10th Annual Barrie Beehag Ski Race preview

by Julie Golledge on 1 Nov 2015 The 10th Annual Barrie Beehag Ski Race is all set to hit the water on Saturday 14th November at Deep Creek Marina to Torrumbarry Weir.

This year will see the 10th year of the event. Team Hell with the boats Hellrazor and Hellbent have won the event a record six times. In October this year, the Mark Cranny led team of Hellrazor announced their retirement from the sport of water ski racing. This opens up to other teams the opportunity to take out the coveted outright winner of the Barrie Beehag ski race.

There are 126 entries in this year’s event over the eleven classes ranging from juniors, 60 mph to the Unlimited and Super Class teams.

The biggest class is the Unlimited with a quarter of the field in this class, with 28 entries. Will the Jessica Pearse driven99 Psycho Clowns, take out this class or will Pigs Arsenal, Burnin or Elm Street take it up to the clowns? Will any of the Unlimited teams take out the overall honours over the three Superclass teams?

The Superclass teams competing this year’s event, are Merc Force who will lead the race from Deep Creek Marina to the Torrumbarry Weir. The team from Queensland, has Don Gulley driving, with Kevin Boylan observing and skiers Kristofer Knights and Jake Tegart. Next away will be Blazen, driven by Tim Pickford and observer Chris Gelle, with local skier Lloyd Woolman skiing with Ben Gulley. The Mistress a local team is the third team away, the team of Leo and Zac Welch and Dylan Stevenson and Brian Griffin, they know this river very well and they will be on the money to take out an overall placing.

Racing starts at Deep Creek Marina around 10am, where the boats will leave one minute apart and they travel to Torrumbarry Weir. Boats will be putting in the water from around 8.30am, after competitors have attended a safety briefing.

Please note there will be a River Closure for exclusive use of the river:

Saturday 14th November – Fraser Road Boat Ramp to Torrumbarry Weir 6.00am to 6.00pm

Once all the boats have left the Deep Creek Area, there will be an on water display from the Victorian Barefoot Team as they show their skills on the water without the use of skis.

The best place to watch all the action is at Deep Creek Marina, where there is a family friendly atmosphere. There will be lots of activities for the kids including, face painting, jumping castle, with an array of foods and drinks available. Or you may wish to pack your own picnic and make use of the grassy area at the Deep Creek foreshore, bring your picnic rug and enjoy a family day.

Entry to the area, is $5 per person. Official race programs are now available for $5, at newsagencies in Echuca / Moama. The Southern 80 Ski Race App has been updated with the Barrie Beehag Information, along with the ability to get the results as the boats cross the line. The app is updated on a regular basis as the teams for the event change prior to race day. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes store or Google Play for $2.49.

The oldest competitor for the event is Keith Edwards who will be driving Moist in six Litre Inboard. The Oldest skier being Peter Wood skiing behind Barely Legal in the MOC class. The youngest skiers are Kasey Branson skiing behind Micky D in the Junior Boys / Girls class and Jake Clancy skiing behind Omen F2 in the same class.

Four states are represented: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Echuca has the biggest single representation for a town.

Which team will take out the 10th Barrie Beehag Ski Race? We will know on the night of Saturday 14th November. Presentation will occur at the Deep Creek Marina Hotel after racing has finished.