Friday, May 13, 2022
$1.60 (inc. GST)
SOUTHE rn 20 EIGHTY 22 SINCE 1863
MAY 13–15 VIC PARK ECHUCA
RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU
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SOUTHERN 80 SCHEDULE PAGE 2
SUPERMAN AIMING FOR RARE DOUBLE PAGE 3
Back on the Water Plus: Previews on the top 40, superclass boats and in depth coverage of local teams
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
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MAY 13–15 VIC PARK ECHUCA NEWS FEATURE WWW.RIVERINEHERALD.COM.AU REPORTS: JOSH HUNTLY, ROHAN ALDOUS AND BRANSEN GIBSON PHOTOS: STEVE HUNTLEY, CATH GREY AND CONTRIBUTED
welcoME ‘Southern 80 Back on the Water’.
On behalf of the Moama Water Sports Club, we welcome visitors from across Australia and residents from Echuca-Moama to enjoy the 2022 Southern 80. and see boats and teams up close plus This year the Southern 80 will be live interviews with the stars, a great way to streamed for those at home, across start the weekend. Australia and around the world, so they Saturday’s racing will be in three can see the action, marvel at the starts, sessions with under-10s starting from the different speeds out on course, see five mile from 8am, followed by social how under-10s to over 40s master the classes. river, and, of course, how fast the big Next will be the expert classes from boys go. Sunday afternoon’s event racing Get the MVSN app or more details at for their start positions followed by www.southern80.com.au — cost will be Veterans, Senior social, disabled. $19.99 per day. 2pm will see the top 40 boats race for This event has been two years in the pole position on Sunday starting from making since our last one in 2020 and boat 40 down to one, meaning pole we are excited to be back on the water position for Sunday’s great race will and racing under the new Dhungala not be known until the last boat, 2020 bridge for the first time. winner Superman, crosses the line. The finish line area has changed a lot The Sunday start time is 9am from with most of our layout on the new Torrumbarry with Super Social, junior asphalt car park, so if it rains, no mud. age classes and 60/70 mile per hour Our usual big screen at the finish line boats. will have the camera footage from our Then at 12.30pm the big boys take off streaming cameras, a great family day for the main event, followed by engine out, kids activities, food and a bar. classes. Get up close to the boats and teams Will last year’s record be broken? as top 40 boats will be next to the finish We would not be able to hold the compound, again on the asphalt. “biggest water ski race in the world” Friday Morning is breakfast with the without the support of all our sponsors. stars at Moama Soundshell — come
MEßage The Maritime Branch of Transport for NSW is excited to support the 2022 Southern 80 Ski Race, and we’ll will be attending the event to assist the Moama Water Sports Club in running a safe and successful event as we’ve done for many years. If you’re competing in this year’s Southern 80, please remember any practice runs outside the events aquatic licence are subject to all the usual NSW boating rules including noise regulations and other marine legislation, such as safe speed, licensing, and the use and carriage of safety equipment. Please also consider residents by not practising early in the morning. If you’re heading out on the water outside of event times, please consider your safety and that of other waterway users and those on the riverbank. Alcohol and other drug limits apply to vessel operators, observers and any people being towed must stay under 0.05 (or zero if under 18). If you’re visiting from Victoria or
another jurisdiction, please remember that NSW regulations apply for all boating activities on the Murray River, and these rules may differ from your home state or territory in several key areas including: • when life jackets must be worn • who can be an observer when towing (tubing, wakeboarding, water-skiing etc) • use of personal water craft (jet skis) by young adults (under 16 year old) Please take the time to check the NSW rules and waterway restrictions associated with the Southern 80 before you head out on the river. Enjoy the race and please help us to keep moving “towards zero” on the water.
We are pleased to have Destinations NSW, which provide us with the opportunity to promote our region and our event, and we again have support from our shires, Campaspe and Murray. We have also received new support from McConnell Dowell — the bridge builders. Our other major partners are: American Hotel, Beechworth Bakery, Northern Hire Group, Edge FM, McDonald’s Echuca, Thomson’s Echuca Electrical, Transport For NSW-Maritime and the Riverine Herald. We also have many support partners, platinum and gold support partners and all our class sponsors. Our sweep boat is again sponsored by Mercury Marine and Xtreme Marine, we thank them for our Mercury 300 V8 engine. On behalf of everyone here for the weekend, our thanks go to all these partners and sponsors. The assistance we receive from all our emergency services and other agencies is tremendous. To all our community groups and other
volunteers, thank you for your continued support, with some groups and volunteers helping for more than 20 years. Finally a huge thanks to all our competitors who work extremely hard out on the water to give our spectators some fantastic water ski racing to watch during the two days. Vic Park is where you can get all the latest information, latest times, see the teams live on the big screen and finish live on the water. Food and bar, plus free children’s entertainment. On behalf of the Moama Water Sports Club we wish everyone a great weekend with exceptional viewing, great times and safe racing. My tip for outright winner: Sapphire F1. — Steve Shipp, president, Moama Water Sports Club
scHEduLE FRIDAY, MAY 13 Breakfast with the Stars at 7"am at the Kerribee Soundshell, a chance to get up close and personal with the teams, while enjoying breakfast available from Beechworth Bakery. The “Stars” of the 2022 Southern 80, will be available to sign posters for the kids, along with interviews with the Stars and other guest speakers.
SATURDAY, MAY 14 Victoria Park precinct will become a hive of activity, including a big screen, commentary, trade displays and a free kids zone. Racing starts at the Five Mile Reserve in Moama. Gates at Victoria Park Boat Ramp open at 7.00"am 8!am: Under-10s start racing 8.30!am: Social competitors travel along the course 10!am: Veterans, Masters, Disabled classes 11.30!am: Expert Shoot Out 2!pm: Top 40 Shootout, including the Presidents Dash and Bakers Blitz. The Top 40 teams will all be vying for pole position on Sunday, starting with boat 40, finishing with boat 1 Superman
SUNDAY, MAY 15 Racing starts at Torrumbarry Weir. Gates at Victoria Park Boat Ramp open at 7.00"am. 9!am: Expert Classes 17 to 25 12.30!pm: Expert Classes 1 to 16 5!pm: Presentations for winners of the Southern 80 Notes: Entry is $35 for the weekend or $25 each day. Children under 15 are free. A courtesy bus from the car parking to the gate for return ($5) No BYO at the finish line; Food and drinks are available. A range of trade sites are available from official Southern 80 merchandise, ski racing equipment, and boat and swimming safety. Don’t miss the aerobatic aeroplane displays each day by Adrian Van Der Sluys. No dogs permitted.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 3
SOUTHE rn 20 EIGHTY 22
MAY 13–15 VIC PARK ECHUCA
’Dough set to rise to the top
Mistress breaks the shackles
Echuca’s Paul Collard and the crew of Doindough are looking to build on their victorious run in the unlimited inboard social category during the 2020 race, as well as a top-10 outright finish.
The shackles have come off The Mistress.
And with the boat running “the fastest it’s ever been” after a busy ski season, the ’Dough looks set to rise. “We’ve raced every event we can get to this season,” Collard said. “The boat’s solid — it’s probably the fastest it’s ever been.” The boat will also be in for a busy weekend. On Saturday, Doindough returns to defend the unlimited inboard social crown with Collard at the wheel, Mark Spender of Griffith observing and skiers Jess Spencer (Griffith) and Jacob Hinterholz (Euston) behind. Matthew Arnall (Yanco) and Lance Muus (Gunbower) will then jump behind the boat in the Veterans category, before Jess Spencer and Connor Ballingall (Rowville) return for the President’s Dash to determine their placing in Sunday’s race. “We can’t wait,” Collard said. “It’s the toughest race to do I think, but it’s one you look forward to every year.
“Especially on your home course; I don’t get to know very much of the other courses, but this one here we know a lot of. “We’ve got a pretty good background here. We’ve been together for about two and a half years, but because of COVID obviously there was a period where we hadn’t skied.” Competing in his 13th Southern 80, Collard has seen what it takes to be successful in the race. “Corner speed is the key,” he said. “Top speed’s got nothing to do with it. You’ve got to get down that river as smooth as possible.”
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pretty hungry for success.” Oliver has stepped in for skier Lachlan Op De Coul, who was injured at the start of the season, and Welch praised the experience of his old ski mate. “Lachy was injured at the first points score and basically he’s been out for the season. That’s why Jamie subbed in for us, and he’s done a fantastic job,” Welch said. “The Southern 80’s fast, but it’s a lot of corners, and Jamie’s a very good cornerer.” The Mistress is set to be a top contender, and Welch knows what it takes to conquer this leg of the Murray River. “It takes not just ability but a fair bit of luck as well to win the 80 just through the nature of the race, the nature of the course, mechanical stuff. “The course is good. It’s low but it’s more than race-able. You just have to race to the conditions at the end of the day.”
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68-page A4 program includes class information, race times, Southern 80 stories and much more
MAY 13–15, 2022
Up into Superclass after taking out the 2020 unlimited inboard category by 21 seconds"—"and finishing third outright"—"the 2016 winners of the 80 now have a heightened speed cap on par with its seven other competitors in the category. The crew will be right in the running for the first Southern 80 in two years. “You’ve got to remember we were in Unlimited Inboard and we were speedcapped,” observer Leo Welch said. “This year we’re in Superclass, so we’re running exactly the same cap as those boats. “We’re on an even playing field, which we’re really excited about it.” With Zac Welch at the wheel, Leo Welch the observer, and the duo of Brad Osmotherly and Jamie Oliver skiing behind, The Mistress has assembled an experienced crew for the 80. Between the four, they boast eight wins in the biggest ski race in the southern hemisphere. “We’ve got a really good crew going this year,” Welch said. “Obviously Zac drives really well and he’s in really peak form. “We’ve got a bit of experience; Jamie’s won it four times, I’ve won it three and Zac’s won it once. Brad’s
southern 80 back on the water
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
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River holds no mysteries for Moama boys Across the 124 bends of the Southern 80 course, experience counts for everything. Local Southern 80 competitors Dylan Stephenson and Jade Pumpa have been racing the prestigious ski race for up to 14 years, and it’s that experience that holds them in good stead for the first running of the event in two years. Stephenson highlight came in 2016 skiing behind Southern 80 winner Mistress, admitting its an unrivalled feeling to salute at the 80 in front of a home crowd. “Nothing will ever top that,” Stephenson said. “It’s the best thing ever, winning at your home race in the sport you love doing.” After placing second outright with TR in 2020, Stephenson will ski behind Sportspage with Dean Johns (driver), Anthony O’Reilly (observer) and Cameron Horne (skier). The local team has experienced a bumpy ski season so far,
but Stephenson says there’s no better time to turn things around. “We haven’t got through a dash so far. We’ll turn it around in our home race, that’s for sure,” Stephenson said. Beyond the technical aspect, Stephenson offered an insight into the work that goes into trailing behind the speedboats, especially in Superclass when skiers are dragged at speeds of 120"mph. “On top of the amount of skiing you have to do, it’s also the gym work, the strength work, the cardio work,” he said. “Like any elite sport, you have to put in the time. “You don’t quite get the recognition you do in other sports, but we do it because we love it.” Pumpa, a former skier himself, has been racing in the Southern 80 since 2008, but has traded the skis for a spot in the boat in recent races. Pumpa is observing for Tuff N Ruff in the 70mph category this year along with driver Paul Tannenberg and skiers Tyler
Tannenberg and Michelle Pumpa. For Pumpa, preparation is key. “Just being prepared is the best thing out here,” Pumpa said. “Basically, the more work you put in obviously the better you’re going to go. “It’s a long way and there’s no breaks in the middle. “There’s a lot of people that do it just for a bit of fun, but I think with everyone there is a level of competitiveness. That’s what keeps bringing you back each year. “It’s a good sport to be around, you make a lot of good mates and to be racing around home is a great pleasure.” Despite the colder weather, both agree the town will be pumping for the 2022 race. “Going off the last two races in Robinvale and Mildura there’s been huge crowd turnout,” Stephenson said. “If we got anything similar to that the town will be booming like it always is in February. “It won’t be quite as warm, but I think it’s going to be a great event.”
Top 40 set to sizzle
Locals Dylan Stephenson (left) and Jade Pumpa are back for the Southern 80. Photo: Steve Huntley
2:22:00 PM 29 Pure Enemy
D: Ian Payne O: Cameron Monaghan S: Liam Forde, Brayden Harris 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:24:00 PM 28 Illusion Down Under
2:52:00 PM 14 Hooligan
D: Stuart Clough O: Daryl Farley S: Josh Horne, Riley Fogarty 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
D: John Grabiec O: Jeff Marshall S: Blaze Branson, Jack Heather 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:26:00 PM 27 Korrupt
2:54:00 PM 13 Merc Force F1
D: Glenn Scanlon O: Chris Neville S: Nicholas Chase, Tyson Heathcote 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:28:00 PM 26 Fifty Four Withdrawn
2:30:00 PM 25 Public Enemies
D: Glenn Rowlands O: Arran Samuels S: Max Rowlands, Mason Vaughan 40 Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial
Australia’s top 40 water ski teams have been confirmed for the Southern 80’s invitational President’s Dash and Bakers Blitz. Eight boats in Superclass means it will be the biggest field in the category in race history when they launch, while the remaining 32 will run for Dash honours. Local teams in the mix include Echuca-Moama crews Stalker, Doindough, Sportspage and the two Superclass locals Mistress and Sapphire F1, while defending champion Superman will wow the crowds once again. Argo will be the first crew away on Saturday from Five Mile Reserve in the President’s Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, with the afternoon session of racing set to determine starting positions for Sunday’s race for the 80. Crews will then launch in two-minute intervals until the Bakers Blitz kicks off from 3.05pm, with Supernova getting the Superclass boats underway.
TOP 40 2:00:00 PM 40 Argo
D: Richard Manning O: Brett Armstrong S: Jack Manning, Zak Armstrong 40 Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial
2:02:00 PM 39 Corruption
D: Adam Barclay O: Shane Bru S: Clinton Brown, Zac Francis 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:04:00 PM 38 Gone Mental
2:32:00 PM 24 Extreme Meltdown
2:06:00 PM 37 Stalker
2:34:00 PM 23 Agrovation
D: Shane Dower O: James King S: Troy Evans, Shannon Fornari 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial D: Peter Hilet O: Simon Zealley S: Matthew Hilet, Calum Lindberg 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:08:00 PM 36 Synthetic
D: Stuart Evans O: Wayne Duggan S: Joshua Reid, Greg Norton 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:10:00 PM 35 Helta Skelta
D: Michael Askew O: Richard Souwer S: Joel Massey, Michael Kelly 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:12:00 PM 34 Sportspage
D: Dean Johns O: Anthony O Reilly S: Dylan Stevenson, Cameron Horne 40 Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial
2:14:00 PM 33 Formula One
D: Andrew Sproull O: Bradley Audsley S: Brad Knights, Joshua Tyrrell 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:16:00 PM 32 Noizworks
D: Peter Gisinger O: Peter Thompson S: Mark Stephenson, Brayden Jameson 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:18:00 PM 31 Whitenoiz
D: Brian Nutley O: Erron Jameson S: Riley Jarvis, Nellie McMillan 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:20:00 PM 30 No Bull F21 Withdrawn
2:50:00 PM 15 Primevil
D: Brad Chesser O: Nathan Batchelor S: Paul Bruton, Kane Marks 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
D: Anthony Savona O: Sam Horne S: Lucy Savona, Ashlee Cuff 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial D: Chris Doonan O: Stuart Horne S: Kane Horne, Bryce Horne 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:36:00 PM 22 Hollowpoint
D: Steven Czapp O: Jason Loftus S: Brendon Fogarty, Damien Payne 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:38:00 PM 21 Hells Arsenal
D: Mark Boyer O: Brandan McGlynn S: Jacob Hinterholzl, Dylan Cuff 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:40:00 PM 20 ORSM Racing
D: Jason Dingli O: Danny Cropper S: Blake Dingli, Bailey Cropper 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:42:00 PM 19 Elm St
D: Wesley Davison O: Nathan Perkins S: Kody Davison, William Groves 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:44:00 PM 18 Ghostrider
D: Rick Janssen O: Ryan Hatherell S: Mitchell Gogoll, Rhys Duggan 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:46:00 PM 17 I-Robot
D: Trinton Smith O: Brendon Dennis S: Jarryd Tannenberg, Clark Stegmeyer 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:48:00 PM 16 Agitator
D: Chris Affoo O: Steve Hurrey S: Ross J Harris, Riley Arnold 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
D: Colin Hockly O: James Marth S: Korey Gally, Will Hockley 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
2:56:00 PM 12 Masterforce
D: Geoff Thomson O: Craig Nicholls S: Ryan Thomson, Curtis Horbury 40 Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial
2:58:00 PM 11 Mirror Image
D: Daniel Galea O: Luke Nixon S: David Follett,, Mitchell Horan 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
3:00:00 PM 10 Doindough
D: Paul Collard O: Mark Spencer S: Jess Spencer, Connor Ballingall 40 Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial
3:02:00 PM 9 Tempered
D: Andrew Davis O: David McMillan S: Brock McMillan, Brendan Tidswell 40 Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial
3:05:00 PM 8 Supernova
D: Scott Cleaver O: Brad Robertson S: Cameron Osborne, Cooper Robertson 39 Bakers Blitz
3:08:00 PM 7 The Mistress
D: Zachary Welch O: Leo Welch S: Bradley Osmotherly, Jamie Oliver 39 Bakers Blitz
3:11:00 PM 6 Hellbent
D: Alex Handley O: Jack Battye S: Cameron Nix, Jason Cartledge 39 Bakers Blitz
3:14:00 PM 5 Brimstone F1
D: Jon Horbury O: Timothy Horbury S: Bradley Williams, Thomas Perry 39 Bakers Blitz
3:17:00 PM 4 Temper 2
D: Rhett Davis O: Ben Hackett S: Jack Coaldrake, Raymond Ball 39 Bakers Blitz
3:20:00 PM 3 Pigs Arsenal
D: Chris Stevens O: Doug Perry S: Jack Stevens, Jake Ellery 39 Bakers Blitz
3:23:00 PM 2 Sapphire F1
D: Tim Pickford O: Brian Griffin S: Lachlan Nix, Aiden Cuff 39 Bakers Blitz
3:26:00 PM 1 Superman 2
D: Darren Maguire O: Steven Robertson S: Daniel Graziano, Daniel Cotton 39 Bakers Blitz
RIVERINE HERALD
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 5
SOUTHE rn 20 EIGHTY 22 Jaxon set for special Southern 80 debut For Jaxon Lockhart, this year’s Southern 80 is about more than just racing. The 12-year-old is set to compete in his very first Southern 80 this weekend and will be racing in honour of his mother, Vanita, who sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2018. Jaxon will be racing in the under-14 social class and under-14 boys expert class, with his father, Tim, and stepmother, Deb, as the driver and the observer. To pay tribute to his mother’s memory, Jaxon will be raising funds for the Cancer and Wellness Centre at Echuca Regional Health. He and his family will be selling stickers during the weekend and will have a donation tin at the event where people can make contributions. Tim Lockhart said the fundraising was an idea Jaxon came up with himself. “This is something that he wants to do in memory of his late mum, and both Deb and I support that,” Tim said. “It was an initiative for him to raise awareness not just for breast cancer, but all cancers across the board. “It’s about raising awareness for not just people with cancer but the support network that they have behind them like family and friends.” The team’s colour scheme also pays tribute to Vanita.
MAY 13–15 VIC PARK ECHUCA
Sapphire ready to shine Sapphire and its crew are hoping to be one of the gems of the Southern 80 this year with their eyes set on a Superclass win.
Ski racing: Jaxon Lockhart, 12, will compete in his first Southern 80 this weekend.
Their usual boat Nutt’n tu!—!which is out of action this weekend with a mechanical fault!—!is white, pink and purple, while their boat for the weekend Jagged Edge is purple and white. The Lockhart family is competing in its first season of ski racing and Tim said they were looking forward to their first Southern 80. “We are all anxious but excited to be doing our first Southern 80,“ he said. “Jaxon is looking forward to it, his ski partner Savannah Whaterfield is looking forward to it. They are excited to be a part of something that has been around for a long time.“ Tim thanked the ski racing community for the tremendous support they have given him and his family. “The ski racing family have been nothing short of fantastic with their support to us,” he said.
Sapphire’s observer Brian Griffin has been competing in the Southern 80 for three decades and said the crew was in good shape heading into this year’s race. “It should be good, we’re looking forward to the weekend,” Griffin said. “We won the Barry Carne last weekend at Wagga, so that’s good for us going into this as a team. “Robinvale and Mildura were pretty successful for us, we were only 10 or 12 seconds behind Superman at Mildura and 20 seconds behind at Robinvale, we are pretty keen to get one on top of them.” The Sapphire will head into this year’s race as one of the favourites to take out the Superclass crown. Having won the race previously with The Mistress in 2016, Griffin said he was hoping to do the same with the Sapphire this year. Sapphire’s crew has a wealth of experience, with Griffin himself set to compete in his 30th Southern 80 this weekend, having taken part as both a skier and an observer.
“As a team, Lachy Nix, Tim Pickford and I have put the last three years into it. I’ve known Aiden Cuff since he was eight years old, so I’ve watched him ski all the way through as a young kid. “There is plenty of experience in the boat and the two boys on the back are fit and they have plenty of years of skiing under them, so it’s pretty good.” Griffin said he was looking forward to watching some other people close to him compete. “We’ve got young Jed Pickford in under-10s, we’re towing him on Saturday and we are really looking forward to that, he is a really good up-and-coming young skier. “My stepson Xavier Mallick is skiing behind Thundernuts as well with the Dominguez family, so we are looking forward to that.” Griffin said the Southern 80 was a special event and he thanked the key players and organisers for making sure this year’s race could go ahead.
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6 RIVERINE HERALD
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
SOUTHE rn 20 EIGHTY 22
MAY 13–15 VIC PARK ECHUCA
DENILIQUIN: Ben’s plan to remain unbeaten
Double trouble: Mathoura twins, Kane and Bryce Horne, behind . They are coming off a win at Robinvale and are hoping for a top 15 finish in the overall event. Photo: courtesy of Shaun Williams.
Mathoura’s first ski family River riders: Deniliquin owner/driver Ben Evans, and wife Annie (with her thumb up in the observer’s position), will again be at the Southern 80 this weekend. Ben has been competing since he was 15.
Deniliquin farmer Ben Evans will suit up for his 16th Southern 80 ski race this weekend and already has plans for the next generation of his family to continue his lengthy association with the world-famous Murray River event. Evans first pulled on the skis in the Southern 80 as a 15-year-old and will this year maintain the tradition when he skis behind his boat, The Croc, in the senior social class. The 35-year-old father of three will be competing for only the third time as a driver, and only the second in the long course Southern 80 event itself. He started his involvement with the race through friends from a Deniliquin caravan park who had a race boat. The former boxer, who still plays football!—!with Moulamein reserves!—!will be involved in four events during the weekend. He and his team, which includes wife Annie as an observer and skiiers Bronsen Weir (Mornington) and Echuca’s Jackson Walker, will compete in the 8-litre expert class. They are unbeaten this season in that class, having won at Mildura, Wentworth and Robinvale. The Croc will be fuelled up and hitting speeds of up to 110 miles on hour in short course events on Saturday, before the Southern 80 time trial on Saturday afternoon. “We will average in low 90s (mph) for the Southern 80, because there are so many bends,“ he said. “I have only run it once, but we had a few hiccups. We did it in 38 (minutes). “We hope to do a 35 (minute) this year.” The Croc team raced at Robinvale long weekend in March, then Mildura on Easter weekend and prior to that, in Wentworth’s 110!km (55!km each way) in December. Evans said the one-way races were unique and he always looked forward to the Southern 80 and the Sydney Bridge
to Bridge, which was also a one-way race. “There is a lot more going on for a driver in the Southern 80 than the other events, with all the turns,” he said. Reece Duggan, another well-known skier, will compete with Weir behind The Croc in the unlimited social class and The Croc is also entered in the super social event. “The social class races are shorter ropes and shorter skis. They are a lot harder on the body,” Evans said. The next generation of Evans were planning to be involved in this year’s event, but Evans’ 13-year-old daughter, Charlotte, will give it one more year. Following there will be Willow and Maddy, who are six and three years old. “The six-year-old has just got up on doubles and the three-year-old is on the ski trainer (like an inflatable pair of skis),” Evans said. “My parents, Sharon and Russell, will be on the sidelines watching the races and looking after the kids.” The Croc will end up completing 200!km under race conditions for the weekend, which means the reliance on mechanics is enormous. “Our mechanical work is done by Nankervis,” he said. As for wife Annie, while she is cast in the role of observer, she also possesses a set of skills that The Croc team hope are not required. “She is a paramedic at Swan Hill, so it is nice to know we have her on hand in the boat, if needed,” Evans said.
Mathoura has a footy ground, a bowls rink and a river!—!so it’s no surprise Stuart and Melanie Horne encouraged their sons to get involved in ski racing. After all, travelling to Echuca and Deniliquin for extended sporting opportunities could turn out to be quite time consuming. But what turned out to be a “close to home” weekend entertainment option has turned into a travelling circus for the family as their 20-year-old twin boys, Bryce and Kane, along with their 24-year-old brother Josh, compete at the elite level of the sport all over Australia. Travel is by no means a problem for the family, however, Stuart owns his own truck and transport company. He is regularly on the road, but much prefers the water with his talented progeny on weekends. Melanie and Stuart, along with their sons, will travel to Echuca Moama this weekend to compete for the 15th year at the Southern 80. The twins have been skiing since they were eight and Josh was 12 when he was first dragged along behind a family friend’s boat, Out 4 Revenge. The twins first skied behind a boat called Longshot. “Stuart bought his first boat (Stamede) from Jim Miles. It was a Spectre, sadly Jim had passed away and Stuart purchased the boat from his family,” he said. This weekend Stuart will be observer for Shepparton owner driver Chris Doonan, who owns Agrovation!—!the boat which will have Kane and Bryce Horne skiing behind in the President’s Dash, Tim Driver Memorial and Unlimited inboard naturally aspirated expert class. Josh will ski behind the Stuart Clough-owned Illusion Down Under in oppositon to his younger siblings, in the same events. While the family has a similar interest when it comes to their after-hours pursuits, they head in completely opposite directions during the week. Melanie is a bookkeeper, Stuart (as mentioned earlier) owns and drives his own truck, while all three boys are in trades!—!Josh is an electrician, Bryce a plumber and Kane a carpenter. Outside of skiing Kane plays football, while Bryce and Kane volunteer at the
Deniliquin Boat Club where they teach young kids to ski at ski school. Melanie admitted she was initially nervous about the sport. “I was very cautious and probably held them back a bit. I didn’t want them going to fast to soon,” she said. Melanie is now the key organiser of the troops and completes everything from trailer organiser to courier and her son’s unofficial bank. Stuart’s first involvement in racing was 2006 at the Victorian titles and a year later he was involved in the Southern 80. He observed when Ultra Troublemaker was sixth outright and broke the six-litre record. The twins set a new Under-18 record and won the Ashley French Memorial Trophy with Ghostrider, while Josh won is a former winner of the unlimited inboard naturally aspirated with Illusions Downunder. Stuart has been a part of numerous record breaking wins with Ultra Troublemaker. At Robinvale this year Stuart (observer) and the twins (skies) won with Agrovation in unlimited inboard naturally aspirated and broke the existing record by three minutes. The family is expecting to be involved in the Top 40 Dash and feature prominently in the unlimited inboard naturally aspirated. Stuart and the twins, with Agrovation, are hopeful of a top-15 finish. They will provide a great target for Josh to chase. Agrovation, is a 18.6 feet Stevens Hull, with a 565 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, twin carb naturally aspirated v drive. Illusions Downunder is an Everingham, powered by a 540-cubic inch Chevrolet engine naturally aspirated v drive. When quizzed about injuries during their careers, whiplash and concussion was a common theme with the three, while Bryce also suffered a shattered foot. The family’s last event of the season will be at the South Australian titles in June.
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Expect a colourful event: Horbury Ski racing enthusiasts in Echuca and Moama can expect the most colourful Southern 80 in recent memory as teams have returned from the COVID-19-enforced layoff with renewed enthusiasm for the sport. Ski Racing Australia chairperson Jon Horbury!—!who spent his formative years in Echuca before re-locating to Mildura!—!said the amount of boats and vans that were not “wrapped” had hit a new high. “The amount of boats and vans with wraps will make the Southern 80 a real spectacle. People have really invested in the sport, not just the superclass teams, but at every level,” he said. Horbury, who will be at the driver’s wheel of superclass boat Brimstone Racing, has competed at the Moama Waters Sports Club event for seven years. He will have Ballarat’s Tom Perry and Queenslander Bradley Williams behind his boat and elder brother Tim in the observer’s seat of the 23-feet long Force craft. Tom Perry was a moto x rider and a high-level boundary umpire for a number of years. His father was an AFL boundary umpire. Brad Wiliams is a surfer, who regularly travels overseas to Indonesia for big waves. “Brad’s whole family has been ski racing for years. His father Chris has brought him through the junior ranks
and he is now one of Queensland’s better skiers,” Horbury said. John and his brother, Tim, were both born in Cohuna, then moved to Echuca when I was two. “I remember Echuca, it is where we went to kinder and grade one. We have a bit of Echuca history,” he said. Horbury, who resides in Sydney but has business interests in Victoria and NSW, has a long history with water ski racing. Horbury has been SRA chairperson for the past two years, the national body responsible for providing insurance and strategy to its membership. “Events like the last Southern 80, Robinvale, Wentworth and Mildura are run by clubs. The clubs use our insurance, liability and race cover for their events,” he said. Brimstone Racing didn’t finish at the Wentworth event in superclass, was third at Robinvale (its first podium in superclass) and fifth at Mildura. “There is Superman, then Sapphire is starting to close the gap, then there is a group of us at the next level,” he said. He started with Brimstone F1, which was a 21-foot boat, towing his son Curtis and a Sam Perry (brother of Tom) in Under-16 boys.
Jon Horbury (left) and his brother Tim (right), who is an observer with Doug Perry (back up observer), Tom Perry and Brad Williams, and during a recent training run at Grafton. Missing is Noel Bishop.
“We actually broke a record that had been broken only a year earlier by Pigs Arsenal in that class. Before Pigs Arsenal had set the new mark it had stood for 10 years,” Horbury said. His son Curtis still races, but behind another boat. “He wasn’t keen to do the training required for the superclass, we now tow Sam’s brother Tom,” Horbury said. “And we still hold that record in Under-16s (set in 2015).” From there the team went to the unlimited class at the Southern 80, which they won it in 2018!—!when they made the decision to make the rather significant leap into superclass. “Both our skiers have really great credentials and are very committed,” Horbury said. “Brad jumps on a plane every time we practice. He flew down to Melbourne, and we drove him up last week to practice at Echuca.”
The Brimstone Racing completed the whole course on Saturday and then a shorter run to “five mile” on Sunday, sitting on about 100mph during the practice run. “We did come across a few fisherman, so we gave them some space,” Horbury said. “On Saturday there were only two or three practising, but there was probably six on Sunday.” Horbury said the Torrumbarry end of the course looked really good, but he had noticed the water level was down the closer the team got to Echuca. “You can really see it around Cadell. We’ve been informed there is a bit of water trickling through though,” he said. Competitors knew that running the race at a different time of year would present challenges, but EchucaMoama Water Sports Club had four boats remarking the river during the weekend’s unofficial practice session.
Greg’s final year at the wheel Greg Plummer will put his foot to the floor for one last time in this year’s Southern 80, fittingly, with the youngest of his grandchildren holding on tight a dozen or so metres behind his Showbiz boat early on Saturday morning. Greg’s granddaughter Elli McCallum will suit up for the Under-10 event with her grandfather’s hands firmly in position on the steering wheel of the powerful speed boat. Elli is the youngest child of Greg’s daughter Renee, who herself was taught how to ski by Greg in her youth. Both of Renee’s other children were scheduled to be involved in this weekend’s Southern 80 action, but it will only be 14-year-old Zoe who tackles the postponed 2022 event after her younger brother was concussed playing football. “All three of them would have been skiing this weekend, but my grandson Max was badly concussed playing with Moama Under-14 on the weekend,” Greg said. “If it was up to him he would have the skis on in a flash, but we have to look after him.” Greg has spent half his adult life, more than 30 years, involved in the sport and continues his passionate involvement through his children and
their children. He competed with Elli at Robinvale and Mildura this year, in 15!km events. And the pair didn’t walk away empty handed, Elli winning the Robinvale event before having a couple of hiccups at Mildura. The Echuca-Moama event is five kilometres longer, at about 20!km, but Elli and her grandfather are ready for the twisting course. “She has been skiing for the last two or three years, but only started racing this year. If the Southern 80 had of been in February it would have been her first event,” Greg said. The 45-mile-an-hour speed that the Under-10 skiers compete at pales against the ability of the Showbiz team to crank it up to 85mph. Zoe McCallum will compete in the Under-16 boys social event, due to her skiing with Jordan Court. Brad Witherton will be driving the boat for the other event. “I am only towing Ellie, this is probably my last year,” Greg said.
And best of luck to all S80 competitors
Brekkie from 6:30am Fri 13 @ Moama Soundshell and all weekend @ 513 High St Echuca
8 RIVERINE HERALD
SOUTHErn EIGHTY
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
southern 80 back on the water
MAY 14–15, 2022 VIC PARK ECHUCA
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RIVERINE HERALD
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 9
SOUTHE rn 20 EIGHTY 22
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Agitator recalls experienced eyes from 30-year hiatus Agitator observer Steve Hurrey hasn’t graced the Southern 80 as a competitor since 1989, but the long hiatus hasn’t dulled his perception of the race’s prestige. Hurrey joins Queensland driver Chris Afoo and skiers Ross Harris (Echuca) and Riley Arnold (Kangaroo Flat) for this year’s race, his first time back in the 80 since observing for Expert Under-16 boat Torquer. “(The Southern 80) is like the Bathurst of water ski racing!—!everyone wants to win it,” Hurrey said. “I used to do point scores, VSTC trials, Southern 80, Mildura, all those river races as a skier. “I got injured and I started observing, then I got out of it for a bit.”
Ready: during a practice run.
Hurrey has been involved in two Southern 80s, firstly in 1986 with 6L boat Dizeaze as a skier before returning three years later for the 1989 race. By his own admission, Hurrey, from Echuca Village, hasn’t had a blessed run at the event. “Our boat exploded in one of them,” Hurrey said. “The engine exploded and tore the bottom out of the boat, and the boat sunk. “The Southern 80 hasn’t been that kind to me; boats have broken down,
On the go: Agitator in the President’s Dash.
we’ve had falls, all of it. “It’s very tough on skiers; roughly 122 bends, and you’re going fast and then slow, and you get that whip going around corners.” But it hasn’t dented Hurrey’s desire to have another crack, and he’s confident Agitator ^will be a strong runner when it launches at 2.48!pm on Saturday for the President’s Dash. “We did Wentworth, Robinvale and Mildura, but this is the one we’ve been
Photo: Steve Huntley
Flying: during a training run in 2020.
Pigs looking to fly
Hellbent on success, Temper 2 the max
Superclass crew Pigs Arsenal will be hoping for better fortunes in the Southern 80 after a false start in the last race.
Hellbent has been bumped up to Superclass for the first time, and with strong results under the belt during the past few seasons, the 21ft Twin Turbo is aiming for a strong showing. The boat ran third in the unlimited inboard expert in 2020 (32:34) which was good enough for a top-five outright finish, making a strong case for inclusion to the top class. It’s the most competitive Southern 80 Superclass field yet, but with Alex Handley (driver), Jack Battye (observer) and skiers Cameron Nix and Jason Cartledge back for another tilt, it would be unwise to write off a team bearing the Hell moniker.
aiming for,” Hurrey said. “We probably didn’t go as well as we wanted to (at some events this season) and we broke down at Robinvale. “But the motor’s strong. We had a couple of issues with leaking rocket cover gaskets but they’re all fixed now.” Hurrey is expecting calm waters in the colder May weather and with an experienced crew at its back, Agitator will be one to watch during the weekend.
A training run accident to skier Jack Stevens prior to that race saw the crew opt not to take part in the Bakers Blitz. But the crew is coming in with a fresh look and a solid run-in to the 2022 race, and will be one to watch this weekend. Driver Chris Stephens and skier Jack Stephens remain, but Doug Perry has come on board as an observer and the experienced Jake Ellery will partner Stephens behind the boat. They ran third outright at the Mildura 100!—!their sole race of the season so far. Stephens said his crew were gelling
With top five placings in the Robinvale/Euston 80 and Mildura 100, Temper 2 also shapes as a challenger to the crown. The young Superclass team’s recent form has many tipping an outright placing at the Southern 80, and driver Rhett Davis, observer Ben Hackett and ski duo Jack Coaldrake and Raymond Ball will be backing themselves to push the top boats.
well, and have had several runs on the course in the lead-up to re-acclimate to the 80!km course. “We’ve been up for two or three runs!—!it’s more about getting your head back around everything on course,” Stephens said. “It’s been beneficial and we’re looking forward to it. We’ve only had one race because we were a bit late starting (the season). “Instead of tracking into the 40s it’ll be into the lower temperatures, which will be a change for everyone. “I think it’ll be great for the town and great for the spectators.”
Supernova ready to spring a surprise Supernova is looking to make its mark in its first year in Superclass. The crew has been forced into a late change with skier Ben Clarke injured, but the crew of Scott Cleaver (driver), Brad Robertson (observer) and skiers Cooper Robertson and Cameron Osborne will look to compete strongly. Despite being based in Harvey Bay, the Murray River is a familiar entity for Cleaver and his crew, who have been one of the mainstays of the Southern 80. “I actually grew up in Deniliquin,” Cleaver said.
“We raced (the 80) as kids. It’s not completely unfamiliar. “This is our first year in Superclass. Up until now we’ve run in unlimited.” Despite a chequered recent history with the race, Cleaver isn’t ruling out the prospects of the 23ft Force boat. “We’ve been pushing pretty hard in the last few years; it hasn’t always been the race we’ve had a lot of luck in,” he said. “Last time here we blew the motor up. The time before that one of our skiers
had a fall and was hurt quite badly. “It hasn’t been a happy hunting ground, but we think this year we’re pretty well prepared. “We think we should be able to come down and least make a pretty good account for ourselves.” In a competitive field of eight boats, four of which are new to the category, Cleaver is confident the experienced crew can hold its own. “Its something as a team we agreed to,” he said.
“All of our guys are very experienced. The Robinson guys have been racing for many years with the Firebird crew. “We feel (Superclass) was the right move for us and the boys are more than capable. “Brad and I have been doing this for years!—!we’ve both been involved with the sport for a long time.” Supernova will be the first boat away in the Bakers Blitz on Saturday from 3.05!pm.
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From the river bank The finish line at Victoria Park Boat Ramp is set to be one of the best places to watch the Southern 80 action this weekend, with plenty of activities to go along with the activity on the water. With music, merchandise, food, drink, trade displays and activities for the kids, there will be tons to do on Saturday and Sunday. As well as getting to watch competitors roar across the finish line, those at Vic Park will be able to watch live racing action with commentary on a big screen. There will be live music after racing is complete on the Saturday and Sunday, with local music duo Three’s a Crowd performing from 3!pm to 5!pm. Food and drinks will be available at the finish line, as well as kids activities, including a jumping castle, water slide and more. There will be action in the skies as well as on the water, with aerobatic display on Saturday and Sunday during the
break in racing over the finish line. The Vic Park precinct is a ticketed area. Single-day tickets are $25 and two-day tickets are $35. Entry is free for children under 15. For those looking to take in the action further upriver, there are spots on both sides of the border. On the NSW side of the river, Five Mile picnic area provides some great viewing opportunities, with additional spots further upriver at Benarca campgrounds and near the start line at Perricoota State Forest. The Victorian side offers a larger number of viewing spots with more camp spots available along the river, including Baillieu Bend, Casey Bend, Gona Bend, Farley Bend and more.
Police call for good behaviour
Messages from the mayors Chris Bilkey, Murray River Council Mayor
Police from Moama and Echuca will be working together during the Southern 80 weekend to ensure a safe event for all. Inspector Dave Bowler said police would focus on preventing road trauma and on maintaining public order. Insp Bowler said during the Easter weekend, Campaspe police were called out to a number of violent, alcoholfuelled incidents, which they hoped to avoid this time round. “Respect is something that we really want people to invoke and think about,” Insp Bowler said. “Whether you’re out camping or you’re out dancing in a nightclub or you’ve left an establishment and you’re heading home, it’s all about showing respect and having patience for others. “We do want people to enjoy themselves and we do want to show people that we can run a world-class event, but we want to do so without unruly behaviour.” Echuca police and Moama police will be monitoring the roads for any offences that could potentially be committed. “Unfortunately, we’ve had some serious collisions and fatal collisions in the last five months which has really hurt the community as a whole,” Insp Bowler said. “We are asking the public to show restraint, especially when driving, because there will be congestion on the roads. “Be patient, take rests when driving and make sure that a significant amount of time has passed between your last drink and the moment that you jump
behind the wheel.” Inspector Paul Huggett of the Murray River Police District agreed. “Drivers should ensure that they are adequately rested and in a fit and proper condition to drive,” Insp Huggett said. “Remember that it is incumbent on all persons in the vehicle to ensure safe driver behaviour, so avoid using distraction devices while driving, maintain a safe speed, don’t drink and drive, don’t drive while fatigued and buckle up with a seatbelt.” In a similar fashion to Campaspe police, Insp Huggett said they were also asking people to show respect to their surrounding environment and to one another. “It is police and community’s expectation that all persons attending the event have the same respect for self and environment as they would at home,” he said. “This means that you will be expected to clean up after yourself and reduce noise levels over night. “Respect the volunteers who give up their time to ensure the smooth running of the event.” Police from across both states will be arriving to assist with the event and a drug and booze bus will be set up. “As always there will be extra police in town to support the event, there will be zero tolerance for offences committed!—!hence again make respectful decisions,” Insp Huggett said.
On behalf of Murray River Council, I’d like to welcome all the competitors, crew and water sport enthusiasts to our spectacular region for the 2022 Southern 80 Ski Race. We are thrilled to again be supporting this internationally renowned ski racing event … and even more thrilled that we can now finally see everyone back on the water. The Southern 80 is certainly one of the biggest events on our local calendar and plays an important role in fuelling our local economy by putting people in our accommodation, diners in our restaurants and shoppers in our local stores. It’s great to see the buzz of visitors again and we look forward to seeing another weekend of activity in Echuca Moama. And not to mention the race itself; thousands of spectators will line the river banks to be close to the action as some of the world’s fastest boats
compete for this year’s top prize. It’s exciting and certainly showcases the natural features of our area. Congratulations and thank you must also go to the organising committee for powering on and getting the event up and running again; particularly during a very unpredictable two years for our events community. My fellow councillors and I wish all the competitors the best of luck and trust everyone will have a fun and safe weekend. — Chris Bilkey
Christine Weller, Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Campaspe Shire is delighted to welcome competitors, support crews and spectators to the Southern 80 Ski Race. As the world’s largest ski race, the 80km of river, with long fast straights and tight hair-pin bends, certainly does test drivers, observers and skiers. The opening of the new EchucaMoama Bridge creates a very different finish line area for the first time, with new roadways and walkways to support getting in and out of the event area. Congratulations to the committee that has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success, particularly in replanning from
February. I take this opportunity to wish everyone fast, safe, trouble-free racing and a safe trip home. The Southern 80 is back on the water. — Christine Weller
RIVERINE HERALD
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VIC PARK ECHUCA
Southern 80: Local Competitors ECHUCA
The iconic Southern 80 is now into its 52nd running after a two-year hiatus, and the greatest show on water has a unique and storied history at its back. This Year 159 will boats roar down the 80!km course from Torrumbarry Weir through to the Victoria Park, with 387 people making up the bulk of the crews. Since 1965, several teams have etched their names into the history books. Five crews have claimed back-to-back wins, including Merc Force (2017, 2018), Hellrazor (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Hellbent (2005, 2006), Island Cooler (1989, 1990), and Suicide (1977, 1978). Victory to defending champion Superman this year would see them become the sixth. Superclass will have eight vessels compete in 2022, up from four in 2020. Speeds in the category are capped at 120mph (190kph). Sub-30 minute times
MAY 13–15
are a rarity, and the course record belongs to TR in 2019, running the Southern 80 in a blistering 29 minutes and 22 seconds. The oldest competitor this year is Noel Cartledge skiing behind Kausin Trouble, while the youngest is Rapha Hedley, skiing in the Under-10 class behind Hedake. It will be a busy weekend for Mirror Image, Old School, Speed Lab, and The Croc, all of whom are running the course five times, while 14 boats will run the course four times. And in 2022, a new chapter will be written as crews slice through the Murray under the new Dhungala Bridge, with the under-10s set to be the first competitors through.
Drivers: Adam Carne (Under-14 Boys Expert, Under-14 Social), Carneage; Cameron Grieg (Under-14 Boys Expert); Douglas Binnie (SMOC Expert, Open Women Social/Dawn, Rowbottom Memorial, Expert Shootout), Mad Kiwi; Emma Henderson (Under-16 Social), Viper F2; Jim Senior (Expert Shootout, MOC Expert), Hollowpoint Bullet; Neil Donald (Expert Shootout, Unlimited Outboard Expert, Unlimited Outboard Social), The Contractor; Paul Collard (Veterans, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, Unlimited Inboard Social, Unlimited Inboard Expert), Doindough; Peter Hilet (Sportsmans Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial), Stalker; Tony Fox (Under-16 Social, Under-16 Girls Expert), Daredevil; Travis Whitten (70 mph Social, 70mph Expert), Migraine; Wesley Davison (Sportsmans Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial), Elm Street; Zachary Welch (Bakers Blitz, Super Social, Superclass), The Mistress, Thor. Observers: Adam Wilson (Unlimited Inboard Social), Hells Arsenal; Anthony O’Reilly (8!Litre Expert, Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial), Sportspage; Carli Davison (Under-14 Girls Expert), Elm St F2; Chris Neville (Senior Social 30–39, Presidents Dash/Tim, Driver Memorial, Unlimited Outboard Expert), Korrupt; Daniel Sullivan (70mph Expert, 70 mph Social), Migraine; Emma Henderson (Unlimited Outboard Expert, Expert Shootout, Masters), Reload; Jacob Senior (MOC Expert), Hollowpoint Bullet; Jaymi Clancy (Expert Shootout, Unlimited Outboard Expert), The Contractor; Leo Welch (Superclass, Bakers Blitz), The Mistress; Mark Hills (Under-14 Boys Expert, Masters, Under-14 Social), Carneage; Regan Leary (Under-16 Girls Expert, Under 16 Social), Pure Enemy F2; Robert Court (Under-16 Boys Expert, Under 16 Social), Showbiz; Sam Horne (Open Women Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial); Shane Henderson (Under-16 Girls Expert), Kausin Revenge; Troy Love (Under-14 Girls Expert), Thundernuts 300; Steve Hurrey (Unlimited Inboard Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Agitator. Skiers: Bernadette Carne (Masters) Carneage; Billy Elliott (60 mph Social); Charlette Davison (Under-14 Girls Expert) Elm St F2; Corrine Donald (Expert Shootout, Unlimited Outboard Social, Unlimited Outboard
START LINE
Expert), The Contractor; Curtis Carne (Under-14 Social, Under-14 Boys Expert) Carneage; Emma Barnes (Unlimited Outboard Social, Expert Shootout, Unlimited Outboard Expert) Pumped Up; Gemma Fox (Under-16 Social, Under-16 Girls Expert) Daredevil; Jackson Walker(Unlimited Inboard Social) Hells Arsenal; Jacob Senior (Expert Shootout) Hollowpoint Bullet; Joshua Reid (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, 5.2 & 6!Litre Social, Super Social 6!Litre Expert) Synthetic; Kody Davison (Sportsmans Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Elm Street; Leanne Binnie (SMOC Expert, Open Women Social/Dawn Rowbottom Memorial, Expert Shootout) Mad Kiwi; Matthew Hilet (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, Sportsmans Expert) Stalker; Nathan Whitten (70 mph Social) Migraine; Ross J Harris (Unlimited Inboard Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Agitator; Shane Henderson (Masters Reload); Adam Carne (Masters) Carneage; Calum Lindberg (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, Sportsmans Expert) Stalker; Cameron Horne (8!Litre Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Sportspage; Craig Cox (70mph Expert, Expert Shootout, F2 Expert) The Wedge; Emma Love (Under-14 Girls Expert) Thundernuts 300; Jake Clancy (Unlimited Outboard Social, Expert Shootout, F2 Expert, Super Social) Velocity Racing; Jordan Wilson (Super Social, SMOC Expert, Expert Shootout) Buckshot & Mortgage Choice; Jordyn Court (Under-16 Boys Expert, Under-16 Social) Showbiz; Ruby Carne (Under-16 Social, Under-16 Girls Expert) Pure Enemy F2; Sharmayn Fox (Under-16 Girls Expert, Under-16 Social) Daredevil; Summer Carne (Open Women Social/Dawn Rowbottom Memorial, SMOC Expert, Expert Shootout) Mad Kiwi; Travis Whitten (70mph Expert) Migraine; William Groves (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, Sportsmans Expert) Elm Street; Xavier Mallick (Under-16 Boys Expert) Thundernuts.
MOAMA
Drivers: Brett Jenkins (Open Women Expert, Expert Shootout) Hell Yeah; Dean Johns (8!Litre Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Sportspage; Greg Plummer (Under-10s Girls) Showbiz. Observers: Brian Griffin (Under-16 Boys Expert) Thundernuts, (Under-10s Boys,
Bakers Blitz, Superclass) Sapphire F1; Jade Pumpa (70mph Expert) Tuff N Ruff; Kris Pogorelec (Open Women Expert, Veterans, Expert Shootout) Brute Force; Simon Zealley (Sportsmans Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Stalker. Skiers: Dylan Stephenson (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, 8!Litre Expert) Sportspage; Blaze Branson (Unlimited Inboard Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Hooligan; Brett Jenkins (Veterans) Masterforce; Elli McCallum (Under 10s Girls) Showbiz; Presten Campi (Unlimited Outboard Social) Shadow X; Zoe McCallum (Under 16 Boys Expert, Under 16 Social) Showbiz; James Milgate (Expert Shootout, MOC Expert) Hollowpoint Bullet; Kasey Branson (Under 18 Girls Expert, Expert Shootout) Thudnernuts; Max McCallum (Under 14 Boys Expert); Michelle Pumpa (70mph Expert) Tuff N Ruff; Presten Campi (MOC Expert, Expert Shootout) Shadow X.
MATHOURA
Observer: Stuart Horne (Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial, Unlimited Inboard Naturally Aspirated Expert) Agrovation. Skiers: Josh Horne (Presidents Dash/ Tim Driver Memorial, Unlimited Inboard Naturally Aspirated Expert) Illusion Down Under; Kane Horne (Unlimited Inboard Naturally Aspirated Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Agrovation; Bryce Horne (Unlimited Inboard Naturally Aspirated Expert, Presidents Dash/Tim Driver Memorial) Agrovation.
KYABRAM
Drivers: David Atley (70mph Expert, Expert Shootout, F2 Expert) The Wedge. Skiers: Grant Mitchell (MOC Expert) Hollowpoint Bullet; Scott Collins (70mph Expert, F2 Expert, Expert Shootout) The Wedge.
ROCHESTER
Observer: Sally McMahon (Under-18 Girls Expert, Open Women Social/Dawn Rowbottom Memorial, Expert Shootout) Enforcer.
DENILIQUIN
Drivers: Ben Evans (Super Social, Unlimited Inboard Social) The Croc. Skiers: Ben Evans (Senior Social 30–39, 8!Litre Expert, Expert Shootout) The Croc.
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12 RIVERINE HERALD
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022
Safe boating on NSW waterways
When it comes to the Murray River, which borders Victoria and New South Wales, the laws of NSW apply. Wear a lifejacket Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any recreational vessel. An approved lifejacket must be carried for each person on board most vessels. It must be the correct size for the wearer, in good condition and worn in a range of situations, for example: • Children under 12 years are required to wear a lifejacket at all times in a vessel under 4.8m, and when in an open area of a vessel less than 8m that is underway
WE A R A LIFEJACK ET
• On vessels less than 4.8m, everyone must wear a lifejacket when boating at night or when boating alone • On canoes and kayaks, everyone must wear a lifejacket at most times, including at night or when boating alone. These are only some examples of the lifejacket wearing requirements on NSW waterways. If using inflatable lifejackets, these must be serviced at least every 12 months or at longer intervals in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. For more information visit roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au.
Alcohol and drug offences
When towing or wake surfing
Breath testing, including random breath testing (RBT), can be conducted on the operator of a vessel while it is underway, including drifting. Permissible concentration of alcohol limits are as follows:
You must have an observer onboard who is responsible for observing the towed people and reporting all matters affecting them to the master, including vessels approaching from behind. The observer must be at least 16 years of age or hold a boat driving licence, must not be under the influence of alcohol or a drug, and should be familiar with the standard hand signals.
0.00 for recreational vessel operators aged under 18 years
Consider the impact of your vessel’s wash on other people and the environment, ensuring your wash does not have a dangerous, damaging or unreasonable impact.
Less than 0.02 for commercial vessel operators over 18 years Less than 0.05 for recreational vessel operators over 18 years The operator of a vessel includes anyone steering or exercising control over its course or direction, and includes the observer in a ski boat or PWC and anyone being towed.
Safety on houseboats When you hire a houseboat you will be advised how many people are legally allowed on the vessel at any one time, whether underway or moored. The maximum number on any houseboat is 12, but this could be less depending on the size of the vessel. If you exceed the maximum number of people you may affect the buoyancy of the vessel and cause it to capsize. Never jump from houseboats. It is an offence and you could hit unseen snags in the water, or slip and hit the edge of the boat.
For more information contact Transport for NSW !13 12 36!
!roads-maritime.transport.nsw.gov.au
For more rules relating to towing activities, visit the Transport for NSW website.