Locals and international racers take to the waters of Lake Havasu

They may come from different sides of the globe but the goal is the same: to be crowned a world champion.

Racing started Tuesday at the International Jet Sports Boating Association World Finals at Crazy Horse Beach, with junior, novice and amateur class racing.

Anya Colley, 16, from the U.K. comes back for her third year, this time as the 2008 British Ski (limited) Champion the second place finisher for the European Tour in Ladies Ltd.

“I’m coming in this year with a little more knowledge about the games that people play out there, the way to go from the start line, that sort of thing,” she said.

The knowledge worked as Colley took firsts in Novice Stock qualifier, Novice Women (ski) heat 1 and Novice Ltd. Tuesday.

“My goal is to take a first year to qualify for the women’s professional racing this weekend,” she said. “That’s why we entered more classes this year. I’m always aiming to do my best.”

Closer to home are siblings that have Lake Havasu as their home course – Brandon, 14, and Lauren McMillan, 15.

The duo finished 1-2 in 14-15 Runabout Ltd. racing Tuesday.

“Every time I go out I want to win. Every racer does. But it’s still pretty cool to have a brother-sister come in 1-2,” Lauren said.

Brandon, who cleaned up the junior awards last year, said his “ski is running great. I’ve got a fantastic mechanic, Eric Graff, working on it.” He said he’s hoping for another sweep in 13-15 Ltd, Stock and Lite Runabout as well as slalom drags.

Lauren said next year she moving up to 800 Ltd. And Women’s Novice. But for now she’s readying for Women’s Junior 12-15 racing on Saturday and Sunday. The same time as the seasoned professionals.

“There’s a little more pressure because the pros are watching you but we practice with the pros when their here, like Nic (Rius) and they’re always helpful, giving tips,” she said. “But ultimately you have to run your own race and not worry about the pressure.”

Racing continues today and runs through Sunday. Admission to the World Finals is free every day.

You may contact the reporter at dbell@havasunews.com.