SPEED FORTNIGHT SANDY POINT 2008 - 4

Hi Matt

I though I better mention I gave you the wrong file by mistake - that was yesterday's. My 5 X 10 was 38.84. IF you PM me your email addess I can send it to you.

Thanks,

Ado

Nah. Today was quite mild...

It was very difficult speed conditions today. 20-25 knots for the most part with the odd gust close to 30. Very broad and very choppy with the standing waves from the incoming tide making interesting 'whoop de doos'. It was a day where fitness and perseverance really counted and those that had it reaped a just reward.
The level of speed sailing is increasing all the time and I would have loved to see what these fellows could have achieved in really good conditions. Alas, it looks like the wind will evaporate for the rest of the week so we will have to wait a while to find out.
I was quite surprised there was not more carnage given the conditions but I did see a couple of 'interesting' moments:
Sam Parker (who sailed exceptionally well and fast all day) was coming down the course towards me as I was walking back. He was hugging the bank, obviously trying to avoid the worst of the rolling 'whoop de doos' when a brief lull caused him to lose power and his board swerved towards the sand. I was certain he was headed for a huge stack on the bank when miraculously he managed to bear away and save it. Don't know how his fin missed the bottom when he was 2 feet from the sand!!
Mike Van de Plight was also having a great day, sailing with aggression and great skill through the chop and bumps for well deserved PB's. He had his board trimming beautifully and as he passed me a few times he was just skipping across the tops of the 'whoop de doos' I could clearly see at least half of his fin clear of the water. It made me flinch in anticipation but he just kept driving hard and to my great surprise survived every run!
There were a couple of very near misses when people crashed at the end of the course and were just missed by a following sailor. Craig Hollins can attest to that. He was probably more concerned for his new green toy than his personal safety though.

The speed course was the busiest I have seen it for a very long time today with over 25 sailors going for it. It was a great credit to all involved that it all went safely and due courtesy and consideration was shown by all. Well done guys!

Mat & Al,

Sent my file through as soon as I could after drive home but seems you didn't get it in time. My 5x10 doppler was 36.209. Another awesome day - pity to have to leave early. Turns out my early runs were some of the best and I didn't have to contend with the whoop de doos then. Bit stiff in the neck after big stack but really enjoyed the day.

John