Back in 2007 a small group of sailors in the Poole area started slalom racing on Thursday evenings throughout the summer months, but only when there was sufficient wind.
This concept was built on by organising an email group that allowed co-ordinators to communicate the details of the racing planned for the coming week. This soon extended to cover Saturdays and Sundays to maximise the chance of getting sufficient wind to go racing.
2008 saw Poole Slalom hold numerous events and because of the email format and use of modern forecasting websites none of the events ‘called’ had insufficient wind for modern slalom gear. Attendances regularly exceeded 30 sailors with a wide range of experience; complete slalom novices have even had the opportunity to race on the same course with the likes of Jamie Hawkins and Guy Cribb.
As the UKWA slalom representative it is Roger Clark’s aim to role this format out across the country. He is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to replicate the success they have had with Poole Slalom in their local area.
If you would like to get slalom racing going in your area please contact him using the link below!