Despite the cancelling of a number of legs due to rough weather, including a cyclone warning, the 60 riders of the 2013 ‘Cooktown and Down’ Yamaha Variety Jet Trek completed a cumulative total of 17,788 kilometres to become the first holders of the Longest Distance by a Group Riding for Charity on Personal Watercraft.

'Jet Trekkers in world record books'    Lauren Brittain

Not only have the Trekkers accomplished a world record feat, they have also managed to raise over $150,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity and their mission to empower Queensland kids who are sick, disadvantaged, or who have special needs, to live, laugh and learn.

There were 60 Personal Water Crafts in the contingent, each with a road crew, making the pack 150 participants in size. Trekkers met in Cooktown in the states far north, where routes and journey plans had to be redirected to account for the weather.

The Trekkers followed the coast line from Cooktown on Sunday 28th April and finished in Townsville on Friday the third of May, six days later.

Jet Trekkers in world record books -  Lauren Brittain

Participants travelled through other Queensland towns and communities including: Cooktown, Ayton, Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Green Island, Etty Bay, Mission Beach, Cardwell, Lucinda, Magnetic Island and Townsville. Organisers said that despite the weather, all participants had a great time and the money raised will be going towards empowering Queensland kids.

'The feedback has been terrific. Despite the bad weather, all of the Trekkers managed to have a wonderful time and band together to raise an incredible amount of money for Queensland kids,' said Rob Goodwin, Motoring Events Director of Variety Queensland.

As with all Variety – the Children’s Charity events, a mix of fun and philanthropy is prominent, especially when visiting the children and school groups en route.

Jet Trekkers in world record books -  Lauren Brittain

Equipment was presented to local children and school groups in Cooktown, Cardwell, Cairns and Townsville and Trekkers were lucky enough to witness the sponsorship of promising wheelchair basketball player Bernadette, when sponsor of the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek, Craig Marriott and his company Eventrans agreed to fund $5,000 a year, for three year scholarship to see Bernadette excel in her sporting, schooling and personal life.

Positions are now open for Trekkers to join the 2014 ‘Ride the Tide’ Yamaha Variety Jet Trek. Visit website or call 07 3907 9300 for more information.

To make a donation or for any further information about Variety Queensland, please visit websitepowerboat-world.com
by Lauren Brittain[fblike]