UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

30th April : Samba PWC.
The Samba is a new personal watercraft designed to give the rider a greater range of maneuverability and control with an ergonomic semi-prone operating platform.
PWC's are defined today by 2 configurations, the standup and the sit down.
Designed for comfort, speed and multiple passenger seating, the sit down is by far the most popular in the recreational PWC market, but its relatively larger size reduces the rider's body responsiveness.
The standup PWC is smaller, allowing for better control of intricate maneuvers, making it the obvious choice for freestyle riders.
However, the rider's higher center of gravity requires training and can be physically demanding , limiting its market to the professional circuit.
With that in mind, Craig Nowakowski and Rodrigo Silveira were determined to design and build a PWC that would incorporate extreme maneuverability into an ergonomic comfortable platform.
After several concepts and prototypes tested, the result is an organic, sleek design that feels more like an extension of your body.
The Rider's seating area allows for quick transitions between a variety of positions, from semi-prone racing stance to a relaxed seated posture.
The unique shape of the hull provides a body intuitive control of the PWC, allowing the rider's posture to display different characteristics of the hull, ranging from extremely sharp turns at hi speed to smooth power slides.
With a total dry weight slightly over 200 lbs, the Samba will raise the bar in freestyle performance and competitive racing.
The Samba Company was created by Designers Craig Nowakowski and Rodrigo Silveira with the intent of bringing innovative and functional design to the personal watercraft world.
With several patents pending and more concepts in the works, we are currently open for investor opportunities.
www.iwantsamba.com

29th April : 'Good Start' To Park Safety Drive.

An operation to target anti-social behaviour in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has got off to a successful start, police have said.

During the first weekend of Operation Ironworks, eight people were reported for crimes including assault, resisting arrest and drugs offences.

Water patrols were also carried out to promote safety and prevent accidents.

In one incident, a nine-year-old boy was found on a speeding jet ski being driven by a 16-year-old girl.

'Good fortune'

The pair were stopped at Millarochy Bay.

Ch Insp Kevin Findlater said: "At one stage the jet-ski was over a kilometre from the beach.

"The boy was shivering and was wearing football shorts and a thin T-shirt. The wind-chill factor on the jet-ski was close to zero.

"While it may look like good weather and it is warm on land, the wind-chill factor reduces the temperature considerably on the water.

"It is just good fortune that the young boy was detected when he was or there could have been far more serious consequences."

In Balloch, a person was charged under Loch Lomond by-laws for not carrying the proper number of life jackets on their boat, another was charged with failing to display identification numbers and another person was warned for speeding in a restricted zone.

More than 1,000 vehicles were also checked, 137 people were searched and 10 litres of alcohol were seized.

BBC News

28th April : Training Exercise Turns Into Rescue For Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team.

By Rosie Tapping

At 3 o clock on Saturday afternoon a training exercise turned into a successful rescue for Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team when a member of the team was taken ill during the exercise on the Kent Estuary.

The Arnside Team were undertaking training with their new Rescue Water Craft, due to come into service during the summer season, when one of their colleagues became unwell and was deemed in need of medical attention.

The area in which they were training was approximately 600 metres away from the nearest road, and so the Rescue Water Craft they were using for the training was deployed to collect a rescue stretcher and medical supplies, and the casualty was carried by the team to a waiting ambulance from North West Ambulance Service.

Richard Hackwell, HM Coastguard Technical Rescue Consultant was assisting with the training, along with Ben Granata of K38 UK.

Richard said:

Rescue Water Craft are increasingly being used for safety and rescue in a wide variety of water conditions, with the team being trained in their use on Saturday afternoon afternoon.

The team performed well, effectively utilising the new craft and demonstrating its capabilities in the challenging operating conditions of the Kent Estuary.

The craft certainly proved its worth and was crucial to Saturday afternoons rescue, and Im confident it will be an invaluable asset in the busy summer months.

Chris Turner, Fylde Sector Manager, HM Coastguard said:

With many more people choosing to holiday in the UK this year we are prepared for a busy summer, and the new Rescue Water Craft will enhance our ability to deliver search and rescue around the coast.

If you are visiting the coast this summer and you spot anyone in danger, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

mcga.gov.uk

28th April : HSR-Benelli Postpone V6 Models.
As you all know, the actual economical crisis worldwide is affecting companies and enterprises, which are faced with challenging situations day after day.
Most of you might also be aware that the PWC business is suffering from a reduced purchasing power and less consumer interest.
All major brands did already change their forecasts and sales estimation due to this unforeseen development in the global market.
HSR-Benelli as a small upcoming company is on the one hand a bit outstanding.
In an early stage of market development comparable small figures has been forecast.
However, the last weeks confirmed that the market situation is also influencing our business.
As long as we want to develop a stable business our reduced economic scale forces us to take some quick strategic decisions.
These decisions do cover major subjects of marketing mix.
Regarding products we decided to concentrate on PWC’s that had a larger demand by our customers.
We therefore abstain from models with smaller production volumes.
The following products are kept on the 2009 range:
S4 /S4 pro
Series-S Pro Edition & Race Edition
Series-R Naked Edition & Pro Edition
We do really regret to postpone the introduction of the Series-R V6 models again but the actual business does not make it affordable to introduce this wide range in 2009.
We are aware that this is disappointing and we are even more sorry knowing about the great performance of our pre-production units.
Best regards
Gregor Dietachmayr
Managing Director HSR-BENELLI
www.hsr-benelli.com

27th April : The Boat Shop & CWC Team Up For Essex Wavefest.
Yamaha is pleased to announce that Essex based WaveRunner dealer The Boat Shop and Clacton Watercraft Club have joined forces with the Yamaha Wavefest Team to bring you their 2009 Wavefest.
Taking place at the Clacton Watercraft Club slipway on Sunday 3rd May and Bank Holiday Monday the 4th of May, its time to shake off those winter cobwebs as you are officially invited to celebrate the Bank Holiday with one of the first official demonstration of the new FZR, with its awesome supercharged 1812cc power plant and race inspired NanoXcel® hull.
Running from approximately 10.30am till 3.30pm each day (subject to weather conditions) The Boat Shop is giving you the opportunity to try all the latest 2009 WaveRunners.
So whether you have always fancied trying your hand at riding a Superjet, or wanted to feel just how luxurious and powerful the new FX SHO Cruiser really is, you don’t want to miss this event!
Even if you have never tried a WaveRunner before, feel free to come along as there will be RYA trained instructors on hand to assist but please ring to book this service as places will be limited.
There will also the opportunity (subject to weather conditions) to try the latest range of Yamaha towable accessories such as water skis, ringos, 3-man shuttles and wakeboards etc.
As well as this there will also be some great offers for purchases on the day!
If you would like further information on the event or you have a particular interest in trying a certain craft, please pre-book a VIP timed slot with Simon or Cheryl at The Boat Shop on Tel 01708 523016, otherwise just come down on the day.
For further details on the full range of Yamaha WaveRunners make sure you visit the Yamaha website at...
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

24th April : JS&PW Newsletter.
Find out all about the latest edition of Jetskier & PW in the May Newsletter.
The first 1000 people to subscribe to the eNewsletter will also receive a FREE 3-month subscription to the magazine.
You can check out the May Newsletter HERE.
Sign up then pass it on to your mates.
Jetskier.co.uk

23rd April : 2009 FX HO WaveRunner Imminent!
The wait is finally over; Yamaha’s stunning new 2009 FX HO WaveRunner will be in a showroom near you by the end of April!
The new FX HO range, which has had an engine capacity increase for 2009, features a new naturally aspirated version of the tremendously powerful 1812cc engine featured in the FZ and SHO models.
However, as well as the new engine, 2009 marks the introduction of the sleek deck and hull lines as featured on the SHO models, incorporating Yamaha’s unique NanoXcel® material.
But the revisions don’t stop there!
With high quality features that you would expect from Yamaha including QSTS (Quick Shift Trim System), YSSS (Yamaha Sound Suppression System) and 4-Step adjustable steering (4-TAS), the new FX HO models now feature the electronic throttle package including Cruise-Assist, No-wake mode and Reverse Traction Control.
The FX HO Cruiser model also features luxury ergonomically designed seating and pull up mooring cleats, all backed up by Yamaha’s legendary technology, service and 2 year warranty for real peace of mind.
Packed with all these new features, the new FX HO’s won’t be in showrooms for long, especially since they are covered by Yamaha’s fantastic Easy Rider 0% Typical APR finance offer which has just been extended and enhanced until 31^st May.
To find out where you nearest Authorised WaveRunner Dealer is located and for more information on the FX HO and the rest of the fantastic Yamaha WaveRunner model range, check out the Yamaha website at...
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

22nd April : VIDEO: Free Jet Ski Demo Day In Shoreham.

JET skiers in Shoreham have tried out a ground-breaking machine free of charge.

Sussex Marine Watersports, in Albion Street, Southwick, offered water sports enthusiasts a ride on the Seadoo RXT IS – the first jet ski to have brakes – on Thursday, April 16.

Visit the website and click on the green play button to see a video of Herald reporter Sheena Campbell trying out the new ski.

For the full story and pictures see tomorrow's Shoreham Herald out Thursday, April 23.

WorthingHerald.co.uk

21st April : JSRA Club Racing Pics.
A selection of Jetmans images from Round One of the 2009 JSRA Club Racing at Nitrojet, Oxford are now online.
Check them out in the Racing section of the Photo Gallery.
As always Server space restricts the quantity of images shown. If you appear in the gallery there may be more of you. E-MAIL for Information.
*Please Note: These Images are intended for viewing only. Unauthorised reproduction is not permitted.

16th April : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The May Edition of Jetskier & PW is on sale from all the usual stockists priced £3.50. Included in this edition are all the usual sections plus PW Insurance, FZS vs GPR, Gloves Guide, Why You Need VHF, Second Hand Buying Guide, Freeriding In Oz and much much more.
Get Yours Now!

14th April : Jeremy Clarkson Test Drives A Jetski In The Caribbean.
As presenter of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson is used to test driving the latest car models on the track at Dunsfold Park.
So rather than take things easy on his annual holiday to the Caribbean, the 49-year-old decided to expand his vehicle knowledge with a spot of jetskiing.
The TV star got to grips with a Yamaha Waverunner VX110 off a Barbados beach.
Sitting on a four-stroke jet engine with an impressive 110 horsepower, Jeremy whizzed around the Caribbean at high speed.
In contrast to last year when the TV star was photographed showing off his middle-aged paunch, he kept covered up in a white cotton T-shirt and blue life vest as he bounded over the waves.
Watching Clarkson from the safety of the beach was his wife of 16 years, Francine.
The Clarksons are currently enjoying an Easter holiday in between filming on the new series of Top Gear.	Image courtesy SPLASH
The couple have made a pilgrimage to the golden sands of Barbados every year since 2005.
Also on the island this week are glamour model Kelly Brook and her rugby player boyfriend Danny Cipriani.
Last month, Clarkson and his co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond travelled to Majorca to attend a classic car rally.
Clarkson was left embarrassed after he was locked in a portable toilet by a prankster for several minutes.
He was trapped in the loo when a man stacked a pile of tyres by the doors.
He eventually managed to free himself, but the incident was filmed by several people on their mobile phones and uploaded on to YouTube.
DailyMail.co.uk

13th April : JSRA Winter Series Pics.
A selection of Jetmans images from Round Five of the 2008/09 JSRA Winter Series at Tattershall, Lincolnshire are now online.
Check them out in the Racing section of the Photo Gallery.
As always Server space restricts the quantity of images shown. If you appear in the gallery there may be more of you. E-MAIL for Information.
*Please Note: These Images are intended for viewing only. Unauthorised reproduction is not permitted.

13th April : JSRA Winter Series Results.
Results from Round Five of the 2008/09 JSRA Winter Series at Tattershall, Lincolnshire are now online.
Congratulations to the 2009 JSRA Winter Champions
James Bushell - Beginner Ski
Brad Rickaby - Beginner Runabout
Lee Wheeler - Open Ski
Peter Hammond - Open Runabout
Matt Marshall - Open Sport
Joseph Edwards - Junior Ski
Paul Smyth - Beginner Freestyle
Tanvir Hussain - Freestyle
Check out the full results at...
www.jsra.co.uk

10th April : Jet-Skiers Warned – We Will Prosecute.

By Isabel Hardman

Show-off jet-ski riders who break speed limits and ride without permits will find themselves in court, harbour authorities have warned.

Langstone Harbour Board has revealed 20 people were hauled before magistrates last year to be fined – and there could be a £850 bill waiting for speeders this summer.

Harbourmaster Captain Nigel Jardine said the 10 knot limit is often flouted and dangerous riders put people at risk.

Jet-skis are capable of speeds up to 70mph.

He said: 'It was getting dangerous to other vessels and children on the beach.

'The purpose of the speed limit is safety.

'We have got a multi-functional harbour – we have got ships coming in and fishermen and people bathing.'

The harbour has about 300 registered jet-ski users, and the number of people launching craft at Langstone reaches its peak during the holidays.

Capt Jardine said the majority of riders behave, but a minority risk injury to themselves or others.

He said: 'In previous years there have been accidents involving jet-skis.

'In some cases, riders have collided with other vessels and then driven off.'

There is already a designated zone south of Eastney Point where jet-skis can be driven at higher speeds, but Capt Jardine believes offenders prefer to remain in the harbour.

'They probably do not want to go out to the zone,' he said.

'What they want to do is stay in the harbour and show-off to their friends in the pub.'

A High Court ruling means speeding jet-skiers could also face Asbos, which the Harbour Board supports.

Capt Jardine has warned rogue riders to beware the harbour's strict policy towards speeders.

He said: 'We will patrol the harbour in the evenings, so those that used to speed can no longer be so sanguine about flouting our byelaws.

'We prosecuted 20 byelaw offenders last year, which shows we are serious – so beware.'

Hayling Hazard

In September, The News reported that high-powered jet-skis and motor boats had sparked fears among swimmers off Hayling Island.

Bathers said they were risking life and limb while using a 500-yard swimming-only stretch set up by Havant Borough Council.

Swimmer Philip Newman, 50, said he had had near misses when craft crossed a line of marker buoys installed in 2006.

The council said it was difficult to patrol the area because it did not have a boat to pursue offenders.

Portsmouth.co.uk

7th April : The Last Of A Yamaha Legend!
If you have long admired the Yamaha 2-stroke GP-R WaveRunners and you’ve always dreamed of owning one, then this is the news you’ve been waiting for!
The last remaining handful of brand new 2008 GP1300R WaveRunners are available at an authorised Yamaha WaveRunner dealer near you!
Building on the DNA of its predecessor, the GP1300R combined all that was great on the original 2-stroke GP1200R, with a capacity increase and the addition of EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), making this already legendary watercraft even more thrilling!
With high quality features such as QSTS (Quick Shift Trim System), YSSS (Yamaha Sound Suppression System), YAS (Yamaha Adjustable Sponsons) and a race proven hull, the GP1300R is a brutally powerful, ruthlessly quick, exhilaration-machine with turn-on-a-dime handling and blistering acceleration, all of which is backed up by Yamaha’s legendary technology, service and 2 year warranty for real peace of mind.
If that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, ownership of a brand new 2008 GP1300R has never been so easy as it is included on Yamaha’s ‘Easy Rider’ finance campaign which has just been enhanced AND extended, giving you up to 4 Years 0% APR typical finance.
If you want to find out more information about the very last of these legendary GP-R musclecrafts, there will be a special page dedicated to this icon on the Yamaha UK website which celebrates the crafts place in the history of the WaveRunner dynasty.
Icons only come along once in a while – be one of the very few who can, in years to come, say; ‘GP1300R, I was one of the lucky ones!’
Check out the website to find out where you nearest Authorised WaveRunner dealer is located.
But hurry as these last few remaining machines won’t hang around for long!
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

2nd April : Jet-Tec Jobs.
Northern Ireland PW Dealer Jet-Tec Performance still has posts to fill in its Mallusk dealership.
With the recent move to larger premises the search for watercraft mechanics both full and part time has intensified.
The jobs would suit someone already in the marine industry but is not essential.
Candidates (minimum age 21) must hold a current driving licence, be reliable with a very keen interest in PW and general watersports and be able to work as part of a team.
Salary is dependent on experience
If you are looking for a career in Personal Watercraft, contact Stephen for further details
www.jet-tecperformance.com

2nd April : Kelly Osbourne Puts Her Troubles Behind Her!
Kelly Osbourne is putting her recent personal troubles behind her with a fun-filled romantic holiday with fiance Luke Worrall.
A month after leaving rehab for addiction to painkillers, Kelly is celebrating her newfound sobriety with a sunshine break in Miami's chic South Beach area.
The couple were spotted jet-skiing off Miami beach - presumably with lashing of factor 30 suncream to protect their pale skin.
After jetting into Florida from Los Angeles on Monday, the couple couldn't wait to get down to the beach.
The 24-year-old reality star beamed with delight as she rode the waves at high speed on a powerful jet ski.	Photo Courtesy MatrixPhotos.com
With her 19-year-old British model lover on a second jet-ski, the pair raced each other through the waves.
DailyMail.co.uk

1st April : JSRA British Championship Rules Update.
After evaluating the response from the ‘Class Feedback’ survey the following class rules will be changed to accommodate the reducing numbers of 4-stroke Skis.
Ski Stock – 4 Stroke Unfortunately due to lack of interest this class will be dropped from the 2009 Race itinerary. This decision, should there be any interest, will be re-evaluated for the 2010 series.
Ski Limited – 4 Stroke Due to lack of interest in this class, the current 4-stroke Limited rules will be downgraded to allow 2 and 4 stroke skis to race together. Please note this class will be constantly evaluated throughout the 2009 season to ensure parity between the brands is maintained. We hope by making these changes it will create a market and better racing for the 4-strokes, in which riders can compete on a more or less stock ski, which is both reliable and competitive but will not overshadow the 2-stroke.
Rules allowed for the 2009 JSRA Ski Limited Class 2-strokes will run to IJSBA Ski Limited rules – see 2009 IJSBA rule updates to this class 4-stroke will run to IJSBA Ski Stock rules with the following exceptions. 140HSR ECU’s only (yellow), no other aftermarket ecu’s allowed. The class with now score as one.

2009 British Championship Rules + Regulations.
Download a copy of the 2009 British Championships rules + regulations here..

2009 British Championship Classes

AMATEUR FREESTYLE (amateur riders only – 9yrs onward)

PRO FREESTYLE (open to all riders - 9yrs onward)

JUNIOR SKI – 2T (open to all Juniors aged 9 -16yrs)
JUNIOR SKI OPEN (open to Juniors with experience aged 9 -16yrs)
The Junior Classes will race as one, with JSRA Junior 2T scoring separately.

SKI STOCK 2T 80bhp (open to Novice & Expert licence holders - 14yrs onward)
The Stock Ski Class will race as one class, with Novice riders also scoring towards a Novice Championship.

SKI LIMITED (open to all licence holders - 14yrs onward)

SKI VETERAN GP (open to all licence holders – 30yrs onward) Subject to numbers.

SKI GP (open to Expert licence holders - 14yrs onward)

SPORT OPEN (open to Novice & Expert licence holders - 9yrs onward)
The Sport Open Class will race as one class, with Novice riders also scoring towards a Novice Championship.

RUNABOUT STOCK 4T (open to all licence holders - 16yrs onward)
Novice and Expert 4T Stock Runabout riders will race and score together, with Novice riders also scoring towards a Novice Championship.

RUNABOUT 2-STROKE (open to all licence holders - 14yrs onward)
Novice and Expert 2T Runabout riders will race and score together, with Novice riders also scoring towards a Novice Championship.

RUNABOUT LIMITED (open to all licence holders - 16yrs onward)

VETERAN RUNABOUT GP (open to all licence holders over 35)

RUNABOUT GP (open to Expert licence holders - 16yrs onward)

YAMAHA SUPERJET CHALLENGE (open to all licence holders - 14yrs onward)
The Challenge will race as one class, with Novice riders also scoring towards a Novice Championship.

Please note: All the above classes will run on their own, except Ski Veteran which will run with Ski GP. However, if numbers drop significantly over the course of the season then classes will be merged but be scored individually.
Visit www.jsra.co.uk for all your racing info.

1st April : Easy Rider Finance Extended and Enhanced!
Yamaha is pleased to announce that not only has it extended its fantastic ‘Easy Rider’ WaveRunner finance offer, it has also enhanced it by offering a range of options including 0% over 2 years with a 10% deposit, 0% over 3 years with a 25% deposit and 0% over 4 Years with a 50% deposit (APR Typical).
However, not only is the finance offer more flexible, there is also an awesome line-up of models covered by this campaign to match.
The full Yamaha WaveRunner range including all VX, FX HO, FX SHO variants as well as the stunning new FZR and FZS models, are available on the offer which will now run until Sunday 31st May.
What’s more, this offer also covers brand new 2008 models including the last remaining handful of the legendary GP1300Rs!
Which ever model you choose, you can be assured of legendary Yamaha technology, service and back up alongside 2 years warranty for real peace of mind.
So what are you waiting for?
Get down to your local Authorised participating Yamaha WaveRunner Dealer NOW and take full advantage of this offer, giving you the opportunity to purchase a brand new 2008 or 2009 WaveRunner on this very flexible promotion.
To find out more information on Yamaha’s superb WaveRunner line-up including the terms and conditions of this outstanding offer, check out Yamaha’s website
Alternatively, get down to your nearest Authorised participating Yamaha Dealer to get the best deal!
But hurry - offer must end on 31st May!
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk