SPEED SKIER

Water Ski Racing at up to 150kph is Natalya Sanders idea of fun. At 20, Natalya has 11 years racing experience due to her father Graham's interest in high performance speedboats. Natalya is very competitive having won all titles in her class groups both in North Island & NZ Championships as well a 4th in her class in the 78 mile long Bridge to Bridge race (Sydney Harbour to Hawkesbury) Her 1994 attempt on the NZ Open Women's Title at Lake Karapiro was fraught with setbacks. The Hamilton based "Cambridge Auto" boat that was to tow her blew a motor as did 2nd choice, Auckland based "Under Siege" leaving her a slim chance in a standard powered, Wellington based "Team Ugly" boat, behind which she managed to secure 2nd place.

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Natalya Sanders a 20 year old who began her racing career on the Wairoa River, has represented NZ in her chosen sport. She is photographed above

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a blur at 130 kph. in the NZ Open Women's Water Ski Racing Championships at Lake Karapiro