Diamond Waterski race 2013

 The Diamond waterski race is one of the most challenging ski races in the world. Based on the Albert Kanal in Viersel it provides some of the toughest water for ski racing. The canal by most standards is a very narrow arena for ski racing and the challenging conditions come from the wash of 20-30 boats bouncing off the concrete walls of the canal. For this reason the race not only attracts top European skiers (it is a European Cup race) but also many of the worlds top skiers from Australia and North America.

The race also attracts a large number of spectators by normal ski racing standards. The Belgian canals are an ideal arena for ski race viewing with spectators able to pitch their chairs right on the canal side ( ideal with an ample picnic and a good supply of beer for the day!). This provides a fantastic view of the racing, but be warned it can also result in a drenching! Often a hull slamming on a wave or a prop catching the surface of the water can throw a bucket or two over the spectators!

This year a few THYC members made the 500 mile journey to Viersel for what was an exciting weekend of racing. The banks of the canal were lined with team buses, campers and boats as well as hospitality tents for the VIPs. The race programme covered all ages but it was the Mens F1 & F2 which gave the greatest spectacle. The expected show down between Todd Haig of the USA and Wayne Mawer was put on the back burner by an early lead from Belgian Dave Vansteelant. Vansteelant did well to lead for as long as he did but eventually fell. Todd Haig took the race with Wayne Mawer 2nd.

Films are available of the F3, Ladies & Juniors and the F1 & F2 race.

The Diamond race doesn't stop with the racing though. Once the the awards are wrapped up it's party time with the beer flowing in the local pub "De Scheepvaart" (not what it sounds like!) and also in the hospitality tents which rages on till dawn!