herself as a contender for the title.
The Sarson School pupil said it was her father who first got her interested in the sport at the age of seven.
"My dad used to do jet-skiing as a hobby and all my friends started doing it so I thought I would give it a go," she said.
Gemma, of Freeby Close, Melton, is one of only two girls who compete with eight boys in the championships, with races held as far afield as Milton Keynes, Tattershall Park near Lincoln, Rother Valley near Sheffield and American Adventure near Derby.
She was consistent throughout the winter competition, finishing third in two of the four rounds, picking up a handful of trophies for her efforts.
"When you are successful in this country you get trophies, but if you race in Europe, where the sports is more popular, you can earn money if you are successful.
"I have only just taken up the sport so I have a lot to learn, but one day I would like to take part in a race in Europe to see what it will be like."
She added: "I would like to think that one day I would take up the sport seriously, but I will definitely always do it for fun whatever happens."
Gemma says she enjoys all sports and anything challenging.
www.meltonmowbraytoday.co.uk

11th May : European Championship Round 1 Pictures.
A selection of pictures from Round 1 of the 2005 EJSBA European Championship held in Spain at the weekend are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

11th May : European Championship Round 1 Results.
Results and overall championship standings after the first round of the Corona European Championship in San Javier, Spain at the weekend are now online at...
www.ijsba.com

9th May : Win a VX110 Sport.
Poole Watercraft have donated a Yamaha VX110 Sport package to Poole Hospitals Wish List fundraising campaign.
The Poole Hospital Wish List provides support for all wards and departments in the provision of key pieces of equipment.
Tickets for the draw to win the craft are available for £2.50 from the following outlets:
Asda Poole, CO-OP Crigmore, Fitness First Poole, Bournmouth Echo, Fire FM and of course Poole Watercraft
Every pound donated to Poole Hospital will make a real difference to patients and staff.
The draw takes place on Sat 11 June at Poole Watercraft.
www.poolewatercraft.co.uk

4th May : Six Hills WaveFest Postponed.
The fourth of Yamaha's popular WaveFest events due to be held at Six Hills this Friday and Saturday, 6th-7th May has been postponed.
Riders are sure to be disappointed but the event will now run a little later in the season.
Rumours that the Six Hills lake is still rather cold are totally unfounded......and Six Hills will be open as usual all weekend.
A new WaveFest date will be announced shortly.
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

2nd May : Sea Palling Photos.
A selection of Out & About pictures from Sea Palling today are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.
As the summer approaches look out for jetman Out & About near you.