A decade of making waves

From humble beginnings to international acclaim, King’s Lynn’s Hanseatic Festival of Watersports has evolved into a spectacular celebration drawing competitors and spectators from across the globe. The atmosphere ripples with anticipation as powerful boats roar past at speeds approaching 100mph and skiers carve through the wake, just metres from the crowds.

“It’s the adrenaline and the closeness that makes this event so exciting,” explains co-organiser Tom Lumley. “You can almost shake hands with the competitors as they fly past at breathtaking speeds. It’s transformed into a worldwide spectacle that puts King’s Lynn on the international watersports map.”

What began as a modest festival with 25 competitors has flourished into Europe’s top water ski racing event. “We’re expecting over 60 skiers plus another 20 jet skiers this year,” says Jason Russell, Tom’s co-organiser. “It’s all born from our desire to give back to a sport that has given so much to us and our families.”

The festival’s remarkable success hinges on community support. Tom and Jason are deeply grateful to the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council for their instrumental role in facilitating the event. Equally vital are key sponsors, particularly Carter Haulage. “Without Carter Cranes, there wouldn’t be an event,” Jason emphasises. “We wouldn’t be able to afford the crucial infrastructure that’s needed.” The cranes can be seen lined up along the waterfront, an impressive spectacle as they lower the incredible racing machines into the water.

King’s Lynn provides the perfect setting for this high-octane racing. Unlike traditional offshore watersports venues, where competitors can only be glimpsed from a distance, the riverfront offers unparalleled views. “For spectators, it’s one of the best races in Europe,” says Jason. “You can literally see the skiers faces, how they’re reacting to waves or other boats and how they’re communicating with their crew.”

The sheltered river course ensures consistent racing conditions regardless of the weather. “There’s very little risk of the event being cancelled because we’re so sheltered here in the estuary,” Tom explains. “This reliability has attracted top talent from America, Australia and across Europe.” Among the elite athletes competing are remarkable homegrown talents. Tom’s own family showcases the sport’s generational appeal. His daughter Kim Lumley-Manchett is a double world champion and his 14-year-old granddaughter Darcy will represent Great Britain in this year’s world championships in Belgium. “Kim first won the worlds at Hunstanton two decades ago, and now her daughter is following in her footsteps by representing Great Britain,” says Tom. “You’ll see Darcy competing at the Hanseatic.”

This year’s festival also welcomes newcomer Lily Dunkley, who will be taking part in her second competitive race. Having progressed rapidly from first attempting water skiing in May 2022 to mastering a race ski by August, Lily is passionate about the sport’s appeal to young athletes. “It’s something a bit more out there. Not many people get to experience that feeling of freedom. It’s just you and the elements,” she explains. Lily’s training involves rigorous physical preparation alongside weekend water sessions. “You need to get your fitness up. Without that, it’s not possible to race competitively,” she says. “I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere at the Hanseatic. All my family will be there, and I can’t wait to show what I can do.” For veteran competitor Jake Frame, the event is a highlight on the calendar.

With four consecutive Formula Two Men’s Champion titles (2016-2019), European championships, and a third-place finish at the 2019 World Championships, Jake knows what it takes to succeed. “You need intense concentration to perform well when you’re travelling at speeds over 80mph,” he says. “You get tunnel vision. All you’re looking at is the engine of the boat. You’re so focused on what your job is, you don’t really see the crowd until you’ve finished.” The Hanseatic Festival offers something for everyone. Friends watch towering cranes suspend gleaming quarter-million-pound powerboats above the quayside before plunging them into the water. Couples sip cocktails from a panoramic riverside perch at the Marriott’s Warehouse while championship boats thunder past the window. Children delight in face painting and entertainment while their parents soak up the carnival atmosphere.

“People come from all over Norfolk and beyond to enjoy the event,” Tom says. “They’re here for the racing, the live music, the fireworks. It’s an enormous, uplifting party all day.” “If you haven’t been, you’ve missed one of the most exciting spectator racing events in the country,” Jason adds. “You can’t get closer to the action than at the Hanseatic Festival of Watersports!” For the latest information about this free, world-class event, scheduled for 21st-22nd June 2025, visit the ‘Hanseatic Ski Race’ Facebook page, or check information brochures available from the King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre in the coming weeks.