Upcoming Windsurfing Extravaganza

Hi evlPanda, good to hear you are coming along. The gates will be open at RQ so just drive in and head right down the back of the complex and you should see the windsurfers. There will be lots of parking and rigging space down there.

The wind is looking a bit light on the maps but it has been stronger here than predicted lately so we might be ok, hard to tell just now but either way there will be lots to do and see on the day.

I know I'm going to be outgunned, and probably not even planing, however racing sounds like fun, so I think I'll be there (not that anybody really needs to know).
What PFD must I have?

OK guys,
On behalf of both Goodtime and Royal Queensland yacht squadron i would like to thank Scott and windsurfing QLD for their assistance in helping us promote this event it will be a fantastic day for all involved. all family members are welcome to come down and join in with the festivities and have a go on the SUP's and have a go at windsurfing and get a free feed.

Regardless of the weather the event will proceed, there is plenty to keep you interested. Lets pray for wind...

NOTE:
The event is at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron most southern club at the harbour, NOT THE POINT AT MANLY (rose bay). You can all drive you cars in, there are amenities and a grassy rigging area.

Luke Baillie
Goodtime

I've got one spare PFD 3 you can borrow, perhaps if anyone else has a spare one they could bring it along to help out. I am sure Luke will have a few available through the RSX and Raceboard club.

The lines for PFD's are a bit subjective and I guess it will be up to RQ. The AWA rules say it is up to the organisers so I know we used to ask the competitors to wear a PFD 3 based on the fact that we were in relatively smooth waters (PFD 3) and there was always a rescue boat on the course with courses being close to shore (hence an injured sailor would hopefully not be hard to get to quickly).

Here is the AWA's stance via their risk management notice:-
www.windsurfing.org/files/info/NSW_Risk_Management_Plan_Jul2010.pdf

And here is some general info on PFD's

"Lifejackets (PFD's – Personal Floatation Device)

Smooth Water
PFD types 1, 2 or 3
Except in a river, creek or stream, or waters contained within breakwaters or revetments if the boat has positive floatation** and grab
lines/rails and the ship owner has a positive flotation statement on the approved form.

**For ships not fitted with an Australian Builders Plate, a positive flotation statement completed by the manufacturer or an accredited marine surveyor or ship designer must be obtained and carried.

PWC require types 2 or 3 or a wetsuit with inbuilt flotation approved as PFD type 3

Partially Smooth Water
PFD types 1 or 2. PFDs must be worn when crossing designated bars in open boats < 4.8 m.

PWC require PFD type 2

Beyond Smooth and Partially Smooth
PFD type 1. PFDs must be worn when crossing designated bars in open boats < 4.8 m.

PWC require PFD type 2


LIFE JACKET TYPES
Type (Cat.) 1 life jackets offer protection from drowning by maintaining a person in a safe floating position in the water, with buoyancy behind the head. They are compulsory for all people on board vessels in the open sea. (However PWC riders may use a type 2).

Type (Cat.) 2 & 3 are suitable for water sports where the rescue time is likely to be short. They are not designed to keep a persons head above water. A key point – Type (Cat.) 1 Lifejackets are and have special buoyancy behind the head to maintain a safe floating position."

How did the day go down there? Was there enough wind for the event? Hope you all had an enjoyable day.

yep. well done Luke.

I didn't get planing once (well maybe for about 1.5 sec's) but I wasn't last to the first mark, and I still had fun. ;-) (I wish I had a couple more square meters sail though). Thanks Guys.