Hi everyone just thought this would be great for anyone is SA. All info should be there and just email dstaight@hotmail.com for any more queries. Think you need to register and what not so just let him know and go from there.
Genesis of what will become known as the new West Lakes Windsurfing Club
The Mission:
To develop a keen group of Windsurfing enthusiasts that can develop into a competitive windsurfing club that meet regularly for regattas. Why? Because it’s an absolute blast!!!
The Adelaide Area has been without a proper course racing windsurfing club or class for many years now. From much correspondence it would seem that both the equipment and keen sailors exist out there and many have been eagerly awaiting for a revival of the sport in order to get back out on the water.
The Location:
We will be sailing regularly at West Lakes at one of 3 locations depending on traffic on the lake and the weather. Those 3 locations would be the northern boating lake, the southern rowing strip or the western most part of the lake (meeting on Tiranna Way). We will let interested persons know the exact location and time/dates via phone or email on receipt of contact details.
The Equipment:
We encourage people to come with what whatever equipment they have although preferably would like to limit sail size to 6 m (to keep things more competitive and because of overhead power cables on northern lake). Whenever possible we will be working towards developing a fleet of Windsurfer One Designs and will be developing networks to establish an equipment pool of second hand gear so that it is readily available for a great price.
The Races:
We will be implementing a handicapping system taking into account different equipment people may have, different ability levels and different weight levels in order to give everyone a personal challenge irrespective of what level or weight they are. It is expected that within this field a core group of competitors with the same equipment and similar competitive level would quickly develop and they would race off the same handicap. We plan on racing numerous races on the same day, most of them being of short duration and varying the course throughout the day to keep things interesting.
On weekends whenever possible when time allows we would like to finish the day with a BBQ and a few social drinks at the venue! Interested persons should contact: Darrell Staight on either 0401764623 or by email at dstaight@hotmail.com
Given how low the level of the water is compared to the surrounding houses, and the number of houses etc I would have thought that West Lakes would be a nightmare to sail on. I have given it a go on a couple of occasions by the Dragon Boat Club at Bower Road and it was very gusty and lots of wind shadows; maybe it is better further down the lake.
It's not a great place to sail. But these events arnt really a fast sail and more of a fun get together with BBQ and what not. The course is more designed for one design boards but they also have some races on the port river i think which are a bit better. Also close to town which helps.
I think it's great, especially for learners.
Bubs
There's a chap at work who has just bought a board and wants to learn so it might be a great place for him to start.
I think this is a great idea in priciple, a way to get everyone out on the water and in a club environment, but I only know one person with a formula board in SA. Also the location will have some issues with us, as it will be a flukey 1-15 knots in West Lakes and a steady 18-23 knots 5 minutes away at Semaphore.
I understand that the lake offers protected water, is close to town, will be a good environment etc for families and all, but with the current trend in SA for speed, Freeride and occasional wavesailing, I cant see this as a priority for most.
SA sailors are also so spread out, this has been mentioned before, from Sellicks to North Haven, then the Southern crew (cant see them trecking up to Adelaide for a float around West Lakes, although they do like a beer?)
I am keen to see a return of impromptu racing, similar to what used to be held at Bogey during summers by the former Glascraft crew, these were free for all course races that anyone could enter, usually just a point to point, 6 laps race of about 10 kms or so, I never won, but it was good to be amongst the fleet of 10-15 sailors having a go.
I would definitely come down for some casual course-racing. It would be a great way to get my daughter to the next level in her windsurfing. Westlakes is a safe, non-threatening bit of water. No place for shortboards, but if the races were in the morning or early afternoon, there would be plenty of time for short-boarding at Semaphore at the end of the day.
Back in the Windsurfing Dreamtime, there was an annual race around Delfin Island at West Lakes - 50+ competitors all on long boards. There are 2 bridges to be sailed under, which has to be done by half-dropping your rig to get enough clearance. Very amusing when 20 boards arrive at the one time!
If you haven't ever done long-board course-racing on tight, short courses, hunt down an old longboard and give it a go. It will do wonders for your board and sail handling. Bring a friend and get someone new into the sport.
If a delfin island race was on I would enter and I would also twist the arm of a few mates to enter as well.
May need to source some gear from somewhere. Does the guy who had heaps of Wally's stilol teach off Tiranna Way, maybe he could rent a few for a race...
