45th Anniversary Moomba Masters

Recognised as an Event of Significance by Victorian Government

 

 

The world’s favourite water ski tournament will head back to the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River when the 2005 Moomba Masters splashes into town on Wednesday 9 March.

 

Recognising the importance of the Moomba Masters to the people of Victoria, and water skiers of the world, the event was launched on Friday by Deputy Premier of Victoria, The Honorable John Thwaites and Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Councillor John So in a large-scale media call on the banks of the Yarra River. All major television networks and daily newspapers were in attendance to hear the announcement that the Victorian Government and City of Melbourne were lending their support in the form of a cash sponsorship to the event.

 

After the announcement Minister Thwaites and the Lord Mayor took a ride in the new Correct Craft Ski Nautique 196 whilst local skier, and Australian Overall Champion Karen Jackson completed a trick and slalom demonstration. Event Manager Sally Morris, who was driving the boat didn’t take long to convince the Official Party how great our sport is, and has even convinced the Minister to learn how to ski ! An appointment has been made for him to brave the waters next summer!

 

Gaining such high-level recognition and commitment is very important to the future of the Moomba Masters, given the challenges which lay ahead with the staging of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next March.

 

Over the years Moomba has become a favourite destination for many of the worlds elite water ski athletes, 13-Time Men’s Slalom Champion and Record Holder Andy Mapple speaking about Moomba - “The crowd at the Moomba Masters is unbelievable! It is an awesome event and a Melbourne is great place to visit.”

 

The  Moomba Masters is not only a favourite with the competitors, but with Melburnians, who have been gathering by the Yarra River in their thousands and enjoying this free water ski spectacular for over forty years!

 

Moomba will run between Wednesday 9 March and Monday 14 March.

 

Pictured below left to right in the new Ski Nautique 196 Moomba Boat

 

Mr Michael Crutchfield, Member of Parliament (Victoria – Geelong Local Member)

The Honourable John Thwaites, Deputy Premier of Victoria

Karen Jackson

Melbourne Lord Mayor, Councillor John So

Sally Morris