Tasmania Breaks World Record for Number of Water Skiers Towed Behind One Vessel

WHAT:         

To raise awareness of the 30th Anniversary of the Tasmanian Wilderness achieving UNESCO World Heritage status, the Eagle towed 148 water skiers behind a single vessel, securing the world record.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/NY45482 ) 

WHEN:          

Australia Day: Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:20am AEDT

WHERE:         

The gateway to the South West Wilderness portion of the UNESCO World Heritage Tasmanian Wilderness, Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, Tasmania - Australia's only island state.

HOW:              

Tasmania's Horsehead skiers broke their own record of 114 skiers towed behind a single vessel, set in 2010 at the same location. World Heritage Cruises' Eagle is the only vessel in Tasmania capable of pulling this number of skiers. Special propellers were fitted to the craft to provide enough power to lift 154 skiers. After one nautical mile, 148 skiers remained and the new world record was secured. The record attempt was captured on a live webcam at www.strahanholidays.com.au.  

WHY:                

This record breaking moment commemorated the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Tasmanian Wilderness.  The protection of the Franklin River in the South West Wilderness portion of the Tasmanian Wilderness is considered the momentous occurrence that awakened the world to the need for conservation and started Australia's Green Movement. Strahan and Tasmania's south west temperate rainforest remains preserved. www.discovertasmania.com