A record number of jet-ski riders will hit the water this holiday Monday for the ninth annual Jet Around Cayman endurance jet-ski race.
‘We had a lot of riders really early in the game, which is testament to how far the race has come. It really is becoming a local mainstay in sports and entertainment on the island,’ said race founder and four-time winner Kenny Rankin.
The event, sponsored for the second consecutive year by Cingular Wireless, has garnered international attention.
Jet Around jet-ski riders rip through a strenuous and physically testing 52-mile course around the outskirts of Grand Cayman, through Northwest Point, Apollo, East End and South Sound.
Since its inception in 1996 when youth rider Justin Thompson claimed the first ever JAC crown, veteran and novice local riders have made the race part of their annual calendar.
From 12 riders in its first year, the race has also grown in popularity. This year, more than 20 riders make up what has been deemed affectionately by organizers as ‘The New Generation’ of JAC riders.
‘Out of nowhere it seemed this year we had a brand new crop of riders turn up, and they’re hungry,’ said Mr. Rankin. ‘It will be very interesting to see how the race pans out this year. We expect by the final registration deadline to have 25 riders.’
Adding to the prestige of the competition is the increasing skill of some its devoted riders.
Five-time winner Mr. Rankin has been recognized in such publications as Ride Magazine for his ability to circle the island capably and quickly. He holds the JAC record of 1:24:32.
Holding fast in the ranks of JAC’s younger riders, Billy Ebanks holds the second fastest recorded time of 1:24:38.
Mr. Ebanks is one of the favorites to win the 2005 JAC race, in which he will compete alongside five other WesTec performance teammates.
2004 winner Vance Ramgeet is also back to defend his JAC crown. Mr. Ramgeet will hold his place at the starting point with an entourage of seven other riders on Team Good To Go.
Barely Legal rider and 2002 winner Jason Smith will also compete this year. Mr. Smith garnered international attention for his wins at the Hot Water Tour in Florida in 2003 and 2004. In 2003, Mr. Smith ranked No. 1 in his class worldwide.
Johnny Thompson, another local favourite, rounds out Team Barely Legal.
Other returning racers include East End rider Shane Edwards who will represent Team Two Frenzied, WesTec Performance’s Craig Smith and Daniel McLean.
Sponsors for Jet Around Cayman 2005 are Cingular Wireless, Cayman 27, Cayman Airways, Kirk Freeport, Caymanian Compass, Western Union, Gatorade, Hawaiian Tropics, Bacardi, Veuve Cliquot Champagne, B2E (the new Budweiser Energy Beer), Party Land, Burger King, Cayman Helicopters, Burger King, Durty Reid’s, and Royal Palms.
The event will air live on Vibe 98.9 FM. Race day kicks off at noon at Royal Palms on Monday June 13th.
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