K77 first to the mark
Speed week was another exciting event this year with the kitesurfers getting the best speeds once again. The Windsurfers werent far behind though. So the harbour record still belongs to Mr Pete Young our local Speed Sailor.
Ant Baker won the Pro fleet in the BSA slalom event (K77) held at the end of speedweek in October. Ant and Nik baker have been windsurfing for many years travelling the world racing and doing wave events. Living in windsurfings top wave location, Maui, its no surprise these guys got some titles under their belts!
It was a great event for the Slalom here at Portland and somehow the wind was just right for the second and final day of the slalom event and the last day of racing for 2011.
Amatuer race, Si takes inside
If you havent done any slalom sailing its great fun.
Theres a pro fleet and amatuer fleeet and a master blasters fleet, in the master blasters anyone can enter.
Theres a 3 minute count down to the start of each race so you need to get some basic info on flag signs and signals etc before going afloat.
Once thats done it’s all go! Then to get a good place you need to hit that start line maxed out right as the green flag goes up, with adrenalin pumping and everyone’s stop watches going off, you may feel a bit sick .The wind hit 35 knots plus that day as you try and make it around the course in choppy southeastely winds on a 3 to 5 buoy course, then a finish between the last bouy and the safety boat. Just make sure you go around the right buoys or you get disquaified like me, whoops!?
Amatuers race
We had great winds all sunday untill the wind finally dropped later that afternoon but most were happy as it was a full on day of racing.
Check out the pictures! (mpora has more pics so go to http://boards.mpora.com/news/bsa-weymouth-slalom-finale-2011-photo-gallery.html )
November has also been a mild and windy month meaning most havent been putting wetboots on just yet. Mid month the trend of mild airs brings with it southerly winds and hopefully waves!
This means a few waves have been had along the coast, and a few local spots were lighting up abit also!
Well as winter is coming Windtek is now fully stocked with this seasons new winter suits and accessories, we are also slowly getting a facebook page going, so go add us, and please upload any watersports related photos you have of any good sessions afloat recently.
Enjoy this mild spell and be safe out on the water
Bye for now Simon
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Simon Todd has been working in and around the Portland area for 5 years now. Windsurfing had drawn me to the area where I have been working for Windtek, a super freindly watersports shop for windsurfing, surfing, kiting and kayaking. Ive done most of the windsurfing tutuion for Windtek in the last 5 years and now have taken over as Manager of the shop. Pop in for a chat or for any local info on tides or lauchning access, technique and tuition to new equipment.
