I'm considering entering the marathon for the 2nd time after completing in 2010, however without having race equipment I am not able to be competive, so I have been asking myself 'what's the point?'. I seem to recall a post a while back about some fellas treating the event as a type of 'fun run' for windsurfing by using retro equipment from the 80s era (complete with headbands and fluro zinc perhaps?). My questions are a) did this happen or was I trippin? b) Are there people interested in or are doing something similar and if so, are there people/shops who would be willing to donate/lend some suitable equipment? Perhaps the LOC commitee could be setup a separate division for 'sailors using equipment older than Phillip Koster'?

This is the only reason way I'd compete these days.
find a gumtree special and have a go. Max $200 spend!

French kev did this a few years ago IIRC.

A great idea in principle and i would encourage anyone to have a go regardless of what your expectations may be however the most important thing is to enjoy it and i can't imagine sailing that deep off the wind in 20-30 kts and 2-3 metre swell with a funky bic electro rock or similar to be much fun.
If you could finish the race in a solid sea breeze on that type of kit then you would have accomplished more than most.

Select to expand quote

STUMP said..
A great idea in principle and i would encourage anyone to have a go regardless of what your expectations may be however the most important thing is to enjoy it and i can't imagine sailing that deep off the wind in 20-30 kts and 2-3 metre swell with a funky bic electro rock or similar to be much fun.

If you could finish the race in a solid sea breeze on that type of kit then you would have accomplished more than most.

Bic rock? Meh! Windrush Clubman.... now THAT would be a challenge! Anyone else wanna step up to the crease?

I am keen of course :)