Just back from Hobart.
A huge success is the best way to describe the Windsurfer State Titles at the Sandy Bay Sailing Club.
-21 sailors in total ranging from in age from 14 to 60 something in the Windsurfer (LT and OD) class and R300/hybrid class.
-10 races over two days in 5 to 12 knots.
Sandy Bay Sailing Club ran this event so well, and made us all feel very welcome (great bar and food too guys )
Lots of photos on facebook (Windsurfing Tasmania, Sandy Bay Sailing Club and Windsurfer Class Association of Australia).
1st heavyweight windsurfers- Dave Morehead
1st lightweight windsurfer- Tim Jones
1st ladies - Jo Chau
1st R300 - Matthew Stirling (followed very closely by 15 year old Finn Buchanan on a Techno 293)
Thanks to the organisers (Jo Chau and SBSC especially), all who came along and in particular the 5 who travelled from northern Tasmania to compete.
When people are willing to travel, it means these events a genuine "State Title" (rather than just a Hobart title).
Personally, I got the the top mark first in the R300s in two races, but the competition was very tight and my overall result was not great. (Got to loose a few kgs for next year).
In a typical 15 to 20 minute race, only 3-4 minutes separated first from last. Within the R300 fleet, there was usually 1.5 minutes or less between first and last.
Obviously the new LT with its lighter weight, stiffness and higher volume outperformed the plastic one designs. Relic estimated the difference in speed at around 15%- which was pretty much what the results showed.
Clarence