The club, based at Longside Lake in Egham, Surrey, appealed for help in tracking down its boat which was stolen from the site in the early hours of Monday 17th July. It was recovered several days later.  

The boat has now been found although full details cannot be revealed due to a police investigation.

Below is our original article about the theft.

The distinctive Nautique 200 was taken, along with its trailer in a carefully planned theft.

Waterskiers from across the UK have rallied to support the club’s founders Chris and Elle Mullins.

"It’s been a devastating few days for us” Chris said. “Just before 4am on Monday our Nautique 200 waterski boat was stolen from the lake. It contains specialist waterski and disabled learning kit that is irreplaceable.

"The colour scheme is very distinctive so please keep a look out for it and if you have any information, please contact us or call the police on 101."

The 2022 boat has a grey and green hull. It is believed to be the only one of its kind in this colour scheme in the whole of Europe.

The thieves broke into the secured site, put the boat on its own black and brown trailer and drove away. Cameras spotted the boat being driven from Longside Lake along the Thorpe Bypass just before 3.50am on Monday 17th July.

CJM Ski & Wake opened in April 2022 and husband and wife team Chris and Elle have worked hard to establish perfect conditions for everyone from complete beginners to world-class athletes. Earlier this month GB's Joel Poland, the reigning World Overall Waterski Champion and world record holder, visited the lake to train.  It has also been host to BWSW disability days, teaching disabled children and adults to ski. 

Freddie Winter, the 2017 World Champion and one of the world’s best slalom waterskiers, said: “All of us in the British waterski family are doing everything we can to get the message out about the theft of this boat. These unscrupulous thieves have deprived the club, the local community and many others who travel some distance to enjoy the facilities at CJM Ski & Wake.”

Taylor May Woolsey van Maasdijk is a member and Pro waterskier at the lake. She said: “Chris and Elle have worked so hard to build beautiful facilities so that anyone looking for a fun day on the lake can enjoy this amazing sport of waterskiing, my own family included. This is a great loss for the community, as I’ve helped and seen Chris teach children and adults of all ages/disabilities, enabling everyone to enjoy the lake.”

Glenn Campbell, who is a World Championships silver medallist for GB, said: “The loss of this boat is a big hit for our sport in the UK, and also Chris. They have worked hard to build the grass roots side of the sport, and they work closely with British Water Ski & Wakeboard on training and disability awareness. Getting this boat back will not only help this but show how strong we are as a community.”

Surrey Police have also put out an appeal for information about the stolen boat.

“If you have seen one appear in unusual circumstances or see it offered for sale please send us a direct message quoting reference 45230079425,” they said on the Runnymede Beat (Surrey Police) Facebook page.

“Please share into as many resident and enthusiast groups as you can and make it too hot to handle.”

The stolen Nautique 200 was purchased new in 2022 and is in pristine condition.

CJM Ski & Wake is hoping to be back on the water soon, thanks to the short-term loan of another boat.

In the meantime, a GoFundMe page has been established to help the Mullins family through this difficult time while they have no income. By 4.30pm on Thursday 20th July it had raised more than £4,000.

Chris and Elle say they are totally overwhelmed by the love and support.

"We are trying to keep our family business afloat and in turn protect our livelihood," they said. "We will plan a weekend thank you party at the lake for everyone when we are back up and running!"