Think Wakeskating, Think WaveRunner, ThinkTank! 

Yamaha is pleased to announce that over the bank holiday weekend of 28-30^th May, the WaveRunner will make its debut appearance at the high profile UK wakeskating competition, ThinkTank Wakeskate Jam 2010. Yamaha WaveRunners will be used to tow the best of Europe’s wakeskaters around the brand new Yamaha WaveRunner Rail Park as part of this year’s event at the prestigious Princes Club in West London.

The inclusion of the recently opened Yamaha WaveRunner Rail Park in this year’s competition will bring a whole new dimension to the competition, whilst highlighting the flexibility of WaveRunners and their suitability to towing sports like the skateboard inspired Wakeskating.

In addition to the main competition over the bank holiday weekend, the event organisers are inviting the viewing public to get involved and try their hand at wakeskating behind a WaveRunner. And after watching the top guys in action, you know you’ll want to try it yourself!

To find out more about the ThinkTank Wakeskate Jam 2010, log onto www.alliancewake.co.uk.

Discover Cornwall On A WaveRunner Safari

Yamaha is pleased to announce that its Cornish WaveRunner dealer Rock Marine Services, based in Wadebridge, opened the doors to its new Cornwall WaveRunner Safari on 22^nd May.

The well established marine dealer, which took on the WaveRunner franchise only a couple of years ago, already has a very successful RIB experience and decided that 2010 was the time to add a new challenge for its customers and Yamahas WaveRunners have provided exactly what they were looking for.

The new Cornwall WaveRunner Safari is designed to give you the opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of personal watercraft in a safe but stunning environment. Running on the north and south coasts of Cornwall, the self-drive experience will show you Cornwall’s stunning coastline from a different perspective with Safaris ranging from 30 minutes up to a full day including lunch. Private safaris are also available on request.

No previous experience is required, just a healthy appetite for excitement and adventure as every safari is accompanied by fully qualified instructors. Starting at its St. Minver HQ, you will be introduced to the WaveRunner and given a full briefing before being fully kitted up and driven to the launch point for your chosen safari. From there on the fun doesn’t stop.

Cornwall WaveRunner Safaris offer a variety of different packages including a 30 minute taster, 3 hour and ½ day safaris, as well as the RYA proficiency course. Prices start from £35 and to celebrate the opening of Cornwall WaveRunner Safaris, they are offering the first 25 customers 10% off.

To find out more, contact Peter Davis on 01208 863396 or visit the website at www.cornwallwaverunnersafaris.co.uk

For more information on Yamaha WaveRunners, log onto www.yamaha-motor.co.uk.

A massive CONGRATULATIONS goes out to:

Allan Jones, Graham Hollidge, Sharon Perry, Duncan Johnstone & Theresa Stubbs from the SSA and Paul Cannel from Clacton Watercraft Club on completing and passing their RYA PWC instructor course on the 17th -19th April 2010.

The course was run from the Solent Skiers Association site at Lee-on-Solent as the club has recently become recognised as an RYA PWC training centre. The weather throughout the course was phenominal and not only did everyone gain their instructor certificates but also a little April sunburn.

We would like to wish them luck and success in their future teaching.

If you would like to find out more about RYA PWC instructor training please visit www.ryatraining.org  or email: candice@pwpuk.org

 North West Personal WaterCraft Club took part in Ireland's first Slalom Competition held in Killaloe, County Clare. 

It was a Cross Border Club Challenge between the 3 PWC Clubs, North West, South Meath and Lough Dergh; the event was sponsored by Yamaha Motor UK and Jet Products.

The NWPWC had roaring success having won every class - solo, 2 seater and 3 seater! This means that the NWPWC are the 2009 National Slalom Champions.

Our Congratulations go to Uel McClintock, Chairman of the NWPWC and owner of Jet Products who won the solo and 2 seater class and Mark Browne for winning the 3 seater class.

The Personal Watercraft Partnership is currently reeling from the success of its first PWP Ultimate event which took place on the 13^th/ 14^th March 2010 at Kingsbury Jetbike Centre, Midlands. Over 100 PW riders both novice and experienced, from across the country attended the event, all of whom took part in the various activities available on the day ranging from a 2010 PWC demo line-up from Yamaha and BRP (Seadoo);  PWC club workshops, a slalom competition, radar rumble, along with being marvelled with displays from World freestyle champion,  Ant Burgess  and three times world champion PWC racer, James Bushell.

The event was an opportunity for all those who attended to socialise with like-minded riders, network and gain information from the PWP partners (RYA, RJP Marine, Towergate Mardon, Jetskier Magazine, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BRP, BMF & Datatag) along with an opportunity for fun on the water taking advantage of the 42 acre fresh water lake at Kingsbury jetbike centre.

The day started with PWC clubs workshops, giving the attendees an opportunity to share their experiences and gain knowledge, followed by a presentation from the RNLI about their new ‘Serious Fun’ DVD. Lunch-time then kicked off the water activities with freestyle and superstock race displays; which inspired the attendees to try the new 2010 range of PWs on offer and try their own hand on a slalom circuit. Rounding off with some a nautical quiz and hog roast to feed those hungry bellies.

Events like this couldn’t happen without the teamwork of the partners and the drive of the Personal Watercraft Partnership as a whole to support our sport. Where else will you see companies like Yamaha and Seadoo (BRP) happily working side-by-side? In a normal world they are direct competitors but within the P.W.P. we all realise that events like this are what drives our sport forwards so competitive advantage takes a ‘back seat’.

Look out for the PWP event in 2011, you don’t want to miss out!

Massive congratulations go to the Solent Skiers Association !!!

In recognition of their outstanding work and effort in the personal watercraft sector the Solent Skiers Association were presented with the Mic Randle Award 2010 at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show on the 10 January 2010.

Presented by the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP), the Mic Randle Award is given to those who have contributed most to the safe development of the sport. Chairman Andrew Norton congratulated the Solent Skiers Association (SSA) for raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity in the past six years describing them as a ‘model of a club.’     

Theresa Stubbs, chairperson of the Solent Skiers Association said:  

“We are really surprised and honoured to have won the Mic Randle Award. We enjoy keeping the slipway open and setting up our events but we couldn’t have done it without our members or the local support we receive.”  

The Solent Skiers Association protects the interests of PWC users launching from the Daedalus Slipway at Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.  

The Mic Randle Award was created in memory of Mic Randle, one of the originators and pioneers of the PWC Training Course who sadly died in 2003.  

The SSA's Wight Stuff is back for 2010. The proposed date for the event is Saturday 4th September.

The Wight Stuff is the worlds largest recreational PWC cruise which runs from Lee on Solent, clockwise around the Isle of Wight with in excess of 60 PWCs taking part.

For more information or to get involved in this event please visit their section on www.pwcforums.co.uk or go to www.solentskiers.org.uk

The PWPs ultimate clubs event is now scheduled for 2010. Taking place at Kingsbury Jetbike Centre, Midlands on the 13th & 14th March

and you are invited!

Places are now available to book and going fast so be sure you don’t miss out on the biggest PWC clubs event to hit the UK.

Highlights:

· Clubs meeting

· 2010 demos from Seadoo and Yamaha

· PWP Village

· Competitions & Prizes

· Bring your own PWC for a ride on 42 acres of fresh water

· Evening entertainment and Hog roast

RYA AND PWP IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSED CHANGES to MERCHANT SHIPPING legislation

Current Department for Transport (DfT) proposals to treat Personal Watercraft (PWC) as ships has been met with support from both the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and PWP (Personal Watercraft Partnership), believing these new changes will better protect and give greater clarity on responsibility for all boaters.

"This new legislation will not only help protect responsible PWC riders and give authorities a better position to control their waterways but the end result will also be a decrease in the negative views of PWCs overall due to the tiny percentage of reckless/irresponsible water-users who manage to gain the lime-light”, Candice Abbott, Director Personal Watercraft Partnership.

Any responsible boater would rightly expect that anyone who endangered the lives of others while afloat should be penalised. It is also in the interests of all those who go boating for everyone to operate within the same set of rules for avoiding collisions - COLGREGS, the ‘highway code’ for the sea.  However, the Goodwin case in 2005, created some uncertainty as to the extent to which these rules applied to PWCs and some other craft.

“I don’t think there are many boaters who believe that a particular type of boat or craft should be exempt from responsibility out on the water”, commented Gus Lewis, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager.

“In essence this proposed change in legislation won’t make any real difference to what responsible boaters do out on the water.  It isn’t a clamp down on boaters, the Government is simply trying to clarify the issue and bring all water users within the same legal framework.  It’s also probably something that the Government should have done some time ago as the Goodwin case arguably left the UK in breach of its international obligations to implement the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.”

Another positive aspect of the proposed changes is that it will allow PWC users to be able to take their craft abroad with the minimum of fuss.  As PWC’s aren’t currently regarded as a ‘ship’ under the Merchant Shipping Act, strictly speaking this means they are unable to be registered on the Register of British Ships – which can cause problems when they are taken abroad.  Although the Registry has in practice allowed PWCs to be registered, the proposed legislation would put this practice on a sound legal footing.

“The RYA has no major issue with the proposed changes, although the suggestion that parts of the Merchant Shipping Act should apply to boogie boards and surfers is probably going too far”, concluded Gus.

The RYA is currently responding to the DfTs consultation on the proposed changes.  The consultation closes on 29 September.

For more information about the RYA or Personal Watercraft Partnership visit www.rya.org.uk or www.pwpuk.org

While on a trip to Loch Lomond on the 30th July 2009 we spotted a Wild Goat on a cliff edge.

Now these goats are big buggers.  Long horns and mad staring Yellow eyes.... EVIL things.

Well this Nanny had slipped on the steep side of the loch on the west Highland way side.  The cliff gave way under it.  It was stuck and could not get back up.

We tried a pincer movement.

This involved me tying my Yamaha XLT 1200 to a rock while Derek Left his Yamaha Superjet to float in a natural hollow.

I came from the left making all sorts of cowgirl noises.... woo hoo and yip yip and anything to chase it away.  Derek came from the right and his natural female magnetism sent the nanny goat running in my direction.

I decided when it was about 12 inches from my face it could have right of way.  I was not going to make it ask a second time.  I then launched off the rock into the frozen loch.

We re-grouped and started again, this time the game was on; the goat stayed in the middle looking to go up the large tree just above it.  After a few tense moments and some strange noises from all 3 of us the goat went for ME again....

We decided to tactfully retreat and call the Scottish Society for the prevention of Cruelty to animals was in order (SSPCA).

Day 3 at 8 am we checked and the goat from hell is still trapped.

The 2 female officers arrived from the SSPCA and on hearing that we had the kit and would take them on the jet skis they promptly changed tune and would assist the goat even though it is out of there team boundary.

We fitted them out in our best bib and tucker. With full safety kit and a quick safety instruction on what to do if they fall in.  ( No 1 - hold your breath..!) We were off.

My Yamaha 1200 XLT

Derek's' Yamaha superjet

and the Yamaha Dinghy with a outboard 2.5 horsepower (fast).

The 4 of us, using the pincer movement that was so well practised the night before, cornered the EVIL ONE....Derek had the goat by the horns and one of the officers by the rump.  Glad it's a Girl, any lad in her position would never have lived it down.  I helped the Sn Inspector Hog Tie the feet and we all put the goat on the the back of my 1200 Yammy as if on the back of a cowboys horse.

Derek, the only man of the group was driving with one hand on the horns to stop legs or heaven forbid my ski be damage. With the Sn Inspector on the back hugging the goat.

We covered its eyes with a towel, more to stop it staring us out than to calm it down.

I then assisted the other officer down to the beach where all 4 of us said goodbye to the goat from hell....as it trotted off up the the beach it stopped and looked back with a stare of a certain Californian Governor "I'LL BE BAAAACK...!!"

Then we all returned to our normal lives feeling better if not a wee bit Superior for saving the life of a dumb animal.

This is not to be mixed up with the much valued Loch Boat Rescue team but is in fact the Lock Goat rescue Team.

Goat rescue on a Jet ski we got to love the good news...

With all the beast.... Elaine Grimes from Glasgow and Derek Jude Fosse Hill and the 2 officers from the Milton / Dumbarton office of the SSPCA.

Have a Goat Night to one and all...

A FATHER and daughter were saved from drowning by a pair of jet skiers in a dramatic rescue off a Dorset beach.

Martin Devereux was on holiday with his family and playing in the sea with six-year-old Anna-Mae at Shell Bay, Studland, on Thursday afternoon when the little girl was swept away from him.

Quick-thinking jet skiers Paul Jeffery and Ian Elkington were on the beach when they spotted Anna-Mae and went to help. After they recovered her, they realised that Martin was still in the sea and in difficulty. He was struggling to keep his head above water and once they got him back to the beach Martin was unwell and had to be airlifted to Poole Hospital.

Yesterday, the Daily Echo reunited the family and rescuers.

Martin, who has fully recovered, said: “I’m very grateful to those two guys. My daughter was on one of those rubber ring things and we were both in the sea together and all of a sudden she got away from me.

“I was out there drifting away and when I saw she was safe on the beach, I relaxed a bit and that’s when I got into trouble.”

Martin, from Warwickshire, said he was in no doubt that Paul and Ian saved their lives and added: “All I keep thinking about now is if they hadn’t been there we would not be here talking to you today.”

Paul, from Coventry, who has a holiday home in Poole, said: “He was clearly shaken and suffering. He had been in the water for over half an hour and was in a pretty bad way.”

It transpired after the rescue that an unfortunate series of events meant the emergency services did not attend sooner.

A Coastguard spokesman said that the girl’s mother, Bethan, phoned 999 when her daughter got into trouble, but they stood down when she told them the danger was over.

Coastguards were then called by the ambulance service 50 minutes later when it became apparent that Martin was unwell.

Paul insisted he and Ian were not heroes.

“That’s not really the point. If in doubt, call the RNLI. We could have done with their help because it would have been over in minutes.”

PWP in Northern Ireland

As you may be aware, the Personal Watercraft Partnership is a body designed to promote and protect the rights of safe and responsible PW riders throughout the UK.

As part of our commitment to the sport we run regular road shows in areas that are highlighted as having potential issues to educate local authorities, harbour masters, councils, marine police and clubs of the best PWC management strategies.

In March this year the team headed over to Ballyholme Yacht Club in Northern Ireland to run a seminar to prepare for the potential influx of skiers into the area after some recent beach closures in Donegal. The team is made up of the PWP partners which includes insurance brokers, Datatag, PWC manufacturers and the RYA who all provide specific information on PW activities along with the BMF guide to managing Personal Watercraft. This road show was also made a little different by adding in a presentation from the Green Blue and a viewing of the RNLI’s new ‘Serious Fun’ DVD which has a dedicated film on the safe use of Personal Watercraft.

The road show was a great success, both from the point of view of education; along with giving the opportunity for attendees to realise what our sport is all about by getting them out for a taster session on a PWC. In addition to this, Andy Norton (RYA) headed up the PWP presentation and Q&A session as the new Chairman of the PWP having recently taken over the reins from Mark Rowley (BRP).

If you have an interest in the PWP’s management strategies the guide is available to download from our website www.pwpuk.org or if you feel that a road show would be a benefit to your area then contact us directly via email to candice@pwpuk.org

Even with the consideration of the appaling weather in the UK during the summer of 2008 the RYA statistics for PWC training are still phenominal:-

• 138 RYA centres offering PWC training
• 527 RYA PWC qualified instructors
• 1496 PW certificates issued in 2008

The PWP has successfully contributed to allowing PWs access to the River Arun, and were asked to make a presentation at the Littlehampton River Festival.

PW were previously banned from riding on the River Arun in West Sussex, but following guidance from the PWP and the support of a new Harbour Master, the ban has been overturned.

To celebrate the newfound PW freesdom John Biggar have a presentation at the river festival on how PW work, what to wear, and how responsible riding is the future of the sport.

Sussex Marine Watersports supplied skis for the festival, while the PWP gave pro-active demonstrations to great success.

The Portsmouth Volunteer Harbour Patrol is entering its fourth year of service this year (2008), thanks to continued support from Yamaha UK and the PWP.

The Harbour Patrol operates in  both Portsmouth Harbour but also wider Dockyard Port of Portsmouth which is 50 square miles of water stretching from East Cowes/Hill Head in the West to Sandown Bay/Hayling Island in the East. Regular destinations for the VHP PWs include Daedalus at Lee on Solent, Eastney and weather permitting Sandown bay. The PW can cover up to 70 miles on each duty.

The Volunteer harbour patrol is operated under the guidance of Queen's Harbour Master, Commander Steve Hopper, Royal Navy.

The six vessels, which include 2 Yamaha PW are crewed entirely by volunteers and funded by charitable donations. The craft are on hand to assist and educate lesiure users.

PW volunteers are expected to gain a minimum of RYA PWC competency certificate, RYA VHF/DSC and suitable first aid qualifications. They have to pass an interview, on-water assessment and then under-go three days of additional bespoke training including practical scenarios they will be expected to handle when on duty.

The Yamaha VX Deluxe 110 is fitted with a powerful yet quiet four-stroke engine which is vital when communicating with people on other vessels. Both craft have been painted in orange and stickered with Harbour Patrol and the Queens Harbour master flag. They are fitted with a fixed VHF/DSC radio donated by ICOM UK, GPS and blue lights. There is plenty of stowage to carry a wide variety of equipment including tow ropes, first aid kit, distress flares etc and are powerful enough to tow reasonably sized yachts against fast flowing tides in the harbour entrance.

The 2 PW's from Yamaha UK allow rapid response, fast pursuit or operation in tight areas and shallow water and rarely is a weekend passed when one of the craft is require to assist a leisure user in distress with issues such as fouled props, ripped sails or that have run aground and require a tow to deeper water.

The craft have proven popular and get regular waves and smiles from local mariners. Both craft live in the harbour on Hydroport Docks, which allows easy one person launching and landing as well as efficient storage of the craft out of the water when not in use.

The volunteer harbour patrol is a charity and is always looking for both financial and equipment donations as well as new volunteers for either the boat or PW section.

For further information email: info@vhsupport.com

On 8th July 2008, I attended a meeting at the request of the North Norfolk district council, which was supposed to be a meeting with council officials to discuss the ways a PW area could be created.

Upon arriving I was greeted by a crowd of protesters with placards who were very against personal watercraft being used in the area. Although the debate was lively it was largely good mannered. As ever the objections were based on misconceptions "jetskis pollute big time" "jetskis are dangerous to swimmers due to their propellers" "jetskis have a massive carbon footprint" "jetskis are noisy" etc etc. The bottom line is that NNDC does not have any power to control the launching and operation of these craft and the council are trying, through consultation, to get an area that is preferred for the operation of these craft away from conflicting with other water users. A very commendable approach.

It is unclear at this time how many PWs are being used in the area and in what frequency. Several launch sites have been identified by the NNDC and they have very successfully analysed these for a best launch site with the correct facilities.

I went through a short presentation, which was not well recieved by the public as they were simply not interested because they do not want PWs in the area. A question and answer session was more successful, as I was able to explain how these craft operate and how best they can be used in harmony with the rest of the community.

As ever, there were a few ill informed individuals that think they know it all and were seeking political gain against the NNDC. At the end of the meeting a number came up to me to apologise and took away some leaflets. Several parish and district councillers also took away some management guides.

Although it was a very difficult meeting, it is what I feel the job of the PWP is all about - to meet with such opposition and try to get various factions to work in harmony. So, all in all, I left feeling some progress had been made but a lot of work still needs to be done.

This is where we need your help. We are interested in getting the opinion from the users in the area in order to get a balanced view.

So contact us now if this is your home riding turf.

- John Biggar - PWP

Organisers get it Wight

I had the priviledge to witness one of the most safe and responsibly organised events that I have ever seen.

It is the 12th July 2008 and I am sitting on the RYA RIB at Lee-on-Solent with Andy Norton and Disco Dave (from the RYA) witnessing the annual SSA Wight Stuff event. In excess of 50 PWs were being made ready to attempt the round of the Isle of Wight charity ride.

With military like organisation we all set off towards Sandown. The lead boat with Candi Abbott & Rachel Hyde (both RYA Powerboat & PWC trainers) onboard gave the signal and created a floating box with both flanks being supported by three marshals, and with another RYA RIB at the rear. Everyone was in VHF radio contact at all times checking on the riders. The RYA ski was ridden by Kaz, an experienced rider and instructo, who has a presenter from Power FM, the local radio station onboard.

The conditions were very challenging with wind against tide making it very rough at times. I was very glad to be sat on a 9 metre RIB, I can tell you!

As the conditions were so bad it was unfortunately decided to go no further than Sandown, which was the first fuel stop and rest point on the planned route. After refuelling and a hot cup of tea, we headed out some seven miles to the nab tower. Out here the seas were very rough and riders had to work very hard to navigate their way round.

We all headed back to Lee-on-Solent for food and a hot drink. The riders had certainly earnt it.

Here's a very big well done to all involved who I salute. Including the commitee of the SSA and the RYA.

- John Biggar - PWP

I wish to thank the PWP for inviting me to their roadshow in Tenby, Wales.

The BMF has been a partner of the PWP for 9 years and fully support the hard work that the partnership do for their sector, by promoting the safe and responsible use of personal watercraft.

The roadshow gave me the opportunity to understand in detail the specific issues related to the PW industry ranging from use, insurance and the management schemes which have been a real success in self regulation of the activity.

I was particularly impressed with the variety of the delegates that attended the day ranging from local authority representatives, police, park rangers and the RNLI who all have an interest in the activity for a variety of reasons from safety, to the environmental impacts.

This variety provided a high level of discussion between one another, which allowed the presenters to demonstrate the best practice and advice available within the Managing Personal Watercraft Guide for local and harbour authorities.

On a personal level, it was great to put so many faces to names after working with the PWP to revising the latest version of the guide.

- Brian Clark, Environment Executive