3 categories

Windfoil, Foilville

Just Matt H and i out at foilville. Was a perfect cruisey 11-13 knots, so we had around 1/2 hour of bliss before it came in too strong for the sails we rigged.

Came and swapped the big wing to my custom wing which was more stable but still too much sail power so called it a day

Another dodgey forecast

JP HF 135, SV Mach2 7.8, NP F4 big wing and custon

Melville Beach, WA, AU

Had a putt around Melville on the foil. Forgot to turn the watch on for a couple of runs.

Cervantes, WA, AU

Third and final day of the Cervantes Windsurf Challenge and the conditions didn't look too promising when I got down to Thirsty Point just before 11.

It was however a beautiful summer's morning that showcased the stunning turquoise water that Cervantes is famous for, so after a refreshing swim, with a light westerly in the offing, I decided to rig my biggest gear and see if Huey would come to the party.

Went for a non-planing cruise on the M137 + 9.6 Code Red + 46 LE weedy combo, but it was still pretty light.  Around 1:30 it appeared to fill in quite a bit, and racing was declared 'on', so I also rigged my 8.4.

When it was time to head upwind for the start the breeze backed off again, so it was back to the 9.6.

I got to the start late, as it was slow going upwind in the marginal conditions, and the fleet was already heading for the first mark when I reached the line, did a quick U-turn and joined the race from second last (only Boz was trailing me).

Slogged all the way to the first mark, caught a little puff as I was rounding, and popped onto the plane for the second leg. Caught a heap of crew, planed most of the remaining race, and the only disappointment was that I stalled after my last gybe, and despite some desperate pumping Windsup and another sailor passed me.

Got to the line in 27th, which was actually my best result, only to hear that the race was cancelled and wouldn't count in the scoring 

I'm not sure why, cos even though it was light there were plenty of sailors at the start.

And that was a wrap.  Quite a contrast to the powered-up adrenaline-charged mayhem of Saturday, but still happy to get another day of Cervantes bliss before the trip home. 

It was a great weekend of windsurfing with a top crew of punters.  Do yourself a favour and get up there in 2020. 

Ps: shout out to Kenny for 'Rookie of the Year' (well-deserved I reckon) and Boz for second in the old geezer class (Grand Masters) 

Cervantes, WA, AU

Slalom day 2. Wind was offshore in the morning and took a while to turn onshore. At around noon the seabreeze came in but was only about 12 knots, barely enough to get going. First race was then scheduled to start at 210pm. All competitors dogged upwind to the startline which took about 45 minutes. A few guys brought their foils but decided not to compete as the reef looked very shallow in parts. Wind picked up to allow most of the sailors to plane upwind nearer to the startline. race starts and only about 8 sailors can get planing while the rest of us dogged to the first mark. no need to really write about what happens next as it was a struggle for a lightweight like me to stay on the plane. It was still my best result but the race didnt end up counting. Still was enjoyable to putt around and a chance to cool off in the turquoise water. First time to see Chris Lockwood sail in 12 knots!

Good to meet up with heaps of sailors over the 3 days. Great vibes all around. Also good to catch up with the CST and Mandurah mob and Spotty who made the drive from Victoria. A bit of a pinna presence too with Bunyip, Hooksey, Pointman, Boz, Gustenzo, Crimsonflash and myself. 

Patrik took out the overall 1st place, Bastien 2nd??, Jesper 3rd. GPS comp; Spotty 1st, Dan Engdahl 2nd, Winsup 3rd, slowboat 4th, Pointy 5th. The speed run located at the startline is quite flat and would be great to do some speed sailing again next visit.

Big congrats to Boz for taking second in the grandmasters behind Claude. I was surprised to get the rookie award, probably for my eagerness to get out there and race at every event last year kamikaze style! Still really honoured and humbled to get this prize.

I higly recommend giving this event a go as it is great fun and makes you push your limits. I went into unchartered territory and faced a few fears during this event. There's something about having someone bearing down on you on a broad reach making you go harder than you ever have before.

Also think events like these builds interest in our great sport. Lots of young guns getting out there and competing too. 

7.5 koncept, 125 patrik f-ride, 38 vector weedy