After a couple of months of battling with council, insurers and other organisations in an attempt to get the 2012 Wavesailing Nationals up and running on the Gold Coast, I regret to inform everyone that the event is now cancelled.
Getting organised with permits, an affiliated organisation for insurance proved too difficult on the Gold Coast.
Apologies to those sailors who have already made travel arrangements but I assure you, we wanted this competition to take place as much as you did.
We hope to one day run the Wave Nats on the Gold Coast again, but until such time as the council regulations and public liability restrictions are loosened, I don't see it happening any time soon.
Once again, I apologise to all.
Regards, Chris Powell.
I would just like to add to bowsa's comment that it is very sad that we could not make this happen as planned. Unfortunately the mixed juristiction issues surrounding the event locations (and as Aus301 said - the naive confusion by many beach authorities that windsurfers are also kiters - severly hampering willingness by councils to grant permits for events), the proximity of the dates of the proposed events to the Quiksilver pro, and along with several players who unfortunately didnt come to table as expected, we just couldnt make it happen. Its a real shame honestly. I for one am hoping this does not reflect on future possibilities of events here, because when it works it is quality and australian windsurfing needs all the profile boosting it can get.
Again - I add my appologies because I was one of the organisers along with Bowsa who was unable to climb the wall of council beauracracy in time to make this happen as planned. Sorry guys :(
Well, that sucks. Big thanks for trying to both bowsa and will and everyone else involved. I can't imagine the paperwork you've been dredging through for the last few months.
I've taken leave already from work and can't cancel it but guess what i'm going to do.
Go wavesailing on the gold coast!
Chris et al,
Sincere thanks for all your effort, we do understand the effort that goes into organising these events.
So where from here? Are there any States willing to have a go at pulling this event together at short notice?
I will talk to Waz Holder today to see if we can do something again down here in NSW. Can the WA guys do anything?
thanks
Jason 0402 320 940
I don't think we should just accept this. We need to do something to make sure it doesn't happen again.
I think that maybe the organisers should consider getting in touch with the local newspapers and TV. The headline "Australian National Wave Sailing Titles cancelled due to bureaucracy" or "No Australian Wave Sailing Champion for 2012 - council doesn't like it" or something similar.
Time to name and shame - who was it that didn't give permission? We all need to know!!
Also, we are members of an organisation who could write to MPs etc to complain about this OUTRAGEOUS situation. Imagine what the rest of the world would think of this - they think Australia is one of the biggest Wave Sailing nations in the world.
On another note - what would happen if we decided to all go sailing anyway? Perhaps the title could be awarded a week later by some appointed judges. Just a thought...
And while we're at it - obviously we need to start planning the next one - we may need petitions etc so better to start early.
Guys
PLAN B
I spoke with Warren Holder and he reckons we can pull this off at Gerroa for the week 10-17th March 2012 but we need to start hammering the councils etc by the end of the week.
K360 - I agree with your spirit if anyone can spare the time fight the good fight but I suggest we act in parallel and get a back up plan going so we don't end up missing a nationals.
So, is there any other State who wants to take this one on or should we get to it?
By the way New South Welshmen, Wazza has said he needs help - can anyone assist him if no other states take this one on?
Another alternative could be to push the nationals to later in 2012 but that would mean many winners would only hold their titles for 3 or 4 months before we get back into sync with a Q1 nationals the year after. Apparently this did happen some years ago and some folk were unhappy with the outcome. It does remain a back up if Plan B falls over.
br
Jason
0402 320 940
If NSW runs it ,early november wollongong/ gerroa would be good. I think if you run it in march attendance could be poor.
+1 for later dates, just cancelled the leave i had to beg work to give me, they're not going to be impressed when i want it again.
Hey Guys,
Wazza has been his industrious self and already gained:
*verbal OK from Kiama council for a comp in March
*verbal OK of sponsorship support (more details to follow later)
*interest from WA sailors to attend
*interest from many NSW sailors to attend
Matt Holder has also said its unlikely WA will be able to pull this one off so soon.
So we need to understand:
1. Is there any States who want/can run the nationals this year?
2. Is there anyone else in the same boat as KA360 and can't do 10-17 March?
3. KA360 can u confirm what exact dates you've booked (we assume 10-17 March)?
4. How many of you can do 10-17 March?
We hope to have a firm handle on things by next Monday 6th Feb 2012
cheers guys and sorry about the Spanish inquisition here
Jase
0402 320 940
I just had a talk to one knot about Plan B and the pros and cons of holding it in March. e.g people who have already booked accomodation and cancelling holidays. As far as conditions go, it's only two weeks from the end of last years Nats(26/2/2011) to the proposed dates(10/3/2012). Which ever way it goes, i'm still keen to judge and help where I can.
Dissapointing news,but bloody good effort trying next time .
As a suggestion if no other states put there hands up why not run it before or after the Corana Merimbula (MAMBO) in november atleast that way you could be more certain of a good turn out .Surely Wazza hair will stay a little darker for longer as 6 weeks from now is massive effort to pull it all off.
Cheers
so what is the plan jase?
last years nationals was pretty dam good. all envolved put on a good show in nsw. i personally would be there again but it's only a two hour drive for us.
general consensus on the forum does seem to be for a postponed event. gauging from the green thumbs anyway?
real shame about the goldy
bummer about QLD
Yeah me and a few other viccos will drive up to Gerroa. let us know when it's confirmed
Sounds like a great idea, I can't make it down this year. Good luck to all sailing at the Nats this year.
Keep the feedback coming guys.
As stated above on Monday we will decide if NSW will take this event on and when.
best regards
Jason
central coast november. floating comp from umina to birubi.
sorry too incapable to organise it myself.
I reckon push it back until just before mambo unless other states are going to pick it up..
