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At last, your summer newsletter!
So far this season four sessions have been run with reasonable winds and many new faces. Welcome this year to Alan Hurst, currently doing very well on the race ladder, James and Abbi Bishop, Simon Evans, Mike Rees, James and Tim Ross, Andrew Timbers and Andrew Funnell. One or two of the 'old hands' yet to be seen - have they been smitten by the shortboard bug? (If so, see further on.)
The April meeting at Ardingly is described in the May/June newsletter, and now has some photographs as well.
The May session at AquaSports was the coldest ever when the benefits of thermals (No, not winds!) under the wetsuit and not falling in became apparent. Winds were light N/E 2-3 but oh so cold! Those who survived to sail the only race were rewarded with good results. (It's always the way with difficult events and a good way to build up points.) Especially well done to Andrew Timbers for surviving and to Nick and Andrew for first and second places.
June saw warmer conditions at Bewl although winds were light NW 2 and very demanding. Again it's always the way and good board trim with efficient pumping will pay off. Equal firsts went to Nick, Alan and Keith Atkinson on his 'home' water.
June at Ardingly was also warm and sunny - as it was in April - with excellent conditions : NW 2-3, occ.4 as the clouds built up. Robby Swift, who is now suffering another summer in Lanzarote, held onto first place from Andrew and Nick despite Eddie's attempts to 'cover him' (i.e. push him off his board!!)
Other Events ....
An additional whole day training session was held at Blue Circle lake on the Isle of Grain on June 8th. This was specifically designed to allow those less experienced windsurfers to be given more individual coaching. Many thanks to Blue Circle and the Kent Schools Sailing Association (KSSA) for facilitating this. Hope to see more next time as both the water and conditions were quite good, even if finding it was a bit of a problem!
New Event ... ... 28th September, Bewl
The KSSA/RYA will be holding their annual regatta with windsurfers included for the first time. It should be a good opportunity for all who've sailed with us before, so let me know asap if you wish to enter or see me at AquaSports 14th September at the latest.
Big Event ... ... National Junior Champs 19-20th October
The Eric Twiname Finals are being held at Plymouth this year. This is the premier Junior event and an 'overnighter' - accommodation lists are already available. The South East will be entering a team of seven based on Aloha's, Calypso 103 and Calypso Junior One Design (JOD). If you wish to be considered you will need to be under 15 on December 31st and should have competed in this year's race training sessions.
Mega Event ... ... PWA Brighton, September
Interested in meeting the stars of the World Cup circuit? As with last year, if you're down at the final weekend, then bring yourself to the attention of the RYA personnel - preferably at a time when they are not run off their feet - and they'll do their best to get you into the pits. Alternatively, as many did last year, pop down during the week when things are a bit quieter.
Last year Steve and Eddy competed in the Freestyle competition at Brighton and won lots of goodies, so now is the time to start some serious practice in those light summer breezes. And remember - board control skills developed in freestyle are essential, especially prior to the start of a race with all the jockeying for position.
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More Freestyle
After coming second last year, Eddy won the U19 Freestyle Championships held at AquaSports on 2nd June. Not only are these events good fun, but they also include a coached session beforehand. As a result, he is now being invited to sail with the F2 team at demo's! Just goes to show, doesn't it?
UKBSA ... ... from the horse's mouth
The UKBSA and its subsidiary organisations such as the LBSA and SEBS run the racing in and around the region. I try to target possible events in my published programme and will come along to support where possible. However, if you would like more info why not speak to Eddy (01444 811667) about SEBS or Andrew (01737 766135) about the LBSA
National Schools Championships ... ... Farmoor, Oxford
Nick, Andrew and Simeon attended this windy event on 29th June and along with many others were flattened by F 5-6 winds. I suppose it would be too obvious to say that this is where harness skills and planing techniques come to the fore, but it's true. Competent short board sailors would have an advantage, especially if they had entered under Formula 42 rules (four sails, two boards - one usually a short board.) Final Results were ... Nick Morwood 1st Junior Aloha !! See Nick's race report
More Shortboards ... ... bring one to Bewl!
If the conditions are suitable then I will hold a shortboard race session after two longboard races have been run. Bewl on October 12th is the most likely time and place, so come prepared! Barry Edgington has also run two sessions prior to BWA events; if there are any more, I'll let you know. AquaSports also run 'awaydays' to Ferring, so give them a ring too.
Camps and Rallies ... ...
Depending on when this Newsletter reaches you, time may be tight for the RYA Summer Camp at Rutland, 29th - 2nd August (with Mike Birt just back from training on Maui with Bjoern!) but it's not too late for the Autumn Camp at Calshot, 21 - 25th October (after the Twiname). Remember, these camps are residential, so it's well worth persuading your parents that £100 is money well spent to get rid of you for five days! So many good things have been said and published about the Siblyback Family Rally, 5th-10th August; see Boards or speak to Eddy and ring the RYA for more info.
Aloha News ... ...
A notice received recently said that Tiga will be changing the mast track and that replacements for the old style will no longer exist! So .. either buy a spare now or treat your old one with great care.
Regional Kit ... ...
Remember that the regional kit is available for hire over short periods at very reasonable rates. If interested, then give either John Morgan , Chris Kinsman or me a ring. However, it is really important you look after it as if it were your own, after all it may be you that's racing on it next!
Many thanks to Chris Kinsman at Ardingly, John Morgan at AquaSports and Andy Coplestone at Bewl for the use of the water, facilities and the regional kit.
Look forward to seeing the new faces again and some more of the old ones at AquaSports on Saturday 14th September.
Trevor Jones 01795 873003
RYA South-East Region
U17 Race Training Coordinator