Jet Ski races return to Seven Mile Beach

(CNS): The 2014 Hydrocross Jet Ski competition is returning to Grand Cayman and its famous stretch of beach this coming holiday weekend. The Cayman Islands Watercraft Association said the annual event will be at Royal Palms Beach Club and spectators are being promised a”tremendous tournament”. Staring at 10am until 4pm it will feature 21 riders competing for island glory in three divisions; Beginner, Amateur and Pro. Event Organizer, Pablo Rousseau of Wet ‘n Wild Water Sports said the contest would provide local young riders with a great chance to show off.

“We’re very excited about the 2014 Hydrocross Jet Ski Race. Cayman has a rich watercraft culture, and we decided to step up and organize the event this year to give some of the youngsters the ability to compete and demonstrate their talents. We are catering the event to the fans and spectators across the island, with Jetpack demonstrations, prizes and parasailing throughout the day,” Rousseau added.

Eight riders will compete in the Beginner Division including: Anthony Logan, Ryan Vanderbol, Matt Panton, Nathan Ebanks, Shemaiah Grant, Justin Rankin, Cline Gidden and Kelsey Rae Smith. The largest division of the competition, the Amateur group will feature riders: Kaleb Ebanks, Mark Rae-Smith, Ryan Harding, Frank Watler, Nicolas Hydes, Javier Medina, James Foster, Jeremy Thompson, Darren Mclean, and Jordon McLaughlin. The Expert division featuring the top competitors will showcase the talents of Seth Watler, Paul Rousseau, and GJ Whittaker.

Spokesman for the Cayman Islands Watercraft Association Vincent Ramgeet offered his full backing to the competition which it will be managing.

“The approach to the Hydrocross event, is exactly what the association mandates were formed around. We are fully on board and will be sanctioning, governing and providing race day management support of the race. We are hoping to see more local race promoters emerging and CIWA can take its rightful place as the sanctioning and governing body of PWC racing within the Cayman Islands and step back from race promoting. This was started with Jet Around Cayman and the East End Surf challenge which were the legacy races.”

The Hydrocross take places beach side at  Royal Palms Beach Club on 7-mile beach, Saturday, July 5th  from 10 A – 4 P. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure their place on the beach. For more information on the 2014 Hydrocross event, contact Event Coordinator, Pablo Rousseau at 938-9751.

Sponsors include to assist with the event including, Sea Farer Adventurers, Comfort Suites, Royal Palms, A.L. Thompson, Wet n Wild Watersports, Fat Fish Adventures, Paddleboard Cayman Style, C.I.R.E.B.A, Mobile Tire Services, Tony’s Toys, Vibe 98.9 FM, Spin 94.9 FM, and Monster Media.