4 categories

Coodanup, WA, AU

A nice leisurely cruise at Fangys.

First time I have used this Severne Gator without a foil attached. It was nice and light and good for todays lack of wind, quite different to a race sail though.

Although the wind wasnt as forecast it was still a nice change

Isonic 107, Gator 7.5, Tribal ws 25

Pelican Point, WA, AU

Very light SE wind, built up towards the end.

Had hoped to go to Coodanup but forecast did not eventuate.

At least I managed one planing carve gybe to celebrate my 75th birthday

125 Rocket, 7.5 turbo, 32 speedweed

4 categories

Leighton Beach, WA, AU

Headed down to Leighton, cos the seabreeze didn't look like making it to the river (but the Sou'easter certainly booted in late! ).  It was still SW when I arrived at 4:30, but by the time I'd rigged the M137 + 8.4 TR8 + 44 Volt combo it had swung offshore and got very gusty and holey.

Only did two runs out and back, it was complete shite, and the offshore direction made it feel kinda sketchy, as in if it swings anymore I'll end up at Cott!

Oh well it had to happen, my first skunking after a pretty awesome three months of sailing since I returned from rehab in December 

2 categories

Coodanup, WA, AU

First time sailing at Coodanup. Good to see Lunny and Birdman there but unfortunately the forecast didn't eventuate so Birdman left without getting his board wet. Great to meet the much fabled Fangy and huge thanks for lending me a fangy fin 24. Great fin for exploring new turf. Sailed to point grey where I had a couple of good runs when the wind was being kind and I was joined by a pod of dolphins when the wind wasn't playing ball. Thanks Anita for pointing me in the right direction when it was time to hand back the fangy fin. 

f2sx 105, reflex 7.8M, FF24

Coodanup, WA, AU iS111 7.5T4 24 FF

For once work kept me off the water at the right time. The forecast strong southerly never happened, and we got about half that, and only SSE. By the time I got out of work messages were coming through that the wind was very light (thanks guys) so I picked up my big gear from home and decided that Coodanup would still be the best bet with what was then a moderate ESE blowing. 8- 16 kn when I arrived at 4.30, so I rigged my biggest gear and that turned out to be right most of the time, although at one point I was thinking I would have to come in because I was overpowered. It was pretty flat, even outside the weed beds. The weed was very slow, even with the fangy fin. There were lots of stingrays around. I frightened quite a few, and one frightened me when it splashed right next to the board just under me as I sailed past. I think I hit one - there was one solid thud that caused some instant deceleration. Sorry!

A pleasant way to end a pretty horrid week. Good to catch up with Simon and Ben and Lunny - thanks for coming by, guys, and to meet Jonski at last.

Another glorious Coodanup sunset - another advantage of starting late

Pelican Point, WA, AU