WHO CAN TAKE DOWN THE STIG

On 18th March, The ZU Boardsports, in conjunction with Elwood SC, will be putting on what should be the biggest windsurfing event of the season at Elwood SC.

A sternchaser funrace with a difference, for all levels and equipment, starring our 'target', Craig 'Spotty' Spotiswood - Victoria's fastest sailor. (over 50 knots !)

We will also be holding free kids lesson at 12.30pm, a Hydrofoil windsurfing demonstration and The Elwood Chaser pursuit race that will be followed by a free barbecue provided by the club upstairs at the bar.

Put the 18th March from 12.30pm in your diary and bring the whole family. The event, insurance and barbecue is free !

I'll be there

Just for the great unwashed of us out here:

What exactly is a 'Sternchaser'.

You chase Spottis Stern

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sailquik said..
Just for the great unwashed of us out here:

What exactly is a 'Sternchaser'.

stern chaser (plural stern chasers)

A gun or cannon mounted on the stern of a ship for firing at a pursuing vessel.

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mr love said..
You chase Spottis Stern

What happens when you catch him ??? New sail

OK. My ancient history yachting experience somehow found it's way back into my conscious memory banks from some deep, dark filing place.

Those stern chasers were handicap events where the slowest boats started first and the fastest boat last at carefully calculated times according to the estimated time of the course. The idea was that if they all sailed to handicap, they would all arrive at the finish line at the same time, making for a very exciting finish.

Since windsurfers don't have 'type' or 'class' handicaps, and the sailors don't have previously calculated personal handicaps (which would be impossible except of a highly standardised course anyhow), how the heck can you run a meaningful windsurfing stern chaser?

PS. That would probably mean that Spotty starts LAST, and decrepit, little old men like me go first.

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sailquik said..
OK. My ancient history yachting experience somehow found it's way back into my conscious memory banks from some deep, dark filing place.

Those stern chasers were handicap events where the slowest boats started first and the fastest boat last at carefully calculated times according to the estimated time of the course. The idea was that if they all sailed to handicap, they would all arrive at the finish line at the same time, making for a very exciting finish.

Since windsurfers don't have 'type' or 'class' handicaps, and the sailors don't have previously calculated personal handicaps (which would be impossible except of a highly standardised course anyhow), how the heck can you run a meaningful windsurfing stern chaser?

PS. That would probably mean that Spotty starts LAST, and decrepit, little old men like me go first.

At the last Sternchaser it went something like wave boards go 1st then freeride gear 2nd then race/slalom gear are last off the beach, not much wind forecast anyway.

Yes at this stage the forecast looks pretty dismal, hopefully something changes.

Sandy Point looks OK. Might have to stay home.

Race relocation

Not sure that weather forecasts (in particular wind forecasts) are worth a squirt of p1ss anymore. Port Philip Bay forecasts have been all over the joint this year...

Couldn't agree more with the comments about forecast accuracy.

I think we should forget about it and get together tomorrow regardless. If there is wind we chase The Stig on the water... if no wind, how'bout chasing him on the beach; we'd have a far better chance to get him.

Elwood Chaser is on today, unfortunately the wind is not cooperating so we will just run the free kids lessons from 12.30 and talk wind SUP and Foiling! Don't forget social and free BBq are still on !

Well Done Paul & Zu Crew, Adrian and ESC Crew.

Wind was perfect for learners, so good to see lots of people on the water, partners, kids etc.

Probably did more for the sport than a race