Big crowds of spectators lined Burnham-On-Sea seafront today (Sunday, April 24th) to watch the opening round of this year’s British Water Skiing Championships.
Darren Kirkland, team captain of the GB squad, was in blistering form and won the main race with the Burnham-based boat ‘The Lions’ skippered by Steve Cox and Steve Bird.
The World Championship water ski racing silver medallist told Burnham-On-Sea.com he was “very happy” with his win which came in what he described as “perfect racing conditions.”
Organiser Steve Bird told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’ve had a superb day’s racing with great weather and competitive action.”
“It was fantastic to see such a large amount of support from spectators along the seafront.”
He added that he is “optimistic” that the event can return again to Burnham in 2012.
Burnham’s Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, and BARB President Neville Jones presented the awards at the prize ceremony, which was held outside the seafront BARB hovercraft station.
Second in the Formula One race was Jamie Cramphorn and third was Steven Moore. The Formula Two race top three were Dave Sewell; Richard Kirk and Will Newland, while the Formula Three trio were Dave Sewell, Will Newland and Kirt Brooks.
The ladies race was won by Paula Newland with Clare Taylor in second and Lucy Gale in third.
The seniors race top thee were John Grimes; Glenn Manchett and Brad Cannings.
The juniors were Jake Frame, Toby Duggan and Scott Brooks while the open event was won by Chris Preece.
Burnhams’ Mayor Cllr Michael Clarke told Bunham-On-Sea.com: “It was a great day’s racing that was enjoyed by big crowds along the seafront. I’d like to thank the organisers for all their work in ensuring the event was so successful and a special word of thanks goes to Burnham Sailing Club for accepting a little disruption to their sailing season.”
Over 50 water skiers were in action during the two-day Easter spectacle. It was the first time that the UK’s national water skiing championships have been held in Burnham since 2007.
Winning skier Darren Kirkland (centre) with team mates Steve Cox and Steve Bird
The aptly-named Screamin Demon was one of the speedboats towing the skiers through Bridgwater Bay in the main race
Big crowds lined Burnham’s sea wall to watch the action unfold in the bay
British water skiing officials Derek Blackmore and Tony Williams said they were both very happy with how the Burnham event had gone
This speedboat seemed to take flight across Bridgwater Bay
These delighted children won prizes in the Brit Kids competition
Two of the skiers battling it out for the placings during Sunday’s event
The boats streaked across the bay during the 40-minute main race
For more photos of the water skiing and prize ceremony click here
Photos by Burnham-On-Sea.com and John Haynes
