Whilst swimming against the flow a swan looks graceful and unperturbed, the fact that it is working furiously to make progress isn't immediately evident unless one delves a little deeper. Nowhere is this oft quoted euphemism more applicable than in the case of the Personal Watercraft Partnership.

Out of sight and working hard behind the scenes is an organisation that fights for your rights.

January 2003 was the start of a new era. As the curtain fell on the last Boat Show to be held at Earl's Court an initiative was launched to safeguard the future use of Personal Watercraft in the UK. Around the globe the use of watercraft has come under serious threat. This is no dramatisation either. One only has to look at the water closure battles in America, Canada and Scandinavia and the situation in Spain to realise the seriousness.

However, in the UK we have a body that is held up as an example around the globe. The organisations and companies who are involved in the industry are prepared to put aside their competitive positions and work together for the good of the sport.

The Personal Watercraft Partnership is now 9 years old and it is important to know where it came from, what its objectives are, and what it did in its first years.