Hi all

Just a reminder of a few Windsurfing Tasmania events.

1) MEETING 29/9/17 We are having a WT meeting, most likely this Friday night. Objectives: confirm calendar, work out a few logistical/admin matters, planning for upcoming events/learner days etc. This will probably be in Launceston. We have done this with skype video hookup before and it worked very well- so if you are elsewhere in the state it is easy to get involved. Just let us know beforehand so we can configure skype.

2) SWANSEA WEEKEND 14-15/10/17 A freerace event is organised for Swansea. There will be other/informal events on the day that is not the freerace day. Last year we had a social weekend and had solid sailing on both days. Please think about accommodation, as we may be able to share cabins etc if multiple individuals are coming. There will also be some information coming out soon regarding GPS devices and format for the freerace.

At this stage I am thinking that anyone with a GPS can enter the event, HOWEVER, unless you have an accredited unit (as per KA72 rules), your result cannot be official and cannot count to state title result.

Any feedback welcome, and there will be updates in the next few days/weeks.

Clarence

Hi Clarence will you be following the normal Freerace wind minimum of 15 knots for the Swansea event?

I have spoken to Dave M and Paul T and was going to finalise the format in the next week or so. Happy for people who are more knowledgable about freerace events (such as yourself) to give me comments/input. I am well aware that the some (all?) of the freerace events will count to a state title, and need to be organised accordingly.

Clarence

As it is a WT sanctioned event, I support the 15 knot wind minimum, in keeping with the National rules for freerace events.

Approved GPS devices are the GT31, GW52 and GW60. If results are to be counted toward the State Titles, competitors need to be wearing one of these. Anyone sailing without one of the approved devices can still have their files uploaded to see how they went, but the points won't be able to go toward the State Titles results.

If anyone has any of the above devices for sale, be good to post here for anyone that might be interested in getting an approved device. I haven't got any for sale, but will have two spare GPS's I can lend out if required. Others may also have spares they can lend on the day.

Have discussed with Kaleb and he's able to collate all the GPS data and present the results (here) after the event.

Is the freerace competition only count by GPS speed?
Or there will be a circuit with buoys, so all the riders have to pass trough them to finish the race?

Select to expand quote

rafawind said..
Is the freerace competition only count by GPS speed?
Or there will be a circuit with buoys, so all the riders have to pass trough them to finish the race?

The answer to your question is that it is NOT a slalom style race around bouys. The freerace format operates in a designated area, but turns and runs can be anywhere within that zone.

I am relying a lot on the guys who have done this before to get details sorted. Unless there is a good reason, we will keep to the national rules- especially if the event is part of the state title.

I will try to sort out all the issues prior to the weekend, but please recognise as this is the first event we are running there may be some teething/setup problems. We can sort out any issues/problems/feedback for subsequent events.

I am planning on putting up a "freerace for dummies" sort of post on facebook next week to explain it a little better.

On the weekend (and at other events) there is the possibility of organising other races (eg slalom round the bouys). They may be run by WT, but would not count towards points for the state title.

As an aside, I personally do not have a high-performance slalom kit- so will either compete on a raceboard or wave kit. Whatever you sail, it is good to have a benchmark against other sailors and see how you progress in future events.

Clarence

All sounds great, looking real forward to it.

For those who are not familiar with the FREE RACE format, Paul T and I have done a little post on the Windsurfing Tasmania facebook page. Have a look if you are interested.

Clarence

If you dont have facebook then i have posted the guide here as well.
http://jaysails.com.au/2017/10/freerace-windsurf-guide/

Good work guys

Great work Clarence and Paul well explained. Also good idea Damo putting that link. I have FB but only used it for messenger.

Keeping an eye on wind for weekend. Not looking great at this stage. I will reassess Thursday before lunch.

Clarence

Swansea freerace is still on at this stage.

Wind looking okay Saturday afternoon at Coles Bay.

When updates in forecast come we will have a better idea.

Clarence

Hi Clarence. If your thinking of sailing Coles Bay for the GPS it might be a tad crazy there this weekend. The Freycinet Multisport Challenge is on there this weekend and usually there are cars & people everywhere. Just reminding......

Thanks for reminder Kazza. i did have a bit of a plan.

We will reassess forecast this afternoon and call it then.

A few of us are going to head down to Swansea anyway. I'll take a longboard/SUP etc.

Clarence

I have consulted the brains trust/relevant committee members, and there will NOT be any formal freerace event this weekend at Swansea.

A few of us are heading down anyway, and there is still a chance the wind may come in.

Feel free to come along and have a go anyway. Looks good for a coast run along the coast on longboards.

If the wind cooperates and enough people are interested there will be an event- but it will NOT count as an official state title round.

Clarence

If anyone turns up in Swansea and cannot find us, feel free to text me (better than email or PM).

Looking very promising for some longboard (shortboard?) sailing 2-5pm today.

Still happy to run an informal event if enough people turn up.

04888 46642

Clarence

A nice gentle longboard sail. Thanks Clarence for the loaner.