Southern 80 navigation restrictions on the Murray

by Powerboat-World.com on 6 Feb 2009 NSW Maritime is urging skippers to stay clear of the exclusive use zones for the Club Marine Southern 80 Waterski Race on the Murray River between Torrumbarry and the Echuca Victoria Park boat ramp on Saturday 7-Sunday 8 February 2009.

NSW Maritime Murray-Inland regional manager Scott Kidd said an exclusive use aquatic licence had been issued to event organiser Moama Watersports Club to conduct the Southern 80 Waterski Race on the Murray River.

'The exclusive use zones will be closed to recreational navigation for the event,' Mr Kidd said.

The event times are: Saturday 7 February from 6am-12noon, from Torrumbarry Weir to the 1712km river marker at Victoria Park, Echuca; then from 12noon-7pm, from the 1690km river marker at Perricoote Marina, Goldsborough Road, Moama to the 1712km river marker at Victoria Park, Echuca.

On Sunday 8 February from 6am-7pm, from Torrumbarry Weir to the 1712km river marker at Victoria Park boat ramp, Echuca.

'The exclusive use zone has been established so that waterskiers can enjoy safe access to the river and its facilities for the duration of the waterski tournament,' Mr Kidd said.

'No recreational vessels, except vessels associated with the event, are to enter the exclusive use zone during the waterski tournament.

'To ensure vessels do not stray into the area, safety patrol vessels will be on duty at each end of the exclusive use areas.

'With temperatures in the mid-40s predicted for the weekend, we’re urging all spectators to stay within the designated swimming areas away from vessels and asking skippers to keep a lookout for any spectators in the water.

'Go easy on the alcohol, stay under 0.05, have a safe weekend and enjoy this great recreational event on the Murray.'