It was already going to be a tough weekend for the waterskiing community as they commemorated 12 months since world champion skier Sarah Teelow died in an accident during the Bridge to Bridge.
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However it became a lot tougher when a second death occurred during trials on the Hawkesbury River on Saturday.
A boat containing a driver and an observer appeared to lose control and flipped.
The observer, Ian Baker, was killed, while the driver, Daniel McMahon, was left with neck and shoulder injuries.
He was in a serious but stable condition in Westmead Hospital.
Organisers then had the difficult task of deciding whether or not to go ahead with the race. After being given approval by Roads and Maritime Services, they decided to honour Mr Baker as well as Ms Teelow with yesterday's competition.
Sarah's parents Chris and Tania took part in yesterday's proceedings.
It was a brave decision for them but must have been made even more difficult after the tragic events of the day before.
Her friends also showed their affection for Sarah, finding a unique way to take part in the event.
Maddy Brien and Ashley Cropper were in a boat that towed Emily Rains and Trudi Stout, who used a board with no footholds and a fence paling respectively.
An investigation by Ski Racing Australia after Sarah's death revealed no need to change safety practices. No cause for the accident has been revealed yet but unfortunately another long investigation lies ahead for a sport that has had its fair share of tragedy.
