Team East (Engl-E, Great Britain) - 2018-09-19
Sailor 2 Second Peak (Kts)5 x 10 Second Average (Kts)1 Hour (Kts)Alpha Racing 500m (Kts)Nautical Mile (Kts)Distance Travelled (km)
Stephen Squirrell
37.24(D)
35.38(D)
14.02(D)
20.75(D)
31.24(D)
60.07(D)
Ian Richards
Peter Cutts
Lance Newbery
Ben Tilston
Hotdog
Jamie Bore
Tris Haskins
Rik Jones
benno
Will Trossell
Steve Carter
Trollope
Whitey
plum
matty
Ant
Venga Boy
tccambs
Killer Miller
Alex Lewin
Lewis Limm
Average
Stephen Squirrell (34966km):
2017 days ago
6 categories

Wednesday 19th September – windsurf ***** The Ray – Southend – sunny periods.

 

Fanatic Falcon 80 and Tushingham X-15 5.8 with 28 cm fin.

 

37.84 knot max (year PB), 35.37 knot ave (year PB), 114.05 knot hour, 31.24 knot mile (year PB), 60.10 km., 20.75 knot alpha.

 

Top night in the VW camper in our spot near East Beast, Shoeburyness really sheltered from the wind. Not in any hurry as The Ray not sailable until mid-day so finished a really good book, had breakfast, Mag even saw a fox cross the road as well as squirrels, then headed to Chalkwell past Thorpe Bay where several windsurfers were about to go out as still plenty of water. A few speed sailors were here today including Ian, Antony and Shemi all rigging 5.2 – 5.4 on their small speedboards and I was wondering if it had been a mistake to leave mine in the garage at home but as I very rarely use it, I find the 80 nearly as fast and much easier to sail:) Having survived Storm Helene yesterday we were going to see if we could beat Storm Ali which is supposed to blow stronger than yesterday but I took a chance and rigged as yesterday so had the biggest set-up out on the water! Mag had a breezy walk towards Leigh-on-Sea as I rigged then I set off on the dreaded walk at mid-day and with the tide up it was a job to keep on the path but I made it to the creek OK, switched on the GW-60 and set off down the creek. I know the fastest place would be like yesterday right on the corner where the East meets the West course but started off on the slower but flatter East course trying for a few alphas before I got too tired, this speedsailing is knackering especially after carrying your kit out! I got a few OK gybes but nothing special so then headed up the west course. The wind was around a fraction on yesterday meaning you could beat up nearly to the moored fishing boat and sail the first section broad and then head up in super-flat water and get a mile in easily. In the end I had some set of mile runs with a session best of 31.24 but also included a 26, two 28’s and a 29 and it was great fun especially whizzing full tilt back upwind:) Top speeds where as always disappointing but it didn’t stop me trying as the wind really filled came up in the afternoon and must have been gusting to 35 knots making my big kit interesting! As tired now I concentrated on top speeds and improving my average which I did increase from 34 to 35 knots getting a session best max of 37.84, sad not to get closer to 40 knots but it wasn’t for the lack of trying! Again, the seals were watching and I managed to get some pics, not brilliant as using my compact waterproof camera but a nice reminder of another top day on The Ray. I expect I am again at the bottom of the day’s rankings with the real speedies easy doing 40 knots but I know my place and still had a great day, covering more miles than yesterday too. After some full-on broad runs in rolling chop and with getting upwind now taking its toll as very lumpy in the middle I decided to call it a day and struggled back to the van arriving at 5 where Mag made me a very welcome cuppa, I think she is definitely all Rayed out but I am shattered after two days here so will spend another night at East Beach and head home tomorrow. Another good day at Felixstowe too with sailors out on 3.6 to 4.5 and with no sign of the wind going I might even have a day off! It was good to catch up with people I haven’t seen for ages and more sunshine today too, so 5 stars for me:)

 

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/stephen.squirrell.1/media_set?set=a.10214026888838936.1073741915.1012660562&type=3&uploaded=37

 

http://mkwindsurfing.co.uk/booms/



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