Jet Around Cayman brings in the pros

The Guadeloupe team includes Davy Vaitilingon, the world champion in 2007, and Guadeloupe’s Champion for “Offshore Racing 2010” who is riding a  Kawasaki 260X. Jean Meclot, 17, who finished 5th this year at the World Championship, Marc Forbin, 20, who rides a Kawasaki ultra 260X and Vincent Karam, 29, the World’s Vice Champion for 2008 on a Kawasaki Ultra 260X. Vincent Thomas who is one of the best riders on the international circuit but is yet o receive a title for 2010is looking forward to taking home the Championship at Jet Around Cayman 2010.

“Jet ski racing has become a passion and hobby for many Caymanian youth, and is yet another tie to our love of the ocean and our seafaring heritage,” said Vincent Ramgeet, President of the Cayman Islands Watercraft Association which is assisting with race sanctioning and all major safety aspects of this year’s event.  “It is also a competitive sport that the young people have access to here on the island; it’s affordable and attainable for those in their teenage years and into young adulthood.

Last year, the event hosted 37 competing riders for the first place, but it was Pro rider Eric Francis who had the fastest time overall at 1:13:30.

“It was highly entertaining to see such a large number of participants riding in 2009 and we are glad to see them return this year again,” stated Kenny Rankin, Manager at Monster Media. “We always aim to make it an exciting race for everyone involved and the introduction of the new classes, this year, does just that. We are excited that Jason Smith is returning to the race. He is a great young talent and has the hunger to be one of the best riders the race has ever seen. I can’t wait to see what he will do.”

 George “Lulu” Smith will also return to the race. Smith’s biggest competitor from 2007 – Jordan McLean – will also return. In 2007, McLean blasted through the first half of the course with a huge two–minute lead only to break down at the second pit stop in East End.

This year’s class divisions are set according to rider’s individual skill level. The first of the new classes to be introduced is the Pro Class; for those riders who have gained substantial racing experience and have advanced competition skills. This class offers a more challenging competition and an enticing prize purse. The Open Division is for all riders except those riders classed as “Pro’ or ‘Expert’ by IJSBA regulations. The Rookie Class is open to all new riders who have not previously participated in Jet Around Cayman; all rookies must ride a stock Jet ski craft.

 The Amateur Class is the second of the new classes in this year’s event, designed for those riders who have previously participated in Jet Around Cayman but are not yet ready to ride at the competition level of the Open Class.

The Female Class continues to grow as Jet Around Cayman encourages female riders to get involved with the race. The participation has definitely increased over the years. The Veteran Class is for all riders thirty five years old and over.

Organizers are currently offering an early registration special: CIWA members get a onetime early registration discount of $75 off and non-members get $50 off the registration fee if they register before May 26, 2010. Note: the discount is applicable towards one class only, even if a rider signs up in multiple classes.

This year, organizers are anticipating an even larger number of riders as the prize purse continues to increase.  Jet Around Cayman is presented by LIME, a long term supporting sponsor of the event.

 “We were delighted to see a large number of racers out last year and this year I’m sure it will be an even bigger field” said Julie Hutton, Marketing Manager, LIME.  “LIME is delighted to be involved in this growing sport and it’s great to see so many young people coming out to race. It’s a fun day for all the family with lots of entertainment and activities taking place all day long at the beach. ”

Race Daykicks off at 12pm and the race starts at 1pm sharp with riders leaving the Public Beach coast and setting off on the intense round–island course. On land, there will be an array of activities including an appearance from the JAC calendar girls and entertainment from Vibe 98.9 FM DJ’s. There will also be a Kids’ Zone and a range of games for them to participate in while the race takes place. Food and drinks will be available for purchase all day on the beach and families are welcome.