NSW State Wind Foil Round 5 This was a make-up race which was held at MPSC with a solid fleet of 19, including 7 Windwings.
Big thanks to Geoff and Glenn ran the start boat and had a long wait for the wind, we were ready by noon, but didn't start until 2pm when we ran a single lap race as the wind was hovering at the minimum 8knots.
However just as the flag dropped the Southerly finally arrived in earnest, overpowering a lot of the sailors by the end of the race.
It was great seeing a mixed fleet on the start line which was too close to shore to be honest, but made for easy starts with just 30s runup to the line.
I tried a port-start which was ill-advised as I had to tack very early, after crossing the line behind the front-runners.
Justin used his superiour upwind skills to good effect on each leg...
Justin ahead of Dave towards the top with Byron off screen and me (Berowne) chasing close behind.
Young vs young-at-heart. Tibor vs someone (A52) on windwing.
Young vs young-at-heart. Tibor vs Dave Sorensen on windwing.
Dave had a good day winning all races in his division! Big thanks to Dave Sorenson for bringing so many windwingers to the event, most for their first race! His shop, Foil Board Sports is part of Kite & SUP. See
foilboardsports.com.au
Windfoils still have the advantage over Windwings... but for how long??
Duotone battle... Dave leading Byron to the top mark
James locked in upwind!
Ian cranking it with Dave in sight...
Dave had a 'mixed' day... winning some but having a BIG OFF downwind as the wind and swell rose up (1m at the biggest). He lost a boom clamp rope affecting 2 rounds.
Roger beat me to the top mark, but I had more speed downwind, catching him and Justin by the line!
Close race for 2nd place at the 'holly wood finish'
I squeezed past Justin (despite 3 broken battens!)
Byron did well on his new F4, despite this being the first time he tried sailing the course racing foil! A few more practice sessions over the off-season and he is going to be quick!
Poor start strategy cost me... and sail facing the wrong way on half the legs made speed hard to attain....
Justin had great upwind angles but was over-loaded downwind!
Roger held the 9.5 all day! Well done.
Tibor coming down for a gybe.... with the boys watching from the start boat.
I had suffered a mast snap while waiting, and didn't notice that 3 battens had also broken so made a quick dash in to change from 10.0 to 9.1 and most of the fleet changed either a sail, wing or foil! Some going down to as little as 4m!
The later races thined the fleet as the wind built. 9m sails could have been swapped to 8 in some of the gusts but overall probably best to stay on the 9 as I did.
The swell got large in the middle of the bay. I had a few high moments, and Byron got launched... downwind he tapped the top of a wave, breached, got air and landed it! Nice one. I need to learn that skill...
Thanks to Byrce for the video footage of race 1! There could be some more photos from Glenn on the boat.
