Event 2
Venue: Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale
Date: 29th April 07

Team Astbury – masters of the light winds

Arriving at the lake most people, out for a sail, would probably not even bother rigging – the very light winds were not an encouraging sight. But with 4mph winds forecast and a good turn out of 34 sailors from 5 teams it was “game on” for some Team 15 competition.

A morning of frustrations

Starting soon after 11am it took about 2 hours just to complete 3 races in all fleets, what with mega wind shifts, false starts it was a very frustrating morning. Cameron Stewart (15) sailing for Team Astbury demonstrated that the conditions could be mastered as he powered his way to record 3 bullets. Aided by a traditional Raceboard Cameron demonstrated the fine art of pumping to lead home the rest of the fleets. For some of the sailors in the 3.5m and 4.5m fleets just getting over the start line was to be a challenge. In all of the races their efforts were rewarded by using a “grand prix” finish, recording positions on the circuit rather than the traditional (and soul destroying DNF).

Diversionary tactics

The lunch break was welcomed by all as the wind died away completely. At least we had completed 3 races and we had “an event”. After lunch we had the usual ‘photo call. As for activity on the water; it was intended that we should try to get in one more race so giving everyone a discard – this was not to happen as the wind failed to fill. As a diversion everyone was set the task of tying their board to another so making a chain. Whilst we would not be breaking any records for a chain (we have had 50+ boards at a National event some years ago) we might be able to set a record for a Team 15 Event!! With such light winds the chain of boards and sailors had to be towed out into deeper water complete a circle – a spectacular sight for everyone. Just to add to the fun everyone dropped their rigs and swam across the circle to another board. We had some strange sites as some sailors ended up with booms above their heads whilst some very tall sailors ended up with 3.5m rigs! Thanks must go to the Hollingworth Safety Teams who helped out with this activity as well as taking some great pictures from the water.

Celebrations for Team Astbury

It had been a long hot, frustrating day but fortunately everyone was smiling having had some competition as well as some fun. Astbury sailors Richard Wardle (13) and Cameron Finney (14) celebrated their birthdays with the traditional “Happy Birthday” song and a dunking in the lake. Alex Lee (15) and Jason Allen (14) collected the Merit Trophies for their efforts at their first event. The other notable performance at their first event came from Joe Stone (12) sailing for Team Astbury. Joe was 3rd in the 3.5m fleet. Well done to everyone who took part.

More wind next time please

Thanks must go to Gary and his Hollingworth Team who supported the event with all the administration and safety cover. Hopefully everyone is keen to test their skills at our next event at Astbury Sailsports on Saturday 7th July – Ali has booked the wind!

Team winners - Team Astbury 

 

Photos courtesy of

Report written by:
Mike Roberts
T15 CO - Wests Zone

Put the date in your diary!

RYA Zone Championships
a must if you want to
try for a place in your Zone Squad
27/28 September 2008.
Register online now!

Win a board!

Help your T15 club
to win a Techno board & rig
by taking part in
T15 inter-club events.

Every time your club enters
a team of 15 sailors,
(with at least two people
sailing on Technos)
into your zone 
T15 inter-club events,
then your club goes
into a prize draw.

Each T15 club therefore
has up to 4 chances
of winning the prize.

The draw will take place
at the Champions Cup
in October.

Tell your mates & all
sign up to the team.
The events are great fun
& your windsurfing
will really inprove.

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For information
(previous courses in 2008)

Grafham Water Centre - Cambridgeshire
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 5/6 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
Spaces available
6 candidates on course

Wimbleball Lake - Somerset
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek course: 3/4 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
4 candidates on course


Roadford Lake - Okehampton
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 4/5 June 2008
Organised by South West Lakes Trust
Fully booked


Carsington Watersports - Derbyshire
Course type: Freestyle
Weekend Course: 3/4 May 2008
Fully booked


Carsington Watersports - Derbyshire
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 1/2 May 2008
6 candidates on course


Mountbatten Centre - Plymouth
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend Course: 12/13 April 2008
Cancelled: lack of candidates

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