Poole Slalom Club Latest

Saturday, 8 November

Midday at Branksome Dene there was a surprising amount of swell with head-high waves. Downwind slalom was binned as getting enough buoys out and back would have been difficult. Instead we raced a figure-of-eight course. The first race was run with a Le Mans style start off the beach out through the waves. Thereafter we did rolling starts out to sea and between about 1pm and 4pm completed 8 races.

As almost always with kit choice ‘going big’ was the way forward and 7.0-7.8m sails with 110L/68cm wide boards were the ideal equipment for the afternoon. Unfortunately put-off by the white water many chose smaller sails & boards only to regret it when it came to racing the figure-of-eight course (which at times had one tight leg).

Thanks to all who enthusiastically took to the water.  It was great to have ex-pro windsurfer Dee Caldwell (K1) as the new face for the week.

Tomorrow and Monday it’s looking good for wave sailing. There will be quite a few of us at Avon early afternoon if things turn out as forecast.

Next Saturday Xavier will be running a racing clinic and fun slalom at Weymouth – details on the UKWA website. More than 15 knots slalom, less it will be formula orientated. It will be well worth the trip if there’s wind.

Chris Martin is kindly trying to sort out a weeknight Xmas get-together at the Hub – details soon.