Dakine Weymouth Speed Week 2008, 4th – 10th October
Monday
Today we took advantage of the low winds in the morning and tested the three competing timing technologies back to back; video, manual and the Race-Trax GPS transponder. All performed very well, but the GPS system really impressed!
Winds picked up a little later in the day and 200 plus runs were recorded – Anders Bringdal dominated!
Several of the boats ventured on to the course and Dave White completed a Weymouth first by sailing a sailboard, a kite board and a boat – a Tornado – in the same competition.
Sunday
Junior results, some fantastic times recorded, the fastest Junior was a kite boarder; Martin Hayes who achieved a speed of 32.43 kt, just beating Liam Round on a sailboard in to second place. Liam achieved 32.27 kt. The third place at a speed of 30.35 kt. went to Harry Allerston, also sailing a kite board.
Of special note was the award made to Henry Bloodworth, he sailed in each session on Saturday bit never managed to complete a run down the course – which considering the wind strength and the fact that he is a diminutive 10 year old was not surprising, undaunted he competed on Sunday and recorded 4 runs, his best being at a speed of nearly 17 kt. He was given an award for his plucky performance.
Henry Bloodworth receiving his prize from Anders Bringdal, Liam Round is in the background.
Saturday
A record day. A new harbour record has been set by Anders Bringdal with a speed of 38.48 knots and the majority of competitors on the course today exceeded 30 knots. Wind speeds reached 30 – 35 knots plus gusts.
The Race-Trax GPS timing system was trialled in the extreme conditions and appeared to perform excellently – more details later when time permits.
The results are available Saturday results heresome additional runs will become available and a full listing of names added. Unfortunately a number of sail numbers were not legible.
Anders Bringdal on course, note the GPS transponder which is carried in a ‘camel’ back pack.
