The world’s leading water ski racers are on the Central Coast as the 2023 IWWF World Water Ski Racing Championships take place this week on the Gosford waterfront, with an expected boost to the local economy of up to $5M.
Competitors gathered at Terrigal on November 10, walking across the Boardwalk from The Haven to Terrigal Beach, proudly displaying their national flags, for the opening ceremony.
After the athletes were welcomed to Darkinjung Country with a traditional smoking ceremony, they were greeted by the Chairperson of the IWWF Racing Council – Vera van den Bossche from Belgium – as the appointed representative of the International Waterski and Wakeboarding Federation.
Current World Champion, Australian Carter Robinson, delivered the Athletes Oath and Australian representative Judge Janice Thurgar delivered the Judge’s oath.
Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch, a seven-time Australian Paralympian in sailing and basketball, officially opened the championships, with the races beginning on November 11.
“We’re proud to have welcomed competitors from around the world to the Central Coast for this world championship event,” Water Ski Racing World Championships Association Chairman, Stewart Smith, said.
“It has been over six months of hard work to get to this point and the feeling of excitement around Gosford and the impact of the internationals on the local community is hard to escape.
“The conditions are conducive to high speeds and fast racing with racers expected to reach over 100 miles per hour or nearly 180 kilometres per hour in the early stages of the race.”
“The anticipation about the event has been building since the teams started arriving early this week with the battle lines being drawn in the paddock before an engine has even been fired.”
Competitors range from the fastest men in the world to the event’s youngest competitor – 13-year-old New Zealander Ellison Hollands, who had to be given special dispensation to compete after only making age two weeks ago.
Multiple Australians are in with a shot of winning world titles and in some cases successfully defending, but stiff opposition will come from New Zealand, a youthful American squad, Great Britain and the Belgians.
Races continue on the Brisbane Water at Gosford on November 13, 15 and 18 with the closing ceremony to take place on Sunday, November 19, at Drifters Wharf.
Official live coverage is available at www.facebook.com/wwsrc2023 or www.skiracing.com.au
Gosford Erina Business Chamber President Peter Lawley said hosting the championships would have significant economic benefits for the local economy, with the Chamber’s organising committee linking local businesses to the event.
“With an estimated 1,500 visitors participating or supporting the event, the flow-on to local business, accommodation providers and suppliers is expected to provide an economic boost up to $5M,” Lawley said.
The world-class event will be broadcast around the world, showcasing each of the four race days.
“This exposure of the magnificent Brisbane Water and Gosford to the world follows hot on the heels of the English national women’s football team being based at Industree Stadium in August and also showcasing the Gosford waterfront,” Lawley said.
Race days are free for spectators, with minimal disruption to normal traffic flows around the waterfront expected.
“This event, to be followed by the Tubular music festival on November 24-25, finally sees Gosford waterfront being utilised for the community after many years of little action at a wonderful location,” Lawley said.
Terry Collins