June 7th

All coming thick and fast now. Yesterday was one of the most enjoyable speed sailing sessions I have ever had. Sunny, warm, offshore winds 22knots gusting to 32 knots. A bit of a wind range but when the gusts came through it was great. 2 hours out on the water until the tide got too high and the wind became too fluky. 6.6m Hotsails GPS / Starboard Isonic Speed W54 / Black Project Fins R30 Combo I went out on the W49 first thing for a couple of runs, what a difference from sailing it at West Kirby last year. Back then I couldn't get in the straps and felt uncomfortable all the time. Now I have changed the straps to Hot Sails straps and moved them in board as I did on the 127 it felt great, no problem at all slipping into them. I changed up board because Pembroke bay is way too gusty, on the 54 I can sail up and down all day long no problem. The 49 needs more constant wind otherwise when your my size you end up swimming a lot. 41.93 knots maximum yesterday which I was happy with. Not the greatest angle for high speeds but definitely the best angle for a fun session sailing parallel to the beach back up wind. Today is looking good also, slightly more wind and WSW which should make quicker speeds although it will be harder to get close to the beach earlier enough. We will see.

June firsts

Plenty of first yesterday. First time using the big kit this year, 8.8m sail and 127 ltr board. First time in a summer suit this year. First time sailing with the back straps placed more in board. Very much competition speed training as opposed to record attempts. I have changed the straps on the 127 to Hot Sails straps, this enables me to put them slightly more in board as they have 3 holes in each strap. This worked great for me and I'll do it on my other boards as well, size 12 feet and trying to ram them into straps too close to the rail can be difficult but that extra 3/4 inch moved inboard makes all the difference. Had the boom slightly higher than normal and in the light winds felt great. Really felt locked in on the reaches. 34.93 top speed was good. It's all about the small changes now which should make the difference from runner up to champion. Luderitz record attempt is taking up all my thoughts, really excited to see how far I can push the equipment. Starboard Isonic w44 on the way and Tom is weaving some magic on new sails. Fins, Sails and boards are the best out there and we will see something very exciting come November. Off water training is going great, fitter than ever at the moment and pushing hard. Strong winds forecast for this Friday and hopefully there will be some wind forecast for West Kirby or La Franqui that I can make the most of. The roll on ferry to France now sails every day so La Franqui will be easier to get to.

May 2012

Wow, I new it was a while since my last blog but didn't realise it was almost a month. Not good but I will give my excuses below. 1, I have been busy Signing up for Luderitz speed vent has taken over everything. There is a lot to organise but I am getting through the list. The new Starboard Isonic W44 has been ordered and will arrive late August. I plan to take out the W49 and W44. Tom is working on new sails for the attempt, speed specials in 4.8, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5 and a new low aspect 6.0. I'll take a 6.6 with me as well just in case the weather isn't extreme. 2, We have had some good sailing. Nothing extreme but some good 7.3m days and a fully lit 6.6 day on my W54 speed board. On top of that if it's not windy I am running my usual 3 mile route then jumping in the pool for a mile swim. Tom Tom has been updated with african maps, new Hot Sails T's and Hoodies printed and sent out to the team. Next is to get a sports energy supplement brand on side. I reckon that the windy days will be long drawn out affairs. I know Anders got in 30 runs in one day last year but he was the only windsurfer using the canal, I am not sure how many windsurfers will be there this year but obviously you can only sail one way and will be picked up at the end and driven back to the start. I presume we will only get one run every 20 - 30 minutes. Still lots on the check list to do.

APRIL SPEED

Nice sail at Pembroke Bay on Wednesday. 7.3 gps Hotsails with 90 ltr Starboard Isonic and Black Project R35.

I set the sail with a tiny bit more downhaul and a bit more outhaul than last month when I was on the same kit. Definately faster but the wind direction was too broad and a bit of chop on the course. Everything is coming together nicely for the World Record attempt in Namibia.

Top speed 38.54 knots.

Guernsey Video

First attempts at Filming from Pierre. Learnt a lot already.

PS Play it loud!




www.vimeo.com/38439749

March speed

First session of the year, really needed it. Soooo frustrating watching the times from La Franqui. Guernsey has only one boat a week to France at the moment on a Friday, I would rather have a 3 - 4 day trip then a whole week.

Today was gusty 7.3 to 8m weather. Pierre came down and filmed so we will post that later. I told him I was looking for high 38's maximum runs, I ended up with a peak of 40.02 knots. Not bad to say how gusty Pembroke is in offshore winds. You have 3 areas of wind, west of the bay where you start has gusts which will get you up and going then a lull which hopefully you get through then another 50m area of strong wind, another lull then 70m of strong wind to the East of the bay. It's always the same, doesn't matter what wind strength. A bit of luck and you get through with an alright speed.

I never felt fully lit across the bay, really nice to see 40 knots come up. The 7.3 can easily average 40 in the right conditions.

2012

Just a quick update on whats been happening and what the plans are for 2012.

The days are lengthening, almost into March and I have missed two of the best speedsailing days in the last 10 years. That is the big frustrating news.

Over Christmas I had a stomach bug, won't go into details but loose would be a good description. It meant I missed some good wavesailing in Guernsey but also the speed session in the beginning of Jan. Jan 21st session, my wife organised our wedding anniversary meal. I did think about jumping on a plane to West Kirby but thinking was all I could do if I wanted to stay married.

Best to look forward. 2012 will see me compete on the European Speed Tour also there is talk of a World Championships (in a hot place, although every year there is talk. It is very difficult in the current economic state to get the funding for events, the minimum needed for a World Champs is $50 000.00.

West Kirby is always on my mind and I am desperate to get back up there. 2011 really showed me the speeds that I can reach and spurred me on to go for the World Record.

La Franqui is also on my mind but I need a driving companion for that one. Driving down to the South of France for an event my myself is no problem, you have a base and your van is safe on the beach with all the other competitors. Driving down, leaving your van on the beach by itself and going out sailing isn't so good, I love the French but like anywhere things can go missing and do.

I have also enquired about getting an invite to Lurditz for a 500m record attempt, I let you know if anything goes ahead.

Looks like a busy year, apart from competing the 2013 Hot Sails GPS'S are close to completion and will need a blast. Everything else stays the same, Chinnook are the best booms and extensions on the market, Black Project Fins are the best on the market, Starboard are the best on the market and Billabong makes me look sexy!