Gordon Roach of Trent Windsurfing Club reports from their June 2011 trip to Tiree…

Back at the end of June landlocked Trent Windsurfing Club, which is based half way between Nottingham and Derby, embarked on their first trip to Tiree. There were two things special about this trip, first of all, that the club had made a significant financial contribution towards the cost for its members, and that of the 14 people going none were hardened wave heads and many were not even regular sea sailors. So we set of on the 13 hour journey in a mini bus and two vans rammed with kit.

With spending a week on the windy island we would have expected to get at least a few decent days, and this we did, but only three. These days were nice powered up 6.5m weather with a gentle rolling swell out back and a small shore break, just right for the majority of us who normally only sail on the flat waters of Rutland & Carsington. The other days were all marginal with only the guys who brought very big kit managing to get going, but the early intermediates within our group really enjoyed these conditions.

The trip was still deemed a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who went. It has now spurred more of our members to be more adventurous with their sailing and travel more.

The club has also now decided that it will embark upon a lot more part funded trips next year and is actively trying to develop its membership and encourage new people into the sport.

More at www.trentwindsurfing.org.uk