Organizers of the Southern 80 waterski event on the NSW-Victorian border say the race will not take place next year.

The news comes as the sport’s governing body continues to investigate the event following the tragic death of Victorian skier Luke Wentworth at this year’s February edition of the race.

He was the seventh person to die while participating in the Southern 80 since 1987.

The race is run on the Murray River between Torrumbarry and Echuca.

Competitors race at speeds between 80 kilometers per hour and 100 kilometers per hour and navigate 120 bends in the river.

Ski Racing Australia announced on Friday it would suspend all waterski racing events until June 2025 as it and NSW Maritime investigated the sport.

Southern 80 organizers posted on Facebook Friday afternoon to say next year’s event has been called off.

“NSW Maritime and Ski Racing Australia are currently conducting investigations into our sport which has resulted in the unfortunate decision by Ski Racing Australia to suspend all water ski racing events until 30 June 2025,” the post said.

“Unfortunately, this means that the 2025 Southern 80, which we have been looking forward to from March 21-23, will not take place.”

“Huge blow” for the region

Moama Aquatics Club president Steve Shipp said it was a sad development.

“It’s one of those iconic events that brings Echuca and Moama to life and it’s great for both the towns and the area,” Shipp said.

“(It’s) a real shame.”

Shipp said the event drew about 30,000 people to the region and injected more than $10 million into the local economy.

“Not running the event means we have to sit on our hands for 12 months,” he said.

Event organizers said the Moama Water Sports Club would hold a gathering for ski racers and their families to celebrate what would have been the 60th anniversary of the Southern 80 on March 22.