A moving tribute was held involving the parents of Wellington's former world champion water skier Sarah Teelow at the Bridge to Bridge on the Hawkesbury river one of many memorials to the popular former international athlete across the world. 

But when tragedy struck during trials for the event on Saturday the event took on a whole new meaning. Tributes were also held for a man who was killed competing on Saturday. Sarah Teelow died while competing 12 months ago.

One man was killed and another seriously injured when the boat they were in veered out of control and flipped. The passenger, identified as Ian Baker, died at the scene while the driver, Daniel McMahon is reported to have suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Two water skiiers who were being towed by the boat were uninjured.

It came on the 12 month anniversary of Sarah's death and Sunday's race was initially planned as a tribute to her. Her parents Chris and Tania had agreed to take part.Its understood four of Sarah's friends paid tribute competing with unique skis.Trudi Stout and Emily Rains planned to ski the 112km course along the Hawkesbury River during the Bridge to Bridge with Ash Cropper observing and Maddie Brien driving.

As a testament to Sarah's skill and a reminder of the pain of her loss, Ms Stout completed the course on only a fence paling and Ms Rains rode a ski without foot fittings, both while travelling 80km/h.

"It's going to be quite painful but I'll be thinking of Sarah and that will get us through," Ms Stout said before going out.

"It's going to be quite emotional but it's great to do something positive to remember her." she told media. Tania Teelow a world champion was part of an event named in Sarah's honour. 

Chair of Ski Racing Australia Noel Griffin told Fairfax Media the trials had been cancelled after Mr Baker's death.

"Ski Racing Australia the governing body of ski racing in Australia is saddened by the death of one of its family of competitors in the qualifying for Sunday's race," Mr Griffin said. "It's one of our family and we are a tight family."

The incident occurred just hours after Kristie Middleton, the chief executive of governing body Ski Racing Australia, said her team had carried out its own investigation of last year's accident and found no need to change the sport's safety measures.

"As a result of last year's accident we have had a full internal investigation and found no requirement to make any changes to the robust safety procedures that are in place," Ms Middleton said.

"This is a high speed motor sport and it has an above reasonable safety record," Ms Middleton said.