The temperature has warmed up a little over here but the wind has disapeared.
Started on my winter fitness program last Sunday 5th. KILLER.
Just started to feel I was slipping a bit on fitness so I am back in training. Its a killer when you stop and then start again. Light runs and bike until Christmas then step it up in January. At the moment its 15 mile bike ride every day. I want to do a bike ride and the run before Christmas.
Two weeks of free time over Christmas so lets hope for some wind. I need to get some wavesailing shots.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
2010 World Tour Speed Rankings
It's official I am ranked 2nd in the WORLD!!
Rankings 2010
ISWC Overall Men
1. A. Bringdal, SWE
2. M. Ogier, GBR
3. B. Dunkerbeck, SUI
4. D. Garrel, LUX
5. B. Moussilmani, FRA
ISWC Overall Women
1. Z. Davis, GBR
2. F. Aubert, FRA
3. M. Auge, FRA
4. B. Hoefer, GER
5. S. Wahl, GER
IKA Overall Men
1. Alex Caizergues, FRA
2. Sylvain Hoceini, FRA
3. Rob Douglas, USA
4. D. Williams, GBR
5. D. Leroy, USA
IKA Overall Women
1. M. Gil, USA
2. C. Consorti, FRA
3. S. Bredenkamp, RSA
4. J. Grobbelaar, GBR
5. Caroline Adrien, FRA
Rankings 2010
ISWC Overall Men
1. A. Bringdal, SWE
2. M. Ogier, GBR
3. B. Dunkerbeck, SUI
4. D. Garrel, LUX
5. B. Moussilmani, FRA
ISWC Overall Women
1. Z. Davis, GBR
2. F. Aubert, FRA
3. M. Auge, FRA
4. B. Hoefer, GER
5. S. Wahl, GER
IKA Overall Men
1. Alex Caizergues, FRA
2. Sylvain Hoceini, FRA
3. Rob Douglas, USA
4. D. Williams, GBR
5. D. Leroy, USA
IKA Overall Women
1. M. Gil, USA
2. C. Consorti, FRA
3. S. Bredenkamp, RSA
4. J. Grobbelaar, GBR
5. Caroline Adrien, FRA
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December cold
We have had 30 knots of wind for the past week. Only problem is it's only 1 degree outside at the moment. Time to insulate the face, pitty it doesn't grow on top so well.
Should warm up next week, time for some wave sailing I think.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
PORT ST LOUIS REPORT
2010 INTERNATIONAL SPEED TOUR
Event: Speed Classic
Location: Port St. Louis, France
Dates: 16th – 21st November 2010
Tue 16th Nov: Day one of the competition.
Arriving at the event site, we are greeted with Mistral winds gusting 60 knots dead offshore / slightly biased starboard tack for the course.The organisers decided to postpone opening the course after concerns were voiced over whether the guard boats could rescue sailors if they got into trouble. When the course opened we had steady 30 knots. Bjorn Dunkerbeck showed the way riding his new Starboard Isonic Speed 54 with 32cm fin (later to change to 30cm) and 5.6m sail. I opted for my new Isonic Speed 58 with 32cm Black Project fin and 6.0m Hot Sails GPS. The course was like a boiling saucepan - chop and 3' waves breaking.
I went out without boots thinking that I might have to change down to my smaller kit (5.5m sail on my Isonic 49) which I can’t sail in boots. I don't know if it was the cold numb feet or just not being used to sailing without boots but I was all over the place. There was then a technical problem which closed the course for 15 minutes and gave me time to go in and put my boots on. When the course re-opened it was like sailing in slippers, I quickly put in two good runs and my ranking shot up finishing 14th. As with most speed competitions there is always an “if only” and that was mine.
My speed history has always shown that tight courses aren't the best for me but with the problems I had to come back from, 14th was great. It put me in a fantastic position to finish the year in contention for the world championship.
Wed 17th - Friday 19th Nov: No wind.
Sat 20th Nov
The wind was back but blowing in the opposite direction to Tuesday: 18 to 20 knots of dead onshore wind and 6’ surf breaking all over the place - it was to be an absolute disaster for me. There wasn’t any type of consistent swell breaking it was all confused surf. I went out on the 8m and 107 litre board. It was the right equipment to get out through the surf however I pushed too hard during the first 30 minutes cumulating in a few wipe-outs and ripping the sail panel below the boom. Another 30 minutes of getting back to shore and changing sail to the 7.3 and I managed one under powered run before the wind dropped and I couldn’t get back out through the surf. It was the most frustrating time but I couldn’t do anything about it. The legs are 1.5 hours long and if something breaks it's game over.
My strength has always been being competitive in all winds strengths and that has enabled me to climb the years end ranking. It's very difficult in a one leg comp to hit the jackpot straight away. In Weymouth if they had had two legs on the windy day I would have been higher. Germany I was lucky to come out with what I had because you need weed fins which I didn’t know about. It’s all part of the learning process which I will put to good use next year.
With the points I gained in Port St Louis my year end ranking has risen up to at least 3rd position. It all depends on how many male competitors registered for Port St Louis, I am trying to get confirmation before I publish official results. I believe that there were 40 competitors and if so then my ranking will be up to second place and therefore:
VICE CHAMPION DU MONDE !!
Event: Speed Classic
Location: Port St. Louis, France
Dates: 16th – 21st November 2010
Tue 16th Nov: Day one of the competition.
Arriving at the event site, we are greeted with Mistral winds gusting 60 knots dead offshore / slightly biased starboard tack for the course.The organisers decided to postpone opening the course after concerns were voiced over whether the guard boats could rescue sailors if they got into trouble. When the course opened we had steady 30 knots. Bjorn Dunkerbeck showed the way riding his new Starboard Isonic Speed 54 with 32cm fin (later to change to 30cm) and 5.6m sail. I opted for my new Isonic Speed 58 with 32cm Black Project fin and 6.0m Hot Sails GPS. The course was like a boiling saucepan - chop and 3' waves breaking.
I went out without boots thinking that I might have to change down to my smaller kit (5.5m sail on my Isonic 49) which I can’t sail in boots. I don't know if it was the cold numb feet or just not being used to sailing without boots but I was all over the place. There was then a technical problem which closed the course for 15 minutes and gave me time to go in and put my boots on. When the course re-opened it was like sailing in slippers, I quickly put in two good runs and my ranking shot up finishing 14th. As with most speed competitions there is always an “if only” and that was mine.
My speed history has always shown that tight courses aren't the best for me but with the problems I had to come back from, 14th was great. It put me in a fantastic position to finish the year in contention for the world championship.
Wed 17th - Friday 19th Nov: No wind.
Sat 20th Nov
The wind was back but blowing in the opposite direction to Tuesday: 18 to 20 knots of dead onshore wind and 6’ surf breaking all over the place - it was to be an absolute disaster for me. There wasn’t any type of consistent swell breaking it was all confused surf. I went out on the 8m and 107 litre board. It was the right equipment to get out through the surf however I pushed too hard during the first 30 minutes cumulating in a few wipe-outs and ripping the sail panel below the boom. Another 30 minutes of getting back to shore and changing sail to the 7.3 and I managed one under powered run before the wind dropped and I couldn’t get back out through the surf. It was the most frustrating time but I couldn’t do anything about it. The legs are 1.5 hours long and if something breaks it's game over.
My strength has always been being competitive in all winds strengths and that has enabled me to climb the years end ranking. It's very difficult in a one leg comp to hit the jackpot straight away. In Weymouth if they had had two legs on the windy day I would have been higher. Germany I was lucky to come out with what I had because you need weed fins which I didn’t know about. It’s all part of the learning process which I will put to good use next year.
With the points I gained in Port St Louis my year end ranking has risen up to at least 3rd position. It all depends on how many male competitors registered for Port St Louis, I am trying to get confirmation before I publish official results. I believe that there were 40 competitors and if so then my ranking will be up to second place and therefore:
VICE CHAMPION DU MONDE !!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Port St Louis Speed Classic
Tue 16th, the first day of competition and we are greeted with Mistral wind gusting 60 knots dead offshore / slightly biased starboard tack for the course.
The organisers decided to postpone opening the course as to concerns over whether the guard boats could rescue sailors if they got into trouble.
When the course opened we had steady 30 knots, Bjorn Dunkerbeck was on his new Starboard Isonic Speed 54 with 32cm fin (later to change to 30cm) and 5.6m sail. I opted for my new Isonic Speed 58 with 32cm Black Project fin and 6m Hot Sail GPS. The course was like a boiling saucepan chop and 3' waves breaking.
Like with most speed contests and sailors there is always an "if only". I went out without booties thinking that I might have to change down to 5.5m sail on my Isonic 49. I don't know if it was the cold numb feet or just not used to sailing without boots but I was all over the place. The course then had a technical problem which closed it for 15minutes and gave me time to go in and put my boots on. When the course opened again it was like sailing in slippers, I quickly put in 2 good runs and my ranking shot up finishing 14th.
My speed history has always shown that tight course aren't the best for me but with the problems I had to come back to 14th was great. It puts me in a fantastic position for the world championship but I won't start shouting from the roof tops just yet.
We have two days with no wind and another forecast for tomorrow. Saturday is forecast for onshore winds, high surf and rain but the organisers have said that they intend to run another leg.
Time will tell.
Regards
Martyn
The organisers decided to postpone opening the course as to concerns over whether the guard boats could rescue sailors if they got into trouble.
When the course opened we had steady 30 knots, Bjorn Dunkerbeck was on his new Starboard Isonic Speed 54 with 32cm fin (later to change to 30cm) and 5.6m sail. I opted for my new Isonic Speed 58 with 32cm Black Project fin and 6m Hot Sail GPS. The course was like a boiling saucepan chop and 3' waves breaking.
Like with most speed contests and sailors there is always an "if only". I went out without booties thinking that I might have to change down to 5.5m sail on my Isonic 49. I don't know if it was the cold numb feet or just not used to sailing without boots but I was all over the place. The course then had a technical problem which closed it for 15minutes and gave me time to go in and put my boots on. When the course opened again it was like sailing in slippers, I quickly put in 2 good runs and my ranking shot up finishing 14th.
My speed history has always shown that tight course aren't the best for me but with the problems I had to come back to 14th was great. It puts me in a fantastic position for the world championship but I won't start shouting from the roof tops just yet.
We have two days with no wind and another forecast for tomorrow. Saturday is forecast for onshore winds, high surf and rain but the organisers have said that they intend to run another leg.
Time will tell.
Regards
Martyn
Friday, November 12, 2010
PORT ST LOUIS
Only a couple of days till I am on the road again. iphone is loaded with new sounds, van packed and shipped.
Here we go. Can't wait, great forcast for the start of the event.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
SPEED 11/11/2010
Got a speed session in today at Pembroke Bay. The wind was nuking, I rigged a 6m and due to the direction went out on the Starboard W58 with Black Project 30cm race fin.
6m was all I could hang on to. The wind today started Southerly and gradually backed around to the West. Southerly is dead offshore at Pembroke, I would say it was WSW to West when I went in, way too broad for decent speeds but one hell of a work out.
You could just about stay inside the bay on Port tack sailing out jibe and sail straight into the beach, gradually sailing off the wind over horrendous chop until you get a flat section between the breaking 4 to 5 foot waves, then let go. Looking at the gps tracks I had 150m to speed up to flat out before hitting the rocks at the end of the bay.
Top speed 37.808 Knots.
I am pleased with that. I had no run into the course. Pierre from gsyphoto.com took some photos that I will publish later, they remind me of Sotavento on a rough day.
6m was all I could hang on to. The wind today started Southerly and gradually backed around to the West. Southerly is dead offshore at Pembroke, I would say it was WSW to West when I went in, way too broad for decent speeds but one hell of a work out.
You could just about stay inside the bay on Port tack sailing out jibe and sail straight into the beach, gradually sailing off the wind over horrendous chop until you get a flat section between the breaking 4 to 5 foot waves, then let go. Looking at the gps tracks I had 150m to speed up to flat out before hitting the rocks at the end of the bay.
Top speed 37.808 Knots.
I am pleased with that. I had no run into the course. Pierre from gsyphoto.com took some photos that I will publish later, they remind me of Sotavento on a rough day.
Friday, October 29, 2010
I sailed the new Starboard 107 this morning in 5 - 25 knots of wind with a 7.3m sail.
The board has plenty of volume to get going but doesn't feel too big when fully lit. I used the Black Porject 35 race fin and had no spin outs at all. The scoop in the deck really helps with control. Compared to the 101 its so much better. The 101 for me was ok with a 8m sail but when you put a smaller sail on it felt bouncy and out of control. The 107 trims just great through chop and is lightning quick to excellerate peaking at 36.09 knots today.
All looks good for Port St Louis
Photos to follow.
The board has plenty of volume to get going but doesn't feel too big when fully lit. I used the Black Porject 35 race fin and had no spin outs at all. The scoop in the deck really helps with control. Compared to the 101 its so much better. The 101 for me was ok with a 8m sail but when you put a smaller sail on it felt bouncy and out of control. The 107 trims just great through chop and is lightning quick to excellerate peaking at 36.09 knots today.
All looks good for Port St Louis
Photos to follow.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Weymouth International Speed Week 2010
A very strange event!
Weymouth is one of my favourite speed events, the facilities are fantastic, great restaurants, guest houses and a direct ferry from Guernsey.
2009 was the first time I competed at Weymouth and with a fourth place finish I was really looking forward to 2010.
The weather forecast leading up to the event was about as bad as it could be, NO WIND! As the week edged closer the forecast started to look better with a slight possibility of some light winds during the week.
There are a number of different competitions running at the same time during Weymouth and they all have slightly different rules regarding results (some of these changed as the contest went along). I’ll try and explain the differences below.
Weymouth Speed week
Daily speeds are taken regardless of wind strength and direction with the fastest Windsurfer, Boat and Kite surfer prices daily.
The winner of the event is the vessel with the fastest run of the week.
You also have a veterans prize for over 45’s counting their best single run over the week, winning boat, windsurfer, kite, woman’s windsurfer, professional fleet, gold fleet, amateur, novice and youth.
Alongside this there is the UKWA men’s and woman’s champion which is based on the average of your two fastest speeds (having your best average was only decided during the contest) and the British Kite surfing champion.
Also there are the World speed tour ranking points based on the average of your two fastest runs per leg sailed. In Weymouth each leg has to have 25% of the fleet sail faster than 28 knots on an open ocean course and 30 knots on an offshore coastal course, normally in a World Tour Event it would be if 5 sailors reached these speeds the day would count. The time of each leg is at the discretion of the organisers but at every World tour event apart from Weymouth these would mean 1.5hr legs with and hour in between meaning you could have 1 day where you have 3 legs, this evens up the contest making it a fairer indication of who is the fastest sailor. In Weymouth they have two different legs per day whatever the wind strength but it is only classed as one. (I don’t know why either)
I know what you are thinking why not have all the competitions the same.
Are you keeping up?!
Saturday 16th October was registration day and with a light North East wind some competitor’s ventures out onto the water with huge sails. The wind was blowing 10 – 12 knots which wasn’t enough for a World Tour event.
Sunday 17th October saw even lighter NE winds of 8 - 10 knots.
Monday 18th October and the wind was starting to build. With 14 – 16 knots NW winds most of the sailors ventured out onto the Harbour course. We almost had a counting day; my fastest run was 27.99 knots which placed me 4th.
Tuesday 19th October and again we have 14 – 16 knots NW wind on the course. The morning leg from 10.30 – 12.30 sees speeds of over 28 knots. The afternoon leg sees the wind increase slightly and the speeds are increasing. The course is set 1 km up wind of the rigging area and at 4.30pm as per the morning briefing most of the sailors sail back thinking their day is done, including me. Once on shore the event organiser announces that the leg has been extended by 30 minutes.
This shouldn’t have happened, if the course gets extended then a flagged signal has to be placed on the course. It wasn’t. It also meant that some sailors had their best runs during this period. The day was also counted as one leg however it could have had two counting legs, this meant that some competitors sailed for the last hour only and had a great result.
Wednesday and Thursday saw the wind back off to 8 – 10 knots.
Friday looked promising to start but in the end speeds weren’t fast enough to have counting legs for the World Tour.
Overall I place third in the Professional Windsurfer fleet. A podium finish with prize I was informed on Thursday however by the time Friday prize giving came about the Professional Windsurfer fleet had been added to by a Professional Kite surfer which pushed me down to 4th.
I was using my Hot Sails Maui 8.8m sail with Sarboard Isonic 122 and 40cm Black Project fin. A great combination for the day. I could of change my boards down a size later in the completion however with such gusty winds I didn’t want to miss any good conditions that came through. Sailing out on an open ocean course makes changing equipment difficult.
That’s the bad news, the good news is that with another solid result added to the German Speed Championships from last month my world ranking has jumped up to 14th. 2010 World Tour is based on your best three events this means that at the moment 9 sailors in front of me are counting the last event in 2009 as one of their counting 3. Next stop is Port St Louis in the Camargue region of France. This is the biggest event of the year carrying the most points.
Is it going to be my year? I don’t know but I am in the right position to have a go.
Windsurfing Speed World Cup Ranking 2010
Pos Name Nation Total Best 3 out of 5 Results1
Anders Bjorkqvist SWE 336,64 168,00 91,89 76,74 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Swe 10 Gbr 10
2 Steven Flanagan IRL 272,27 193,20 79,07 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Gbr 10
3 BALDINI Andrea ITA 261,56 210,00 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Challenger Sails EC 09 Bel 10
4 KREISEL Hans NED 211,16 159,60 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Bel 10
5 HAACKE Bjoern GER 206,11 84,78 69,77 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
6 MALLON Torsten GER 205,96 86,96 67,44 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
7 FUCHS Manfred GER 204,09 80,43 72,09 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, KA Sails Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
8 DUNKERBECK Bjorn SUI 201,60 201,60 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Starboard, Severne EC 09
9 BORNEMANN Christian GER 185,96 134,40 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Carbon Art EC 09 Bel 10
10 Dirk Jan Knol NED 184,80 184,80 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09
11 GEESINK Anton NED 177,56 126,00 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09 Bel 10
12 Pearse Geaney IRL 176,40 176,40 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09
13 BORGELIND Daniel SWE 165,18 83,78 81,40 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Swe 10 Gbr 10
14 OGIER Martyn GBR 159,81 83,72 76,09 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Starboard Gbr 10 Ger 10
15 Monty Spindler USA 151,20 151,20 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09
16 NAUMANN Michael GER 149,39 97,83 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails Ger 10 Bel 10
17 VAN HOOF Patrick BEL 149,24 97,67 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Gbr 10 Bel 10
18 DAVIS Peter GBR 146,29 92,40 51,56 2,33 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Bel 10 Gbr 10
19 MERLE Manfred GER 145,04 93,48 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Bel 10
20 HOEFER Armin GER 142,87 91,30 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
Weymouth is one of my favourite speed events, the facilities are fantastic, great restaurants, guest houses and a direct ferry from Guernsey.
2009 was the first time I competed at Weymouth and with a fourth place finish I was really looking forward to 2010.
The weather forecast leading up to the event was about as bad as it could be, NO WIND! As the week edged closer the forecast started to look better with a slight possibility of some light winds during the week.
There are a number of different competitions running at the same time during Weymouth and they all have slightly different rules regarding results (some of these changed as the contest went along). I’ll try and explain the differences below.
Weymouth Speed week
Daily speeds are taken regardless of wind strength and direction with the fastest Windsurfer, Boat and Kite surfer prices daily.
The winner of the event is the vessel with the fastest run of the week.
You also have a veterans prize for over 45’s counting their best single run over the week, winning boat, windsurfer, kite, woman’s windsurfer, professional fleet, gold fleet, amateur, novice and youth.
Alongside this there is the UKWA men’s and woman’s champion which is based on the average of your two fastest speeds (having your best average was only decided during the contest) and the British Kite surfing champion.
Also there are the World speed tour ranking points based on the average of your two fastest runs per leg sailed. In Weymouth each leg has to have 25% of the fleet sail faster than 28 knots on an open ocean course and 30 knots on an offshore coastal course, normally in a World Tour Event it would be if 5 sailors reached these speeds the day would count. The time of each leg is at the discretion of the organisers but at every World tour event apart from Weymouth these would mean 1.5hr legs with and hour in between meaning you could have 1 day where you have 3 legs, this evens up the contest making it a fairer indication of who is the fastest sailor. In Weymouth they have two different legs per day whatever the wind strength but it is only classed as one. (I don’t know why either)
I know what you are thinking why not have all the competitions the same.
Are you keeping up?!
Saturday 16th October was registration day and with a light North East wind some competitor’s ventures out onto the water with huge sails. The wind was blowing 10 – 12 knots which wasn’t enough for a World Tour event.
Sunday 17th October saw even lighter NE winds of 8 - 10 knots.
Monday 18th October and the wind was starting to build. With 14 – 16 knots NW winds most of the sailors ventured out onto the Harbour course. We almost had a counting day; my fastest run was 27.99 knots which placed me 4th.
Tuesday 19th October and again we have 14 – 16 knots NW wind on the course. The morning leg from 10.30 – 12.30 sees speeds of over 28 knots. The afternoon leg sees the wind increase slightly and the speeds are increasing. The course is set 1 km up wind of the rigging area and at 4.30pm as per the morning briefing most of the sailors sail back thinking their day is done, including me. Once on shore the event organiser announces that the leg has been extended by 30 minutes.
This shouldn’t have happened, if the course gets extended then a flagged signal has to be placed on the course. It wasn’t. It also meant that some sailors had their best runs during this period. The day was also counted as one leg however it could have had two counting legs, this meant that some competitors sailed for the last hour only and had a great result.
Wednesday and Thursday saw the wind back off to 8 – 10 knots.
Friday looked promising to start but in the end speeds weren’t fast enough to have counting legs for the World Tour.
Overall I place third in the Professional Windsurfer fleet. A podium finish with prize I was informed on Thursday however by the time Friday prize giving came about the Professional Windsurfer fleet had been added to by a Professional Kite surfer which pushed me down to 4th.
I was using my Hot Sails Maui 8.8m sail with Sarboard Isonic 122 and 40cm Black Project fin. A great combination for the day. I could of change my boards down a size later in the completion however with such gusty winds I didn’t want to miss any good conditions that came through. Sailing out on an open ocean course makes changing equipment difficult.
That’s the bad news, the good news is that with another solid result added to the German Speed Championships from last month my world ranking has jumped up to 14th. 2010 World Tour is based on your best three events this means that at the moment 9 sailors in front of me are counting the last event in 2009 as one of their counting 3. Next stop is Port St Louis in the Camargue region of France. This is the biggest event of the year carrying the most points.
Is it going to be my year? I don’t know but I am in the right position to have a go.
Windsurfing Speed World Cup Ranking 2010
Pos Name Nation Total Best 3 out of 5 Results1
Anders Bjorkqvist SWE 336,64 168,00 91,89 76,74 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Swe 10 Gbr 10
2 Steven Flanagan IRL 272,27 193,20 79,07 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Gbr 10
3 BALDINI Andrea ITA 261,56 210,00 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Challenger Sails EC 09 Bel 10
4 KREISEL Hans NED 211,16 159,60 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Bel 10
5 HAACKE Bjoern GER 206,11 84,78 69,77 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
6 MALLON Torsten GER 205,96 86,96 67,44 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
7 FUCHS Manfred GER 204,09 80,43 72,09 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, KA Sails Ger 10 Gbr 10 Bel 10
8 DUNKERBECK Bjorn SUI 201,60 201,60 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Starboard, Severne EC 09
9 BORNEMANN Christian GER 185,96 134,40 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Carbon Art EC 09 Bel 10
10 Dirk Jan Knol NED 184,80 184,80 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09
11 GEESINK Anton NED 177,56 126,00 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09 Bel 10
12 Pearse Geaney IRL 176,40 176,40 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09
13 BORGELIND Daniel SWE 165,18 83,78 81,40 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Swe 10 Gbr 10
14 OGIER Martyn GBR 159,81 83,72 76,09 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Starboard Gbr 10 Ger 10
15 Monty Spindler USA 151,20 151,20 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails EC 09
16 NAUMANN Michael GER 149,39 97,83 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/-, Loft Sails Ger 10 Bel 10
17 VAN HOOF Patrick BEL 149,24 97,67 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Gbr 10 Bel 10
18 DAVIS Peter GBR 146,29 92,40 51,56 2,33 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- EC 09 Bel 10 Gbr 10
19 MERLE Manfred GER 145,04 93,48 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
-/- Ger 10 Bel 10
20 HOEFER Armin GER 142,87 91,30 51,56 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Weymouth
The van is packed and I am ready for Weymouth.
Two great days of sailing in Guernsey. Sunday onshore wavesailing and yesterday a speed session at a new spot.
Yesterdays wind was North East and the tide was high, usaully this provides no speed strip at all but when passing Grande Havre Bay I pulled in and at the Northern end the wind was blowing over the headland and offshore providing nice smooth water. Not knowing if it was sailable I opted for a 7.3m on the Isonic 101. The strip is only aproximatly 250m long, giving you 100m to beer away and speed up and 50m to slow dowm. 36.7 knots was my top speed, real fun to be out on flat water just wished it was a longer strip.
Two great days of sailing in Guernsey. Sunday onshore wavesailing and yesterday a speed session at a new spot.
Yesterdays wind was North East and the tide was high, usaully this provides no speed strip at all but when passing Grande Havre Bay I pulled in and at the Northern end the wind was blowing over the headland and offshore providing nice smooth water. Not knowing if it was sailable I opted for a 7.3m on the Isonic 101. The strip is only aproximatly 250m long, giving you 100m to beer away and speed up and 50m to slow dowm. 36.7 knots was my top speed, real fun to be out on flat water just wished it was a longer strip.
Speed Tour
Weymouth starts this coming Saturday, with wind forecast on the Saturday and Monday. The forecast is for light winds but we all sail in light winds from time to time.
I don't know why speed competitions have a noose around their necks that the contest isn't a good one unless records are broken. No one worries about a slalom comp with 8m sails so why do people when it's a speed contest.
It's as important to know the fastest 8m2 sail as it is a 5m2 sail and a speed contest is the place to find out. I would rather be sailing with a 5 instead of an 8but its still a contest.
The world speed tour has to re-educate the public to this then we will have a tour to be proud of. Also the tour needs a tour sponsor rather than individual contests. All the national contest are booming, over subscribed at times. These events are up and running a tour sponsor would only have to come in to provide prize money. Prize money doesn't even have to be much but it would give a more professional look to the organisation and help it grow again.
Look at this year, the Belgium event, German event and Weymouth, all great speed events up and running but with no chance of records being smashed, does it matter?
National events with a 7500 euro prize fund, that is what we need. World and European events could follow but get a secure tour in place first.
I don't know why speed competitions have a noose around their necks that the contest isn't a good one unless records are broken. No one worries about a slalom comp with 8m sails so why do people when it's a speed contest.
It's as important to know the fastest 8m2 sail as it is a 5m2 sail and a speed contest is the place to find out. I would rather be sailing with a 5 instead of an 8but its still a contest.
The world speed tour has to re-educate the public to this then we will have a tour to be proud of. Also the tour needs a tour sponsor rather than individual contests. All the national contest are booming, over subscribed at times. These events are up and running a tour sponsor would only have to come in to provide prize money. Prize money doesn't even have to be much but it would give a more professional look to the organisation and help it grow again.
Look at this year, the Belgium event, German event and Weymouth, all great speed events up and running but with no chance of records being smashed, does it matter?
National events with a 7500 euro prize fund, that is what we need. World and European events could follow but get a secure tour in place first.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sept wave sailing
Back from Germany and it's windy. I just had the first wave session since March, all summer I have been testing and training for speed and now I realise why I love wave sailing so much. It was light and on shore but was great to feel the freedom of sailing with a wave sail and board.
No time to rest though Weymouth is comming up and I feel sooo ready, can't wait.
No time to rest though Weymouth is comming up and I feel sooo ready, can't wait.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
GERMAN SPEED CHAMPS MY STORY
Just back from the German speed event, knackered after the drive.
I'll put a full report together on the blog site later on in the week but I thought I'd let you know how things went.
The course in Fehmarn is in the middle of a big natuarl harbour. No real flat off shore speed strip at all and full of weed. No one told me I would need weed fins. After being so confident with the fins I have that was a real shocker. I borrowed two fins from a local fin maker, a 24cm and 28cm ( all he had ), and had to swap them around the boards I used. With the winds we had and sea conditions I used the Isonic 101 and 94. The last day I should have used the 122 and the second day I could have used the speed 58.
The course was about 1 mile upwind from the rigging area and each leg was 1.5hrs. 1.5hrs sounds like a long time but if your out with the wrong kit or the wind changes you haven't really got time to sail back downwind change and beat back up especially with weed fins that are too small.
Race Day One
leg one
About 20 knots, 8m on the 101, broad course with wind chop up to 18" high (the chop stayed the same in every round)
Placed 8th with a 2 x 500m average of 30.9 knots, max 33.9
leg two
Wind picked up a bit and changed down to the 7.3 on the 101. They change the course and made it squarer.
Placed 14th with 2 x 500m average of 29.7 max 31.89
Fin was way too small. I couldn't do anything about it the board was slipping sideways.
Race day 2
Leg 3
25 -28 knots wind 6.6 on the 94
Placed 9th with 2 x 500m average of 32.4 max 35.7
leg 4
Wind dropped a bit. 7.3m on the 101ltr. Should of stayed on the 94 ltr board
Placed 15th with 2 x 500m average of 31.1 max 34.6
Leg 5
Wind dropping after the race started. On the 7.3 and 94. The main start bouy started drifting during this race which meant that the course was getting tighter all the time. The race was thrown out due to this but then reinstated.
Placed 13th 2 x 500m average of 29.8, max of 32.8
Race day 3
Leg 6
Wind blowing 20 knots but forcast to drop. On the 8.8 with the 101. As the race started the wind started to drop and I was struggling to get runs in. I should of been on the 122 ltr board but it wasn't finned up and I would of had time to change.
Placed 17th average of 26.2, max of 30 knots.
Overall after 6 legs and one discard I placed 12th. 1st place International and 1st placed guest.
Conclusions
Being 110kg board size is critical for me. I either plane or sink. On the windiest leg I could have used the Isonic speed 58 which would have been faster but with the course so far up wind changing equipment during a leg wasn't practical.
Fins again were a huge issue but out of my control, I was lucky to find weed fins at all.
Leg 5 should have been chucked out.
The sails are as fast as the Norths, Prydes and Gaastras but the package of sail, board and fin have to be right. Changing equipent during the legs wasn't possible however it will be in Weymouth and France.
12th should bring my overall ranking up to 30 ish now that the ranking system has changed. With Weymouth and France I think top 16 is achievable. This year everthing revolves around France, it has the most points by far. 3 events to count for the ranking.
1st International doesn't mean much to me but it did bring a lot of media attention and my kids where please to see two trophies brought back.
Under the circumstances 12th was a good finish but I always want more.
I'll put a full report together on the blog site later on in the week but I thought I'd let you know how things went.
The course in Fehmarn is in the middle of a big natuarl harbour. No real flat off shore speed strip at all and full of weed. No one told me I would need weed fins. After being so confident with the fins I have that was a real shocker. I borrowed two fins from a local fin maker, a 24cm and 28cm ( all he had ), and had to swap them around the boards I used. With the winds we had and sea conditions I used the Isonic 101 and 94. The last day I should have used the 122 and the second day I could have used the speed 58.
The course was about 1 mile upwind from the rigging area and each leg was 1.5hrs. 1.5hrs sounds like a long time but if your out with the wrong kit or the wind changes you haven't really got time to sail back downwind change and beat back up especially with weed fins that are too small.
Race Day One
leg one
About 20 knots, 8m on the 101, broad course with wind chop up to 18" high (the chop stayed the same in every round)
Placed 8th with a 2 x 500m average of 30.9 knots, max 33.9
leg two
Wind picked up a bit and changed down to the 7.3 on the 101. They change the course and made it squarer.
Placed 14th with 2 x 500m average of 29.7 max 31.89
Fin was way too small. I couldn't do anything about it the board was slipping sideways.
Race day 2
Leg 3
25 -28 knots wind 6.6 on the 94
Placed 9th with 2 x 500m average of 32.4 max 35.7
leg 4
Wind dropped a bit. 7.3m on the 101ltr. Should of stayed on the 94 ltr board
Placed 15th with 2 x 500m average of 31.1 max 34.6
Leg 5
Wind dropping after the race started. On the 7.3 and 94. The main start bouy started drifting during this race which meant that the course was getting tighter all the time. The race was thrown out due to this but then reinstated.
Placed 13th 2 x 500m average of 29.8, max of 32.8
Race day 3
Leg 6
Wind blowing 20 knots but forcast to drop. On the 8.8 with the 101. As the race started the wind started to drop and I was struggling to get runs in. I should of been on the 122 ltr board but it wasn't finned up and I would of had time to change.
Placed 17th average of 26.2, max of 30 knots.
Overall after 6 legs and one discard I placed 12th. 1st place International and 1st placed guest.
Conclusions
Being 110kg board size is critical for me. I either plane or sink. On the windiest leg I could have used the Isonic speed 58 which would have been faster but with the course so far up wind changing equipment during a leg wasn't practical.
Fins again were a huge issue but out of my control, I was lucky to find weed fins at all.
Leg 5 should have been chucked out.
The sails are as fast as the Norths, Prydes and Gaastras but the package of sail, board and fin have to be right. Changing equipent during the legs wasn't possible however it will be in Weymouth and France.
12th should bring my overall ranking up to 30 ish now that the ranking system has changed. With Weymouth and France I think top 16 is achievable. This year everthing revolves around France, it has the most points by far. 3 events to count for the ranking.
1st International doesn't mean much to me but it did bring a lot of media attention and my kids where please to see two trophies brought back.
Under the circumstances 12th was a good finish but I always want more.
GERMAN SPEED CHAMPIONSHIPS
4TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 1
No wind on the first day of competition at the German speed surfing in Orth on the island of Fehmarn. The last of the sailors signed in for what they hoped was going to be an epic battle of speed over a 500m course. All the title contenders to be crowned German Speed Champion have turned up, last year's winner Alexander Lehmann, Thorsten Mallon, Manfred Merle, Michael Naumann and Martyn Ogier travelling form Guernsey to enter his first German event. All together there is a starting line-up of 67 competitors and 16 internationals. On the women’s side we have the current German champion Birgit Höfer and Steffi Whal in the starting list.
Unfortunately the wind was not strong enough for an official race on day 1 however the mid-week forecast is very promising.
In the meantime a solid program of activities is planned to keep the sailors occupied including Stand-up paddling and seminars for everyone keep boredom at bay.
5TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 2
On windless day two of the competition in the morning Wolfgang Lessach held a lecture on the proper use of the Speed Finns and as expected this ended in a controversial discussion, which probably still persists.
In the afternoon as part of the Rip Curl German SUP Challenge a GPS paddle speed competition took place on Naish SUP boards.
The women’s results in the SEA Paddle comp were 1st Caro Weber, 2nd Place Birgit Höfer, 3rd Roswitha Merle.
In the men 1st Andreas Wolter, 2nd Christian Hahn Platz, 3rd Place Andy Mattausch,4th place Manfred Merle.
During the day a lot of visitors turned up to stroll through the rigging area asking questions and checking out the speed equipment being readied for the next day’s optimistic forecast.
6TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 3
The day starts sunny and no wind but with a Forecast that from midday the wind will increase from east with gusts up to 19 knots. A slight uneasiness crept around the competitors as one after the other skippers meeting were put on standby waiting for the wind to increase. At 17.00 the green flag was hoisted for a fun race, the best 5 x 10 second runs to decide the winner.
In the evening a good humoured annual general meeting of the German Speed Tour was held in the tavern "Syrtaki".
7TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 4
Here it is! Southeast winds up to 24 knots. The course is set in the eastern Bay of Orth about 200m away from the rigging area. At 11:00 clock the first race is started. The wind is very gusty with sailors taking between 7 and 8 square meter sails. A 1.5 hour race on starboard tack over a 500m course, the average of your best two runs to count.
Michael Naumann took the win from Uwe-Soren Schmidt second and Gunnar Asmussen third. Martyn Ogier was the first international struggling in the light gusty winds in 8th place.
After three-hour break for the competitors to get some food and the results to be published the second race was started. The wind had swung slightly and increased in the gusts allowing the sailors to change down a sail size.
8TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 5
11:45 No.3 race was started. The course had been re-laid to run on Port tack. The wind had increased again since yesterday allowing most sailors to be on 6.3m sails. This time, Gunnar Asmussen won the day ahead on Michael Naumann, and Armin Höfer. Martyn Ogier top international for the third race in succession placing 9th
13:50 race No. 4, same wind direction but slightly lighter than the mornings race. With the course set out in the middle of a huge natural harbour the wind strength wasn’t making much difference on board speeds at all, it was the sea state that kept speeds down to the mid 30 knots mark. Gunnar Asmussen won yet again confirming his desire to win his first speed competition, second was Uwe-Sören Schmidt and third Michael Naumann. Martyn Ogier kept up his dominance for the international trophy with another win in that category.
17.00 Just as everybody was packing up thinking the day was done race No 5 was announced to start in 30 minutes. Another great race saw Gunnar Asmussen win from Michael Naumann and Uwe-Sören Schmidt third.
9TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 6
The rules for the German Tour are that if one sailor completes at least five runs over 25 knots the day counts. Winds were between 10 – 15 knots. All the competitors on their largest kit (maximum sail size permitted 9m). Gunnar Asmussen won from
Michael Naumann and Uwe-Sören Schmidt third again confirming their rankings in that order for the week. Martyn Ogier won the International fleet and 12th overall in the main event.
10TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 7
On the penultimate day of competition saw the competitors waiting in vain for the wind.
The highlight of the day on the 20-year anniversary of the German Speed Tour was the KA-Sails team raffling off a brand new KA-race sail. Followed by tasty cocktails.
The current ranking for the event sees Gunnar Asmussen (F2/North) 1st, Michael Naumann (The Loft / Exocet) 2nd and Uwe-Sören Schmidt (Surftools) 3rd.
In the woman’s event Steffi Wahl wins ahead of Birgit Höfer and Anja Kruse.
11TH SEPTEMBER 2010
FINAL DAY
Drizzle and no wind meant competitors started packing up ready for the prize giving at 15.00.
The German Speed Championships were sponsored by Nordswell Surfwear , Camp Inn Fehmarn, Windsurfing Journal, Design Lessach and the Tourism Association of Fehmarn.
Results Men
1st Gunnar Asmussen (F2/North)
2nd Michael Naumann (The Loft / Exocet)
3rd Uwe-Sören Schmidt (Surftools)
12th Martyn Ogier (Hot Sails Maui / Starboard / Flying Objects / Black Project Fins)
Results Woman
1st Steffi Wahl
2nd Birgit Höfer
3rd Anja Kruse
Results International sailors
1st Martyn Ogier (Hot Sails Maui / Starboard / Flying Objects / Black Project Fins)
Martyn Ogier receiving the 1st place international sailor prize
DAY 1
No wind on the first day of competition at the German speed surfing in Orth on the island of Fehmarn. The last of the sailors signed in for what they hoped was going to be an epic battle of speed over a 500m course. All the title contenders to be crowned German Speed Champion have turned up, last year's winner Alexander Lehmann, Thorsten Mallon, Manfred Merle, Michael Naumann and Martyn Ogier travelling form Guernsey to enter his first German event. All together there is a starting line-up of 67 competitors and 16 internationals. On the women’s side we have the current German champion Birgit Höfer and Steffi Whal in the starting list.
Unfortunately the wind was not strong enough for an official race on day 1 however the mid-week forecast is very promising.
In the meantime a solid program of activities is planned to keep the sailors occupied including Stand-up paddling and seminars for everyone keep boredom at bay.
5TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 2
On windless day two of the competition in the morning Wolfgang Lessach held a lecture on the proper use of the Speed Finns and as expected this ended in a controversial discussion, which probably still persists.
In the afternoon as part of the Rip Curl German SUP Challenge a GPS paddle speed competition took place on Naish SUP boards.
The women’s results in the SEA Paddle comp were 1st Caro Weber, 2nd Place Birgit Höfer, 3rd Roswitha Merle.
In the men 1st Andreas Wolter, 2nd Christian Hahn Platz, 3rd Place Andy Mattausch,4th place Manfred Merle.
During the day a lot of visitors turned up to stroll through the rigging area asking questions and checking out the speed equipment being readied for the next day’s optimistic forecast.
6TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 3
The day starts sunny and no wind but with a Forecast that from midday the wind will increase from east with gusts up to 19 knots. A slight uneasiness crept around the competitors as one after the other skippers meeting were put on standby waiting for the wind to increase. At 17.00 the green flag was hoisted for a fun race, the best 5 x 10 second runs to decide the winner.
In the evening a good humoured annual general meeting of the German Speed Tour was held in the tavern "Syrtaki".
7TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 4
Here it is! Southeast winds up to 24 knots. The course is set in the eastern Bay of Orth about 200m away from the rigging area. At 11:00 clock the first race is started. The wind is very gusty with sailors taking between 7 and 8 square meter sails. A 1.5 hour race on starboard tack over a 500m course, the average of your best two runs to count.
Michael Naumann took the win from Uwe-Soren Schmidt second and Gunnar Asmussen third. Martyn Ogier was the first international struggling in the light gusty winds in 8th place.
After three-hour break for the competitors to get some food and the results to be published the second race was started. The wind had swung slightly and increased in the gusts allowing the sailors to change down a sail size.
8TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 5
11:45 No.3 race was started. The course had been re-laid to run on Port tack. The wind had increased again since yesterday allowing most sailors to be on 6.3m sails. This time, Gunnar Asmussen won the day ahead on Michael Naumann, and Armin Höfer. Martyn Ogier top international for the third race in succession placing 9th
13:50 race No. 4, same wind direction but slightly lighter than the mornings race. With the course set out in the middle of a huge natural harbour the wind strength wasn’t making much difference on board speeds at all, it was the sea state that kept speeds down to the mid 30 knots mark. Gunnar Asmussen won yet again confirming his desire to win his first speed competition, second was Uwe-Sören Schmidt and third Michael Naumann. Martyn Ogier kept up his dominance for the international trophy with another win in that category.
17.00 Just as everybody was packing up thinking the day was done race No 5 was announced to start in 30 minutes. Another great race saw Gunnar Asmussen win from Michael Naumann and Uwe-Sören Schmidt third.
9TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 6
The rules for the German Tour are that if one sailor completes at least five runs over 25 knots the day counts. Winds were between 10 – 15 knots. All the competitors on their largest kit (maximum sail size permitted 9m). Gunnar Asmussen won from
Michael Naumann and Uwe-Sören Schmidt third again confirming their rankings in that order for the week. Martyn Ogier won the International fleet and 12th overall in the main event.
10TH SEPTEMBER 2010
DAY 7
On the penultimate day of competition saw the competitors waiting in vain for the wind.
The highlight of the day on the 20-year anniversary of the German Speed Tour was the KA-Sails team raffling off a brand new KA-race sail. Followed by tasty cocktails.
The current ranking for the event sees Gunnar Asmussen (F2/North) 1st, Michael Naumann (The Loft / Exocet) 2nd and Uwe-Sören Schmidt (Surftools) 3rd.
In the woman’s event Steffi Wahl wins ahead of Birgit Höfer and Anja Kruse.
11TH SEPTEMBER 2010
FINAL DAY
Drizzle and no wind meant competitors started packing up ready for the prize giving at 15.00.
The German Speed Championships were sponsored by Nordswell Surfwear , Camp Inn Fehmarn, Windsurfing Journal, Design Lessach and the Tourism Association of Fehmarn.
Results Men
1st Gunnar Asmussen (F2/North)
2nd Michael Naumann (The Loft / Exocet)
3rd Uwe-Sören Schmidt (Surftools)
12th Martyn Ogier (Hot Sails Maui / Starboard / Flying Objects / Black Project Fins)
Results Woman
1st Steffi Wahl
2nd Birgit Höfer
3rd Anja Kruse
Results International sailors
1st Martyn Ogier (Hot Sails Maui / Starboard / Flying Objects / Black Project Fins)
Martyn Ogier receiving the 1st place international sailor prize
Sunday, September 5, 2010
German Speed Sailing Championships
What a journey. The German championships have always been an event I wanted to attend, back in the past it was always well attended by the big guns, Maka etc.
Getting here has been a bit of a adventure on its own. Living in a small island like Guernsey getting anywhere can be difficult and costly. The only way I could see of getting to Germany in the quickest time was to ship my van to England without me, pick it up at Southampton airport, drive to the Euro Tunnel and drive up from Calais. All went to plan, the van left on Monday 30th without me and I flew on the red eye on the 2nd.
6am start on the 2nd, picked up my van just after 8am and on the road. 2.5 hrs later and I was in Folkestone ready for the tunnel. Its quite daunting turning up without a clue of where to go or what to do. I was ahead of schedule as I had prebooked the tunnel crossing for 12.30. By now I was in a cue of traffic going through the self checkin, no way of getting out of it but to my great relief when I got to the automated check in, tapped in my booking code, it told me that I could go on the next train.
All going to plan and ahead of schedule. I didn't know how long the train would take but decided to try and have a nap as I would have a 9 hr drive the other side. I just got off dreaming epic speed conditions when the annoucer informed us that we had arrived, 30 mins from leaving. Not much of a nap but well ahead of schedule now.
Sat navs are so great. I know 99% of people will read this and say "yeah so what" but I have never had the need for one until now. I entered the destination "Fehmarn" and off I went. 6 hours driving through France maybe Belgium and Holland, difficult to tell when your following the sat nav and all the names look the same (foriegn) then into Germany and I need to stop. The german motorways don't have as many petrol stations and hotels along the way as in France so finding one took a little longer than expected but find one I did and had a good night sleep and food.
Friday 2nd and I am up early and on the road by 8am with approximately 3 hours to go. It's feels lot easier than driving yesterday evening and before I know it I am at the bridge that takes you over to Fehmarn Island in the Baltic sea.
Fehmarn is approximately 10 miles square. The motorway from mainland Germany runs straight over the connecting bridge and on to Puttgarden on the North East of the island where there is the main ferry port for freight and transport on to Denmark.
We are based on the South West side on Fehmarn in a small village / marina called Orth. It's quite similar in feal to Weymouth, lots of yatchs and small boats pottering about. Lovely cafes and resturants with outside seating, a holiday type of place.
From first arriving the speed sailing potential is obvious. It doesn't matter which direction the wind is, there will be a speed strip to sail.
Most of the competitors have turned up on the Friday however the registration is open on the Saturday morning as well. We are based in a field adjoing two potential speed strips, on to the west and one to the east. Both only 100m away. The rigging area is next to the camping area in the field and it is no surprise given the Germans history of travelling through Europe that they have pitched up in there camper vans.
Getting here has been a bit of a adventure on its own. Living in a small island like Guernsey getting anywhere can be difficult and costly. The only way I could see of getting to Germany in the quickest time was to ship my van to England without me, pick it up at Southampton airport, drive to the Euro Tunnel and drive up from Calais. All went to plan, the van left on Monday 30th without me and I flew on the red eye on the 2nd.
6am start on the 2nd, picked up my van just after 8am and on the road. 2.5 hrs later and I was in Folkestone ready for the tunnel. Its quite daunting turning up without a clue of where to go or what to do. I was ahead of schedule as I had prebooked the tunnel crossing for 12.30. By now I was in a cue of traffic going through the self checkin, no way of getting out of it but to my great relief when I got to the automated check in, tapped in my booking code, it told me that I could go on the next train.
All going to plan and ahead of schedule. I didn't know how long the train would take but decided to try and have a nap as I would have a 9 hr drive the other side. I just got off dreaming epic speed conditions when the annoucer informed us that we had arrived, 30 mins from leaving. Not much of a nap but well ahead of schedule now.
Sat navs are so great. I know 99% of people will read this and say "yeah so what" but I have never had the need for one until now. I entered the destination "Fehmarn" and off I went. 6 hours driving through France maybe Belgium and Holland, difficult to tell when your following the sat nav and all the names look the same (foriegn) then into Germany and I need to stop. The german motorways don't have as many petrol stations and hotels along the way as in France so finding one took a little longer than expected but find one I did and had a good night sleep and food.
Friday 2nd and I am up early and on the road by 8am with approximately 3 hours to go. It's feels lot easier than driving yesterday evening and before I know it I am at the bridge that takes you over to Fehmarn Island in the Baltic sea.
Fehmarn is approximately 10 miles square. The motorway from mainland Germany runs straight over the connecting bridge and on to Puttgarden on the North East of the island where there is the main ferry port for freight and transport on to Denmark.
We are based on the South West side on Fehmarn in a small village / marina called Orth. It's quite similar in feal to Weymouth, lots of yatchs and small boats pottering about. Lovely cafes and resturants with outside seating, a holiday type of place.
From first arriving the speed sailing potential is obvious. It doesn't matter which direction the wind is, there will be a speed strip to sail.
Most of the competitors have turned up on the Friday however the registration is open on the Saturday morning as well. We are based in a field adjoing two potential speed strips, on to the west and one to the east. Both only 100m away. The rigging area is next to the camping area in the field and it is no surprise given the Germans history of travelling through Europe that they have pitched up in there camper vans.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
World Speed Tour
Ok we are off!!
Confirmed dates as follows
German Championships - 4th - 11th September - Fermarn island Germany
Swedish Championships - 2nd-3rd October - Torkelstorp Sweden
British Championships - 18nd - 24th October - Weymouth, England
Worlds Championships - 8th - 14th November - Port St Louis France
Thats how it lines up for the 2010 World Tour and I am really excited!
I have had some great sessions on the new Starboard 58, which is a dream to sail from 8m down to 6.6m. The 2010 Hotsails GPS sails are really quick. New fins from Black Project that hold you in soooooo well.
On top of that I'm feelin great. Bring it on.
It will be the first time I have sailed in Germany and Sweden so I don't know what the course will be like but I am confortable on anything.
I keep you informed.
Confirmed dates as follows
German Championships - 4th - 11th September - Fermarn island Germany
Swedish Championships - 2nd-3rd October - Torkelstorp Sweden
British Championships - 18nd - 24th October - Weymouth, England
Worlds Championships - 8th - 14th November - Port St Louis France
Thats how it lines up for the 2010 World Tour and I am really excited!
I have had some great sessions on the new Starboard 58, which is a dream to sail from 8m down to 6.6m. The 2010 Hotsails GPS sails are really quick. New fins from Black Project that hold you in soooooo well.
On top of that I'm feelin great. Bring it on.
It will be the first time I have sailed in Germany and Sweden so I don't know what the course will be like but I am confortable on anything.
I keep you informed.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Missed oportunities
First real wind of the summer and Guernsey missed it. The wind blew through the night on Thursday and Friday dying off on both days.
Plenty of sailing but no epic conditions as promised.
Thursday morning I had an hour and half up at Pembroke bay with my 8.8 GPS Hot Sail and Starboard Isonic 101. It was the first time I sailed that combination and it worked great, the board has enough volume to carry the big sail, my Isonic 94 was too small. The tide was too high for great speeds but a good session.
Second session was at Vazon low tide n the 8.8 and 121 Isonic. Lighter winds but faster times, I maxed just under 35 knots which was pleasing on such big kit. Theforecast was for force 6-7, we were lucky to get force 4.
Friday an the wind was slightly stronger. Grande Havre bay with a 7.3 on the 101. Gusty as hell and rough. A good work out but soooooo fustrating! England and Holland are aving cassic conditions and Guernsey has missed it. Friday evening back at Pembroke 8.8 and 121. Low tide and some nice flat water but gusty winds from the West meant it was too broad.
Easy to say I should have made atrip to England but the forcast wasn't conclusive.
Next time!
Load of sailing and good tuning of the big kit, new fins etc.
Plenty of sailing but no epic conditions as promised.
Thursday morning I had an hour and half up at Pembroke bay with my 8.8 GPS Hot Sail and Starboard Isonic 101. It was the first time I sailed that combination and it worked great, the board has enough volume to carry the big sail, my Isonic 94 was too small. The tide was too high for great speeds but a good session.
Second session was at Vazon low tide n the 8.8 and 121 Isonic. Lighter winds but faster times, I maxed just under 35 knots which was pleasing on such big kit. Theforecast was for force 6-7, we were lucky to get force 4.
Friday an the wind was slightly stronger. Grande Havre bay with a 7.3 on the 101. Gusty as hell and rough. A good work out but soooooo fustrating! England and Holland are aving cassic conditions and Guernsey has missed it. Friday evening back at Pembroke 8.8 and 121. Low tide and some nice flat water but gusty winds from the West meant it was too broad.
Easy to say I should have made atrip to England but the forcast wasn't conclusive.
Next time!
Load of sailing and good tuning of the big kit, new fins etc.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Fuerteventura OFF!
Fuerteventura has been cancelled.
I don't know where this leaves the Speed Tour. The European Championships are due to be held in France October November time, this should go ahead the French have a huge following. Weymouth will take place, Sweden and Germany are saying they are good to go at the moment.
The economic melt down has reached speed sailing. Doom and Gloom doesn't stop there, we haven't had strong winds in Guernsey all year.
Time to turn it around a bit.
Guernsey has had sailing conditions, mostly 8m and 8.8m on large slalom boards. It's still windsurfing and great to be out.
I had a photo session this morning with Pierre to get some shots of my sails logo'd up with Flying Object stickers. Great conditions, sun out and 15 knots of wind.
I'll keep you posted on the competition news. If contest comes up I'll have to take a trip to Tarifa to get some GPS speeds nailed.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Fuerteventura World Championships
Fuerteventura world championships are coming up.
The Speed World Cup has changed its ranking system for 2010 to your best three events to count for the overall title. Something I agree with 100% however in doing this it means that my 2009 ranking would of given me automatic entry into the World Champs easily but now my ranking is based on Karpathos last year and Weymouth where although I placed fourth was judged as a non counting event due to the small number of sailors who sailed fast enough in those conditions.
Other sailors have jumped over me with entering non events in Holland and Belgium and sailing in what must be the smallest event of the year in Ireland.
I'm still inside the the 40 places allocated however that will change if more people enter.
I hope I get in, I've put too much into it to miss out.
The Speed World Cup has changed its ranking system for 2010 to your best three events to count for the overall title. Something I agree with 100% however in doing this it means that my 2009 ranking would of given me automatic entry into the World Champs easily but now my ranking is based on Karpathos last year and Weymouth where although I placed fourth was judged as a non counting event due to the small number of sailors who sailed fast enough in those conditions.
Other sailors have jumped over me with entering non events in Holland and Belgium and sailing in what must be the smallest event of the year in Ireland.
I'm still inside the the 40 places allocated however that will change if more people enter.
I hope I get in, I've put too much into it to miss out.
Pembroke Bay speed session
Good wind angle at Pembroke on Saturday but by the time the wind picked up the tide was way too high. Pembroke has a 25' drop from the car park to the beach level, at low tide you are 350m away fro the wall but at high it could be as close as 10m. When I sailed it was about 25m away and hence a great big wind shadow as you came in close. Pleased with the speeds though, they keep creeping up. This sail will easily do 34knots max and average well over 30 in its correct wind range.
Sail size and predicted speed for each sail listed below
Hotsails GPS 8.8 34 knots
Hotsails GPS 8.0 37 knots
Hotsails GPS 7.3 40 knots
Hotsails GPS 6.6 43 knots
Hotsails GPS 6.0 46 knots
Hotsails GPS 5.5 BALLISTIC KNOTS
These are what I predict for each sail.
Guernsey is a fantastic place to sail and train but for flat out speed we are limited. Pembroke bay is our best spot, a sandy bay measuring 650m from one side to the other. It's only good at low tide in a SE to SW wind direction. You could count the number of SW winds we have had in 2010 on one hand yet it is our prominent wind direction.
Sail size and predicted speed for each sail listed below
Hotsails GPS 8.8 34 knots
Hotsails GPS 8.0 37 knots
Hotsails GPS 7.3 40 knots
Hotsails GPS 6.6 43 knots
Hotsails GPS 6.0 46 knots
Hotsails GPS 5.5 BALLISTIC KNOTS
These are what I predict for each sail.
Guernsey is a fantastic place to sail and train but for flat out speed we are limited. Pembroke bay is our best spot, a sandy bay measuring 650m from one side to the other. It's only good at low tide in a SE to SW wind direction. You could count the number of SW winds we have had in 2010 on one hand yet it is our prominent wind direction.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sponsorship news
It's official, I am now sponsored by FLYING OBJECTS through the UK importer Seasprite.
Check out their website www.flyingobjects.com
Really good quality boards bags and accessories which will ease my travelling this year.
Press release to follow once I have my sails stickered up and some pics taken.
Great news for my existing sponsors as well with more exposure coming our way.
Stay tuned there is one more in the pipeline which should make the second half of the year very productive.
Check out their website www.flyingobjects.com
Really good quality boards bags and accessories which will ease my travelling this year.
Press release to follow once I have my sails stickered up and some pics taken.
Great news for my existing sponsors as well with more exposure coming our way.
Stay tuned there is one more in the pipeline which should make the second half of the year very productive.
Monday, May 24, 2010
May 24th
Still waiting for wind over here, slight chance tomorrow and also on Saturday but no storms moving through. Training is going from strngth to strength, 11 mile bike ride Thursday with my son, 11 mile run Friday, Sat off, 3 mile run & 1 mile swim on Sunday. Today I'll have a rest day and hope for sailing tomorrow.
Monday, May 17, 2010
May 17th
Yesterdays forcast didn't come through as well as planned.
We eneded up with 13knots SW wind. Lovely and warm and a fun sail but no where near powered up. I had to pump to get on the plain and pump out of every gybe. Ended up with a max speed of 29.66 knots with the 8.8m2 and 121 Starboard Isonic. Super efficient sails with a great deal more to give.
Fuerteventura is going to be very interesting. Fitness levels are way better than last year, things feel really good. I just need some strong SW winds, it doesn't look good for the next week but I'll keep you informed.
We eneded up with 13knots SW wind. Lovely and warm and a fun sail but no where near powered up. I had to pump to get on the plain and pump out of every gybe. Ended up with a max speed of 29.66 knots with the 8.8m2 and 121 Starboard Isonic. Super efficient sails with a great deal more to give.
Fuerteventura is going to be very interesting. Fitness levels are way better than last year, things feel really good. I just need some strong SW winds, it doesn't look good for the next week but I'll keep you informed.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May Update
For as long as I can remember we have been having NE winds blowing down from Iceland.
Tomorrows forcast is for WSW force 4 - 5 which will be warmer and great for a coast sail up the west side of Guernsey.
I have had so many days out with the 8.8m and 8.0m on the 122 ltr Starboard, I am dying for a proper speed sailing day. It won't happen tomorrow but I am still looking forward to it.
Ran 3 miles this morning, 12 miles last Wednesday and 3 on Monday. I am running less days but a lot more miles, feel great.
The World Championships can't come quick enough for me. The new Hot Sails GPS are super fast, a new Starboard Isonic 58 for 8.0m and 7.3m weather will be fantastic in Fuerteventura for the worlds. I am going to travel with three speed boards, no slalom. The Isonic speed 49, 53 and 58. The 53 is going to love the Fuerteventura strip with 6.0 and 6.6 sails, I'll take the 49 just in case conditions get epict but it will have to be super flat and 5.5 -6.0m weather.
There are a couple of interesting sponsorship deals in the pipeline as well but I can't let on anything till its been signed but stay tuned.
Tomorrows forcast is for WSW force 4 - 5 which will be warmer and great for a coast sail up the west side of Guernsey.
I have had so many days out with the 8.8m and 8.0m on the 122 ltr Starboard, I am dying for a proper speed sailing day. It won't happen tomorrow but I am still looking forward to it.
Ran 3 miles this morning, 12 miles last Wednesday and 3 on Monday. I am running less days but a lot more miles, feel great.
The World Championships can't come quick enough for me. The new Hot Sails GPS are super fast, a new Starboard Isonic 58 for 8.0m and 7.3m weather will be fantastic in Fuerteventura for the worlds. I am going to travel with three speed boards, no slalom. The Isonic speed 49, 53 and 58. The 53 is going to love the Fuerteventura strip with 6.0 and 6.6 sails, I'll take the 49 just in case conditions get epict but it will have to be super flat and 5.5 -6.0m weather.
There are a couple of interesting sponsorship deals in the pipeline as well but I can't let on anything till its been signed but stay tuned.
Monday, May 3, 2010
North winds
When will these North winds change. Plenty of sailing with the big kit but so cold. Its time we had a Southerly gale come through.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April sailing
At last some sort of wind.
I sailed this morning with my Hot Sail GPS 8m and Starboard 122 up the road at Grande Havre Bay, it wan't the greatest session and the walk back to my van was probably the most exhausting part after I drifted down wind. The wind was measured at 18mph at Guernsey airport. Keeping an eye on the weather I notice it had picked up to 21mph during the afternoon (I know woopy doo dar 21 mph but beggers can't be choosers) I went in just after 5 with a 8.8 on the 122, it's the first time I have rigged my 8.8 let alone sailed it and the first time I have sailed with a sail that big. Great session 30 .880 knots max speed and a 29.64 average on 5 runs over 10 seconds. That could of gone up easily, the down side was not having enough room to have a flat run.
Again I am amazed by the feel and and power of the Hot Sail GPS's. I can't wait to have a good run and a go on the smaller sizes. Guernsey's great for sailing but it hasn't got a great flat water area for speed. SW winds and a low tide are the only conditions that could produce a fast time.
April sailing in Guernsey has been very poor. The worst I can remember for a long time, cold NE winds for as long as I can remember.
I will be over in the UK early May conditions depending and hope to sail Weymouth, Southend or maybe West Kirby if it's looking fantastic. Then it's all go with Sotevento World Speed Sailing Championships, Karpaths World Production Championships, Sweden, Weymouth, France European Championships.
Hope May see's better wind.
I sailed this morning with my Hot Sail GPS 8m and Starboard 122 up the road at Grande Havre Bay, it wan't the greatest session and the walk back to my van was probably the most exhausting part after I drifted down wind. The wind was measured at 18mph at Guernsey airport. Keeping an eye on the weather I notice it had picked up to 21mph during the afternoon (I know woopy doo dar 21 mph but beggers can't be choosers) I went in just after 5 with a 8.8 on the 122, it's the first time I have rigged my 8.8 let alone sailed it and the first time I have sailed with a sail that big. Great session 30 .880 knots max speed and a 29.64 average on 5 runs over 10 seconds. That could of gone up easily, the down side was not having enough room to have a flat run.
Again I am amazed by the feel and and power of the Hot Sail GPS's. I can't wait to have a good run and a go on the smaller sizes. Guernsey's great for sailing but it hasn't got a great flat water area for speed. SW winds and a low tide are the only conditions that could produce a fast time.
April sailing in Guernsey has been very poor. The worst I can remember for a long time, cold NE winds for as long as I can remember.
I will be over in the UK early May conditions depending and hope to sail Weymouth, Southend or maybe West Kirby if it's looking fantastic. Then it's all go with Sotevento World Speed Sailing Championships, Karpaths World Production Championships, Sweden, Weymouth, France European Championships.
Hope May see's better wind.
Monday, March 29, 2010
GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS
The good news is I am off to Egypt today. The bad news is I had a stomach bug all last week and have had a fever all weekend, feel weak, cold and sweaty.
On top of that sailing conditions in Guernsey have been terrible for the past two weeks, it all looked good and has gone down hill again, windsurfing don't you just love it, fantastic forecasts then no wind.
I should have got used to it by know!
On top of that sailing conditions in Guernsey have been terrible for the past two weeks, it all looked good and has gone down hill again, windsurfing don't you just love it, fantastic forecasts then no wind.
I should have got used to it by know!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
MARCH SAILING
During the last 10 days I have sailed 5 days and had my workout run/gym on 6 days.
3 wave sessions, 1 x Slalom session and 1 speed.
Two great days forcast for speed coming up.
3 wave sessions, 1 x Slalom session and 1 speed.
Two great days forcast for speed coming up.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sailing at last
It seems like forever since my last sail. Today we had force five winds blowing south / southeast with a forecast to swing to the southwest and pick up. Now that the days are drawing out over here I rigged up and was in by 3.30. Force five dead cross shore and 7' face sets coming through. I had one hour of beautiful down the line sailing all by myself. I got caught on the last one and ended up with my board hitting me just behind the right ear. It's a scary moment when your alone in the sea, it's 8 degrees air temp 8 degrees water temp and your hit and everything goes fuzzy! It past within a couple of seconds but my head was pounding. I wore my neoprene hood today which I usually don't but with a good chance of going through the rinse it seemed a good idea. Good job I did it may of been the difference of being knocked out or not. A couple of pain killers later and things are feeling a bit better but the bruise is coming out already should be a cracker tomorrow.
Tomorrow has the same forecast but with the swell picking up then "at the moment" the forecast for Friday is 35 knots NW swinging W. If it stays NW Friday am will be perfect for speed on a perfectly flat spot next to Grande Havre bay. Its a big at the moment forecast. Fingers crossed.
Had a telling off from Pierre for not telling him I was going in. Hopefully the next couple of days will be epic.
Tomorrow has the same forecast but with the swell picking up then "at the moment" the forecast for Friday is 35 knots NW swinging W. If it stays NW Friday am will be perfect for speed on a perfectly flat spot next to Grande Havre bay. Its a big at the moment forecast. Fingers crossed.
Had a telling off from Pierre for not telling him I was going in. Hopefully the next couple of days will be epic.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Slalom session
A great slalom session this week using the new Hotsails GPS 6.6. My first time out with the 6.6 and it was like holding on to a Horse that wanted to bolt. Very stable and light in the hands. Unfortunately the sea conditions were horrendous, far to onshore a wind causing high chop everywhere. The forecast was for the wind to swing to the North which would have flattened out the sea but it never happened.
Check out the photos at www.pierrebisson.com/perelle
Pierre was using his new Canon sporty something camera for the first time, the pictures are so sharp they almost look unreal.
Check out the photos at www.pierrebisson.com/perelle
Pierre was using his new Canon sporty something camera for the first time, the pictures are so sharp they almost look unreal.
FITNESS
I went to the local Chest & Heart clinic last week for a check up.
Results
Pulse rate 47, blood pressure 130 over 60, chloresteral 3.5, visceral fat rating 10.
Conclusion:
If I was any fitter I'd be a race horse, if I was a race horse I'd be put to stud!!
Results
Pulse rate 47, blood pressure 130 over 60, chloresteral 3.5, visceral fat rating 10.
Conclusion:
If I was any fitter I'd be a race horse, if I was a race horse I'd be put to stud!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wave session
Well all good plans don't always work out.
Just back from sailing. Pierre had his carpenter turn up for some work on his house which he couldn't leave and the winds which were forecast to be 25-30 knots southerly and turned out to be 10-15 knots south east.
On the positives there were 5-8ft wave faces peeling into Vazon bay this morning with the wind cross off shore.
So out went the photo speed shoot and onto the gusty wobble out wave session. Getting out wasn't fun but the rides were to die for. Big aerials, shame the surfers had to be out as well but live and let live, no good getting too greedy.
Just back from sailing. Pierre had his carpenter turn up for some work on his house which he couldn't leave and the winds which were forecast to be 25-30 knots southerly and turned out to be 10-15 knots south east.
On the positives there were 5-8ft wave faces peeling into Vazon bay this morning with the wind cross off shore.
So out went the photo speed shoot and onto the gusty wobble out wave session. Getting out wasn't fun but the rides were to die for. Big aerials, shame the surfers had to be out as well but live and let live, no good getting too greedy.
SPEED 2010
January 14th and I am well on the way with preparations for the forthcoming speed sailing season.
What’s been happening since Weymouth 2009?
Weymouth was great and really showed how competitive the Hotsails 2010 sails are going to be. I had a prototype 7.3 and 8.0 for the contest. Very light winds and a tight course, just the conditions that I am NOT competitive in, yet with a board I had never sailed before the first day of competition a fourth place was great. I did say at the start of 2009 I was looking for podium finish’s but in retrospect after my first year back I’ll take the fourth.
After Weymouth I had a family holiday to Cyprus. No sailing over there but training didn’t stop, I ran my 3 miles a day to keep in shape. November was very windy but cursed with Flu. I say flu, man flu as my wife would just say a cold, obviously not bad enough to stop a woman from working on through.
Before I knew it November was drawing to an end with very few decent sessions yet probably the windiest month of the year. December was very solid with wind and waves. 18 -25 knots and plenty of great wave sailing sessions and a couple of slalom sessions. No speed sessions but that looks to change this week.
January has come and brought the cold. We have had freezing to 2 degree temperatures for the past 2 weeks. It has ruled out sailing completely. I sail in a lot colder weather than I did 15 years ago, 6 degrees is about the minimum now but noway am I going in at 2. I got kitted out with a new Billabong 5/4/3 winter suit at the end of the year and the difference is unbelievable, toasty warm. If it wasn’t for the fact that I can’t sail with gloves I could probably sail in even colder conditions, wetsuits have certainly moved on.
The temperature has risen since yesterday and there is a forecast for 25-30 knots southerly winds on Saturday. The tides are good for speed and I have Pierre Bisson ready with his new Canon for a photo shoot.
My new 2010 sails arrived this week and I logo’d them up last night with my Starboard stickers ready for a photo shoot.
Equipment 2010
Sails
As I mentioned I will be using the 2010 Hotsails GPS sails this season. 5.5m2 to 8.8m2 this year which is a bigger quiver than last year, in 2009 my biggest size was a 8.0m2.
Boards
Starboard boards again for 2010 but again a bigger quiver. I have the 122 Isonic from Weymouth and have the new Isonic speed 58 coming in March. The 58 is a dedicated 84 ltr speed board. It will be perfect for me with the 8.0 and 8.8 or in gusty conditions with a 7.3.
Board quiver
Starboard Isonic speed W49
Starboard Isonic speed W53
Starboard Isonic speed W58
Starboard Isonic 94
Starboard Isonic 122
Booms
Areon carbon booms
Fins
C3 fins
Training
My training regime is made up firstly of sailing whenever possible, this is the most important because you can’t do any off the water training that replicates windsurfing. Keeping fit in between sailing sessions really took off again at the beginning of December. Up until then it was very sporadic but December was when I knew I had to step it up once again. It’s a month earlier than I started for the 2009 season and with Christmas coming up it felt right. During December I ran 3 miles at least 4 times a week. January 1st and it was time to step it up again. With the cold weather and no chance of sailing it’s been a 3 mile run every day and fifty sit ups. This will carry on to February and then I’ll start adding the weight training again to build up for the first competition which should be at the end of March.
I hope to have some picture on Saturday which I’ll post as soon as poss.
What’s been happening since Weymouth 2009?
Weymouth was great and really showed how competitive the Hotsails 2010 sails are going to be. I had a prototype 7.3 and 8.0 for the contest. Very light winds and a tight course, just the conditions that I am NOT competitive in, yet with a board I had never sailed before the first day of competition a fourth place was great. I did say at the start of 2009 I was looking for podium finish’s but in retrospect after my first year back I’ll take the fourth.
After Weymouth I had a family holiday to Cyprus. No sailing over there but training didn’t stop, I ran my 3 miles a day to keep in shape. November was very windy but cursed with Flu. I say flu, man flu as my wife would just say a cold, obviously not bad enough to stop a woman from working on through.
Before I knew it November was drawing to an end with very few decent sessions yet probably the windiest month of the year. December was very solid with wind and waves. 18 -25 knots and plenty of great wave sailing sessions and a couple of slalom sessions. No speed sessions but that looks to change this week.
January has come and brought the cold. We have had freezing to 2 degree temperatures for the past 2 weeks. It has ruled out sailing completely. I sail in a lot colder weather than I did 15 years ago, 6 degrees is about the minimum now but noway am I going in at 2. I got kitted out with a new Billabong 5/4/3 winter suit at the end of the year and the difference is unbelievable, toasty warm. If it wasn’t for the fact that I can’t sail with gloves I could probably sail in even colder conditions, wetsuits have certainly moved on.
The temperature has risen since yesterday and there is a forecast for 25-30 knots southerly winds on Saturday. The tides are good for speed and I have Pierre Bisson ready with his new Canon for a photo shoot.
My new 2010 sails arrived this week and I logo’d them up last night with my Starboard stickers ready for a photo shoot.
Equipment 2010
Sails
As I mentioned I will be using the 2010 Hotsails GPS sails this season. 5.5m2 to 8.8m2 this year which is a bigger quiver than last year, in 2009 my biggest size was a 8.0m2.
Boards
Starboard boards again for 2010 but again a bigger quiver. I have the 122 Isonic from Weymouth and have the new Isonic speed 58 coming in March. The 58 is a dedicated 84 ltr speed board. It will be perfect for me with the 8.0 and 8.8 or in gusty conditions with a 7.3.
Board quiver
Starboard Isonic speed W49
Starboard Isonic speed W53
Starboard Isonic speed W58
Starboard Isonic 94
Starboard Isonic 122
Booms
Areon carbon booms
Fins
C3 fins
Training
My training regime is made up firstly of sailing whenever possible, this is the most important because you can’t do any off the water training that replicates windsurfing. Keeping fit in between sailing sessions really took off again at the beginning of December. Up until then it was very sporadic but December was when I knew I had to step it up once again. It’s a month earlier than I started for the 2009 season and with Christmas coming up it felt right. During December I ran 3 miles at least 4 times a week. January 1st and it was time to step it up again. With the cold weather and no chance of sailing it’s been a 3 mile run every day and fifty sit ups. This will carry on to February and then I’ll start adding the weight training again to build up for the first competition which should be at the end of March.
I hope to have some picture on Saturday which I’ll post as soon as poss.
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