Tragedy in Austrailia Ski Race

[Serious News]

Father of four killed and boat pilot in a critical condition after high-speed crash during a memorial race a year after a skiier was killed on the same stretch of water
•A man has died at the Bridge to Bridge race trials on the Hawkesbury River
•Ian Baker was an experienced observer and was 'thrown into the water' following a fatal crash
•The driver, Daniel McMahon, is in a serious but stable condition
•The race was being held to remember a champion water-skier who died at the same event last year
•It is still unclear whether tomorrow's race will go ahead

By Sarah Carty for Daily Mail Australia


One man has died and another is in a critical condition after a high-speed boat crash during a memorial Bridge to Bridge time-trials.

It is the second fatality in two years for the prestigious race.

44-year-old experienced observer Ian Baker, nicknamed Bakes, from Victoria, died when he was thrown from his boat on the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney.

Police were called to the crash scene following reports a boat had flipped over during time trials for Sunday's race, throwing its occupants into the water.

The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, however investigations are underway.

The driver, Daniel McMahon, from Perth, is in a serious condition in Westmead Hospital.

The high-speed race trials were being held in remembrance of 20-year-old champion water-skier Sarah Teelow, who sustained serious spinal and head injuries and died in the same race, just one year ago.

According to NSW Police, emergency services were called to the Hawkesbury River, near Portland Head Road, following reports a boat had crashed about 11:45am on Saturday morning.

'It is believed the boat was towing two water skiers and participating in trials for the Bridge to Bridge Race when it lost control and flipped,' police said.

'The driver and his observer were thrown into the water where they were picked up by a rescue boat and taken to shore,'

Emergency services were called to the river and attempted to revive the Mr Baker, however he sadly passed away at the scene.

The boat is still submerged in water at the scene of the crash.

When it is retrieved it will be mechanically examined for evidence

Two water-skiers who were skiing off the back of the boat managed to swim to shore and were able to assist the injured men.

Broken Bay Water Police and officers from the local Hawesbury command have established a crime scene which will be investigated by a forensic team.

Attempts will be made by water police to revive the boat by nightfall

Just last year, the maritime community was left in shock following the tragic death of champion skier Sarah Teelow.

All events on the river were stopped while detectives from the Marine Area Command continued investigations into the crash.

It is unclear whether Sunday's remembrance race will go ahead.

The annual Bridge to Bridge Ski Race is one of the longest running and most prestigious ski racing events in the Southern Hemisphere.

It runs for 112km on the Hawkesbury River, from mouth of the River to Windsor in Western Sydney.

Inspector Suzanne Rode-Sander said the boat had apparently flipped over during its designated time trial.

‘The boat has apparently flipped and ejected the driver and the observer,’ she said.

‘The skiers actually dropped their skis and were able to assist the injured people.

She said the skiers were obviously very distressed following the incident.

‘It’s very tragic and it’s very upsetting for all concerned,’ she said.

Noel Griffin from Ski Racing Australia expressed his sadness at today's tragedy in a statement.

'Police and maritime authorities have taken charge of the incident and it is not appropriate that we make further direct comment until those authorities have informed relatives and given us permission to speak,' he said.

'The incident occurred on a broad expanse of the Hawkesbury River while the boat was towing two skiers in qualifying.'

In a feature story on Ski Racing Australia's website, driver and owner of 99 Psycho Clowns Daniel McMahon said he would like to see a change to speed patterns in the sport.

20-year-old champion water-skier Sarah Teelow sustained serious spinal and head injuries during the same race last year.

She died in hospital a few days later.

'The one thing I’d like to see is Superclass and Unlimited becoming capped for speed. It would make all boats equal, and probably more importantly, it would be safer.' he said.

He also talked about the teams drive and their love for the sport.

'At first, we had some resistance within the sport – not many people had that sort of mindset, and a lot of them would tell us that’s just not the way th

Both Mr Baker and Mr McMahon were competing in the time-trials as part of their team, 99 Psycho Clowns.

Mr Baker, a married father-of-four, has been involved in ski-racing for 22-years.

His role in the team consisted of 'Observer, Skier, Driver (Rookie) and Accommodation Administrator.'

The Telstra worker revealed on the site that his favourite hobbies were skiing and swimming.

Photos and Video: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti..._campaign=1490

[Serious News]

[Serious News]

Bridge to Bridge race will go ahead despite man’s death in Sydney speed boat crash

Organisers have confirmed the popular Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic will still go ahead today after a father of four died during trials yesterday.

Bendigo man Ian Baker died when a speed boat he was riding in crashed on a river northwest of Sydney about midday yesterday.

Boat driver Daniel McMahon was taken to Westmead Hospital and is in a serious but stable condition with shoulder and spinal injuries.

Two skiiers being towed by the boat were unharmed.

Race organisers have confirmed the Bridge to Bridge will still go ahead today after Roads and Maritime Services cleared them to proceed overnight.

The race will include a tribute to Mr Baker.

Racers will travel 112km along the Hawkesbury River, from its mouth north of Sydney to Windsor.

Speeds on the river reach up to 200km/hr during the event.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/201...rs8iptPqJhl.99

[Serious News]

[Top Banana]

A long time ago when my body was much more flexible.....in the late 60's and early 70's, I competed on Lake Winapausaukee in New Hampshire. They had 50 and 75 mile ski races. Big single ski with wraparound bindings, pulled by SK type boats. Only one skier behind the boat at a time.

After just watching one of these videos with a view over the transom toward the two skiers .....and the little speedometer on the bottom left......these guys are much braver than my generation ever was. On the very last straightaway, the speedo in MPh touched 140 MPH. We ran a little more,than 1/2 that speed. They were on a very flat calm river, we were on a big open lake, but they still are braver!

[Slandrew]

Never seen that wow sad to hear 2 at once how fast??75-80mph??

[Serious News]

Never seen that wow sad to hear 2 at once how fast??75-80mph??

[Serious News]

[Ratickle]

139 is the fastest speed I saw on there.

Those guys are nuts though. I'm kinda like Charlie. Way back I wanted to enter Catalina, so I would practice by skiing around Sauvie Island. That was a 44 mile trip, down the Willamette Slough, up the Columbia River, up the Willamette River, down the Willamette Slough to the start by Rocky Point. We would barely hit 90 back then, not average anywhere close to that......

[Serious News]

About the Bridge to Bridge


Race History

The Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic is Australia 's internationally renowned water ski race. Set amidst the backdrop of the picturesque scenery of the incredible Hawkesbury River, this event attracts competitors nationally and globally. The thrill of competing in the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic is incomparable. It is a great adventure that commences at Dangar Island in Broken Bay and proceeds along the length of the Hawkesbury River finishing in the historic town of Windsor . Interstate and overseas competitors are amazed at the beauty and hospitality of the Hawkesbury region and in particular the township of Windsor, the renowned home of the Bridge to Bridge.

In 1961 a field of only 20 entries just 80 competitors participated in the inaugural Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic. Teams were a mix of the super competitive intermingled with the weekend skier who wanted to brag I conquered the Hawkesbury.' Less than 20 years later over 300 boats (1200 competitors) raced up the Hawkesbury River. In 1984 the Bridge to Bridge entries record was set at 415 boats (1660 competitors). Now 50 years since a dedicated band of pioneers co-ordinated the first Bridge to Bridge, the challenge of this great race attracts a City to Surf mix of participants. Whether a regular ski racer or a once a year Bridge to Bridge competitor or a happy family enjoying a sport together- the goal is the same- to achieve a personal best time in the greatest ski race in the world. It requires commitment and careful planning to complete the112 kilometre course. There is no time to appreciate the beautiful meandering scenery as you negotiate the course in this challenging event. Everyone who as completed this fabulous race agrees that a feeling of euphoria envelops each competitor as he turns the final bend and is greeted by the cheers of the excited crowd of spectators awaiting each team's arrival at Windsor Stadium, Governor Philip Park. On passing the finish buoy the first words that come to each competitor's mind universally translate as I did it!