Storm-riders Windsurfing Club will be running casual racing down at Ramsgate Beach on Botany Bay this Sunday 07Novt.10.
we will cater for what the conditions allow. Slalom if windy, course racing if lighter maybe both if we can figure out an easy way to do it.
Very laid back, but a great opportunity for anyone keen to join in the fun.
Targeting 12.30pm start...Just rock up.
We had 6 (at least) races yesterday. The wind filled in from nothing at about 1pm making for perfect Formula sailing conditions. The forecast was for increasing wind all day so things were looking good.
Brett set a top mark at about 50% of event distance and we allknew that starts and laylines would be paramount to getting around the course in good order.
By the time we got on the water the wind had built and conditions were perfect. For ease of organisation we used "rabbit" starts where a board sailed up the course on port and the rest of the fleet have to pass behind to start.
Brett and Steven showed why they were the top contenders in last seasons Windsurfing Series, taking the lead in every race and fighting it out between them for line honours.
The FE+ sailors were well represented with 7 boards. Racing was really close with different people at the front in most races. I took three wins with Lewis close behind. Dave also had a win and Lewis had 2.
Tim Ford (current NSW Series FE+ leader) put in a quick appearence and was heard muttering something about keeping his powder dry for next weekend (Heat 3 at Valentine, Lake Macquarie).
With the short courses poor starting and bad laylines were punished severely. Brett and Steven gave some great tips on starting and tactical positioning on the course, the ouitcome of which was that some FE+ sailors got close enough to put them under a little pressure at the top mark afterwards.
By 4.30pm the wind was gusting to about 20 knots and we were all happy to call it a day.
Thanks to everyone for helping with getting the yellow boat ready, makes set and everything packed away again afterwards. Many hands make light work.
Next weekend Formula sailors will be at Valentine at Lake Macquarie for Heat 3 of the NSW Windsurfing series.
JB
Great report JB
I think you nailed the advantage of short course racing - errors are magnified, but the short turnaround means you can try a better layline / tactic / start etc approach next race.
How nice is it when you can set a course and just wait for a 15+knot NE wind to arrive as scheduled at 1pm.
Great to see so many FE+ guys rock up to race, especially the new faces.
I think we had 7 races (1 lap of a shortened course), but didn't bother with results as it morphed into a great training session.
Lake Macquarie next week, then back to Sunday racing at Ramsgate again.
Great fun arvo racing with all of the guys. The short course really made you focus on the starts, laylines and transitions.
Looking forward to Valentine this weekend!!!
10-15knot NE winds on Sunday should make for some nice racing this sunday.
We have been starting at 1pm, but it all depends on when the wind arrives...
Hope to see you all there...Everyone is welcome, windsurfer one designs, raceboards, anything that gets you around a simple short course...
Well we tried Slalom, but the wind was too patchy, which is unusual for a NE-er.
Ended up doing about 4 races of a 1 lap course. Steve Floyd AUS-222 dominated.
Weather permitting we will be back again next Sunday, Anyone who actually wants to go windsurfing is welcome to attend.....Cheers
Lots of guys with new toys, but no wind, so no racing was attempted.
This weekend is the NSW Formula Windsurfing State Championship, so no casual racing, just the more serious stuff....Feel free to come down and watch, racing starts at 12pm both days.
