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We've been blessed with some of the better wind at Bewl in the past, but the F5-6 that came through during our June session provided some very interesting sailing.
The strong sou'westerly at Bewl meant cross-onshore conditions which together with the very warm water was very fortunate as most of us spent quite a bit of time in it. Course racing would have been impossible for all but the most experienced, and any kind of consistent sailing was nigh on impossible at first due to the gusts and the 'holes'
A figure-of-eight slalom course is always a fall back option in such conditions, but even that proved frustrating as there seemed to be no wind at either of the marks, but F6 in between! The few who braved the conditions spent a lot of time in the water either through fluffed gybes (Alan) or else through being plucked off the water whilst trying to hang on in the gusts (me). Many enjoyed practising waterstarts at the edge or simply surviving sailing out and back.
Ardingly in July was a brilliant session with a building sea-breeze. Sail setting, start countdowns and positioning were covered and practised, and three races held. Andrew Timbers was first 103 and Ian Pullen first Aloha
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and ended up 2nd Raceboard |
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The National Schools Sailing Association Windsurfing Finals at Farmoor, Oxford proved a testing event with light shifting winds and some very good sailors to compete against many of the National Squad. This year the organisers deliberately set out to make the event suitable for U17's rather than running it alongside the LBSA race meeting. This worked really well with everyone enjoying the day and learning a great deal about how to play the windshifts.
From the South East Region Mike Morwood was first Calypso/103, older brother Nick was fourth Aloha and Eddie Short was second Raceboard. If you thought about it this year but couldn't go, then start planning for the next one.
Coming up at October half term is the Eric Twiname Finals. This is the premier National Junior event (under 15 on December 31st) and is held this year at Derwent Reservoir. As always, we look for parents to support our windsurfers as it is a fair way to travel (although not as far as Scotland three years ago, for which we had a full team). Accommodation lists and a small grant towards expenses will be available. The squad (seven max) is always selected from those who've sailed in the race training sessions. I will be approaching sailors regarding this around the time of the AquaSports session on September 6th so now is the time to be considering if you are able to attend.
Don't forget the National Rally at Siblyback, 18th-23rd August. A good time is always had by all! Again, details from Judy at the RYA.
For the fitter, more experienced sailors (and parents) there is the Round the Island Race from Sheppey Yacht Club on September 7th - the longest circumnavigation in Europe!
Also, in September there are the UKBSA Youth and Masters at Weymouth, the Kent Classic at Minster Beach on September 20th/21st, and in October at Bewl, the RYA/Kent Schools Sailing association Regatta
See you there!
Trevor Jones 01795 873003
RYA South-East Region
U17 Race Training Coordinator