Some of the UK’s top water skiers headed to Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (October 31st) to take part in a successful competition, which has opened the door to the national championships returning to the town in 2011.
The weather stayed calm and dry for two races, which attracted a number of spectators along the town’s Esplanade. Over a dozen skiers took part in Sunday’s event, which was Burnham’s first competitive water skiing race since 2007.
Tony Williamson, former Chairman of the British Water Skiing Federation, told Burnham-On-Sea.com after Sunday’s event: “Burnham has shown itself to be an ideal venue for racing. I am sure that a round of the national championships will return here in the near future.”
British Junior Champion Jake Frame (pictured right) came first overall, while second spot was won by Steve Moore. Burnham water skier Toby Duggan did well to bounce back from a serious injury earlier in the year to come third overall.
The support race was won by Jamie Cramphorn, followed by Dan Ellis while third was Will Newland. The juniors event was won by Dan Ellis and Ben Machet. The kids race trophy was won by Robyn Veater.
Organiser Steve Bird told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re delighted with how the event went and have high hopes that we can bring back the National Championships to Burnham-On-Sea.”
The event was supported by BARB and the RNLI, who provided safety boat cover and facilities for the racers.
The speedboats lined up for the first race watched by the lifeboat crew
Organisers Steve Bird and Steve Cox with local skier Toby Duggan
BARB and the RNLI came to the rescue of this power boat after it lost power
One skier skimmed across the water during Sunday’s second race
Bridgwater Bay was hailed “an ideal venue” for the water skiing competition
The water skiing action took place in the middle of Bridgwater Bay
Spectators watched the action from The Esplanade
Some of the winners with their trophies after the prize ceremony
Photos by Burnham-On-Sea.com and Ian Jefferies
