Embarking on the waterski racing scene during the historic 1979 World Championship Race in Whitstable, our entry into the sport was orchestrated by none other than our brother-in-law, Jim Cramphorn. Initially involved as a rescue boat driver, Jim extended an unexpected invitation for a thrilling foray into competitive racing. The inaugural race season in 1980 at Allhallows featured our 21ft Phantom named Beelzebub, signaling the commencement of a dynamic journey.
Progressing to the F1 category in the subsequent year with the meticulously prepared Armageddon, equipped with twin Mercury engines, marked a transformative phase in our racing endeavors. The learning curve was steep, and while results were mixed, the experience of racing against luminaries like Billy Rixon, Andy & Stephen Coe, David Hutchinson, and Cliff Price proved instrumental in shaping our approach to the sport.
A pivotal juncture occurred with the addition of Andy Clarkin as our Observer, propelling the team to newfound heights of synchronicity. The crowning achievement came with the selection as the reserve for the team at the 1984 World Championships in Sydney, Australia. Subsequent years witnessed a string of victories, culminating in the prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to water skiing, an accolade presented by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 1989.
Reflecting on a storied career, the legacy includes 5 British Championships, 5 European Titles, the 1986 World Cup, and a remarkable three consecutive World Championships from 1987 to 1989. The decision to retire in 1989 marked the conclusion of a chapter filled with triumphs, cherished memories, and enduring friendships within the vibrant and passionate family of waterski racers. The legacy continues to resonate as a testament to an incredible journey and the indelible mark left within the waterski racing community.
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