Having gotten myself all exited and revved about competing in my first competition I completely misjudged the conditions thinking it was going to be a 12kt cruise around the bay and packed my 7m cammed sail and 160l board (nothing else).

Well the weather picked up 30 minutes before the start and was blowing 21kts and probably around 25kt gusts. The swell was also building up, the rain was hammering down. It was pretty harsh. The competition could have been appropriately renamed to stormchaser round one!

I had just at that moment decided to go out for a practice run and ended up way downwind. The sail was way overpowered and I couldn't keep it under control without loosing it or getting catapulted. Headed back to shore the shortest route possible and had to walk my gear back around 400m to the start line.

The funny thing is I usually bring 2 boards and at least 2 sails with me wherever I go, but for some reason I completely cocked this one up.

By the time i got back there I decided to sit out the race. There was no way I could have done anything but hold everyone else up, and I learnt a couple of valuable lessons for the day: Never underestimate the weather, and there is no such thing as packing lightly when it comes to windsurfing. I packed up my gear and suffering a moderately bruised ego retreated back to the warmth of the ESC club room.

Overall, and putting the wild conditions to one side it was a great day. Met some great people that were overwhelming me with good advice as well as
gave me some helpful advice as well as lifted my mood.

Thanks to everyone who set up the event, I am determined to put in a better show next time.

BTW - The Barbecue was delish and the salad was awesome!

I to learnt from the event as well. Next time the sign up period will be a lot earlier so the event hosts can to still windsurf as well.

It was good you came down and it was good to catch up. Like it you said it was good day and evening, regardless of the poor weather.

The wind was very consistent at phillip island all arvo. Cat Bay had around 4 delicious breaks some 2ft, some 4ft, some 6ft and some bigger. The wind was perfectly cross shore and firm even close up to the cliffs that would normally shadow the intensity. Anyway, no one there but me.....maybe i was dreaming?
Mat