Windsurfing in the Slalom Pro Fleet

Posted on 13 May, 2014 RichHobson

Well it feels like its been ages since I last posted on here, here’s the update:

Having recovered from my broken arm last year I have been concentrating on my fitness to get ready for sailing in the Slalom Pro Fleet 2014.  My fitness regime during the winter months has been as follows:

• One hour in the gym five times a week, approximately twenty five thousand kilos lifted each time;
• Seven mile run, five times a week, replaced by windsurfing if windy

I have managed to lose ten kilos in weight plus bulking up in muscle.  I seem to be fifty percent stronger now than I was a year ago (*see Weymouth event comment later on).

In preparation for Marazion the first event in Cornwall

Saturday

First day on the water in Cornwall was very very cold with an offshore wind.  Total time on the water was 6 hours with half an hour break for lunch.  I was racing my 7.8m North Sails Warp and Fanatic Falcon 122L Board.  Quite flat conditions to start with picking up to quite a swell in the afternoon.  Great to be racing in the Pro Fleet for the first time and quite an eye opener.  A full four rounds were completed (eight races in total).

Sunday

Classic schoolboy error, I forgot my sailing band (this is the marker that tells the shore crew that you’re racing and on the water) without this they don’t know you’re out there.  For this error I got points added on for a penalty.  I won’t forget again!  Conditions were even colder than the first day and I was on a 6.3m 2014 North Sails Warp and my 102L Fanatic Falcon Board.  Two full rounds were completed this day.  My overall result was 15th.

Windy Weymouth BSA (British Slalom Association) 2nd round 10th and 11th May

Saturday

Woke up in the morning having had quite a sleepless night with the van rocking (due to the wind)! Rigged up my 6.3m and 5.2m Warp sails.  Went out on my 6.3m on my 89L slalom board and soon realised that the wind was a constant 40 knots gusting to nearly 50knots.  I was very lucky to have a 4.7m North Sails Warp still brand new in its packet in the van.  This was hurriedly rigged and I spent the whole day on this sail.  Managed to sail 3 finals and 4 heats.  The last final I tripped up getting to the start line and in way over 40 knots couldn’t get back on the board in time.  I was 20 seconds late for the start of the race, so I had a DNC “Did Not Compete” which was totally frustrating as I’d worked hard to get into the final in which only 3 people sailed.  But Sunday would be a new day.

Sunday

The wind had not eased overnight and was still gusting into and over 40 knots, so I decided to rig two sails, my 4.7m and my 6.3m just in case the wind dropped slightly in the afternoon.  The conditions today were completely crazy.  I sailed one whole reach completed maxed out on a 4.7m not using my harness but just holding on with my arms and my strength.  That time in the gym really did help.  Managed to get in a winners final which felt absolutely awesome.  That made the whole weekend for me.  Conditions dropped slightly in the afternoon so I used my 6.3m for one race before the wind picked up to nuclear again.  By this time all racing had ceased for the weekend and the results were in.  My overall result was 13th in the Pro Fleet.  Many lessons to be learnt, must improve my starts!  Also, gybing in 40 knots will need  more practice! One of my team mates sailed some of the races on a 4.7m Wave Sail and a Tri Fin Wave Board.  The conditions were that crazy and he’s 20 kilos heavier than I am.  Note to self: kit selection is everything!  Next time take wave kit.  Looking forward to the next event in Aberdovey.

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