Stephen Squirrell (34966km):
2987 days ago Tragic day at Point Clear as Kitesurfer dies :(
The day started off so well with a good forecast and a mid morning high water several Felixstowe sailors made the trip into the next county to enjoy the good winds and mild weather! I was first at the far carpark at 8:50 which was lucky as I got to reverse my trailer into a spot with no one watching ! It was a good turn out of Suffolk sailors which included Neil and Craig Hurrell, Mark and Nick Swain, Roger Vickers, Chris Phillips and Ian Clarke :) The strong winds had not arrived at the start so with winds gusting just over 20 kts most rigged between 6.5 to 7.5 with me atking a chance with 7m. This is a top direction for sailing cross to the shore out to the open sea just around the corner from Jaywick but the first couple of runs I was underpowered, then the wind filled in and I enjoyed a couple of 2 mile runs along the coast with the sea getting rougher and the sea bigger the farther you went! The second run I was getting well overpowdered so after falling I swam 50m ashore for a start rest! I was time to get into the safety of the lagoon. On entering the lagoon I noticed a couple of lifeboats and flashing blue light by the cafe at the end of the lagoon but thought nothing of it thinking it might be a rescue exercise. At this point there were about 20 kiters out in the lagoon and you had to be alert with the big air being taken. I had missed the flatist part of the tide which was nowhigh and was very choppy - the lagoon is a difficult place to go fast with the rough water which is shallow in places and you don't want to hit the bottom at speeds approaching 30 kts! I had some fun in the sunshine going broad down the bottom corner and had some nice gybes too. The wind then picked up to well over 30 kts and with the tide now going out it was time to call it a day, I was pleased to get across the bay to my van in the strong winds and rough water.
On the last run back I got my best speed just breaking 30kts and was pleased with the 3+ hours on the water, not cold at all and was thinking a top 4 Star session :) it was then we all learnt about the tragic events happening at the other end of the bay where very sadly a kitesurfer lost is life :( All the sailors were shaken by the news and are thought go out to the kiters family and friends !!! All the kiter did was head down to the beach to have fun on the water with mates and loses their life - you just don't know whats around the corner and you need to make the most of every day !!!
Getting home feeling really deflated Mag and I headed down to the beach to blow the cobwebs away, we even managed to collect a little coal.
A very sad day :(
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