The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
First Vermilion Harbor Jet Ski Invitational a success
Main Street Beach in Vermilion was a hub of activity Sept. 14 as spectators and participants settled in for the first Vermilion Harbor Jet Ski Invitational.
With a strong wind from the west and about four foot waves on the waters of Lake Erie, more than 20 racers put their bodies on the line to win $100 and bragging rights on the fivemile long course just off the coastline.
Race coordinator Chris Haynes, of Erie Shore Wave Runners, said that the event was successful.
“Overall it was an absolute success,” he said. “The big things we wanted was: we wanted to make sure that the riders had fun and that nobody got hurt. Not once did the police boat or anybody have to come in (to save anyone.)
“We only had someone fall off their ski twice and that’s it. It wasn’t even an issue, they just fell off and they still finished the race. They were quite a ways behind everybody, but they still finished.”
Just in case, though, there were representatives of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Vermilion police, Lorain Port Authority and U.S. Coast Guard all had boats in the water to make sure everyone stayed safe, according to Haynes.
He said it isn’t unusual for riders to collide during races, but at this race everyone just had a good time.
“I want to estimate there were a few hundred people down between the beaches and we found out there was about 20 people down by Sherrod Park, so that was cool,” he said.
The winners of the speed test run and four separate heats were: Dan Bivorky, of Chardon; Russell Veverka, of Huron, who won two heats; Tom Beckett, of Elyria; and Eric Ruckman, of Tallmadge.
Haynes said there is already a push to plan for next year’s race.
“Next year is already being discussed, just with what we’re learning and what we can take from this so we can make it bigger and better for next year,” he said.