2015 ATF New Zealand Slalom Windsurfing Nationals overview

This years nationals started off with a bang in Christchurch. The forecast was for 40+knots offshore, where the wind had to travel over mountains to reach the harbour. This made for nearly impossible sailing, as gusts of over 50knots where recorded meaning we couldn’t race on the opening day. The following day was becalmed. We had nearly no wind at all meaning we couldn’t race. So we relaxed and caught up with friends which we hadn’t seen since the last nationals. It was also great to see so many youth present where 15 sailors under 25. Some of the youngest sailors managed to even race on their techno’s and RSX gear and did really well.

Day 3 and we finally had racing. The day started off very cold as a strong southerly was forecast. With the southerly came snow which made for a very strange summers day. I have never seen that happen before as it February! Anyways the afternoon came around and the wind died down a bit as it was blowing well over 40knots again. Once the safety boats were able to launch and set a course we all headed out. It was quite easily some of the hardest conditions I have ever sailed in which made it a lot of fun. This was due to not only how gusty it was but because of the out of control sea state. As the wind came around Quail Island the swell slowly built, it then met again right where our course was set. This made for unstructured swell and caused some serious carnage.

The first flight was launched and I was on my 6.3 Warp and 90L Isonic. The wind was between 25-39knots over the course which made for some very testing times. I took a first in the opening race where I beat Basil. Later however I found out Basil wasn’t even meant to be in my race and had raced in the wrong heat. Then we had the next heat. The wind was backing off a bit so I was feeling a bit more in control around the course. I managed to win this race with Luke and Harry following behind me. Unfortunately however, the race didn’t count as some sailors were unable to complete the race. Racing was postponed for the day as the wind was getting lighter and gustier which meant the race would be re-run the next day.

On the final day there was a north easterly forecast … FINALLY, which provide some great racing. The wind came in stronger around 2pm which is when racing started. My first battle was against Gareth where as usual it was a battle where I was on my 8.6 Warp and 130L Isonic. Gareth managed to win the start and just got an overlap at the first mark. It was then time for me to overtake. Gareth is awesome at blocking and ensuring I didn’t overtake him. I had awesome board speed and acceleration but he was able to keep luffing me around the course. I finally got an opportunity to overtake him at the third mark on his inside but as I took that line there was seaweed by the mark. As I tried to change my direction I fell off balance and crashed. Although I caught up to Gareth there was no way I could win after that mistake.

The next race I was up against Basil. It was an awesome race where Basil started at the pin end and I started at the boat. We arrived at the first mark together however Basil managed to just pull away at the first mark. The whole race I was behind Basil by no more then 5 meters, where any mistake would be fatal. At the final mark Basil went slightly wide so I went tight and gt above Basil. I gunned it for the line with Basil just below me and infront a bit. I started to overtake where I aimed at the boat as it was boat end biased. I however came a little bit to close to the boat whch made it very exciting for all parties involved. Neither Basil or I knew who wn as it was literally a photo finish, however Basil managed to just take the bullet.

My final big race of the event was against Gareth in round 5. Gareth again won the start as he managed to just roll me and it seemed like a repeat of the last race. I was very close behind him the entire race where I was getting closer and closer at every gybe to overtaking. At the final gybe I saw an opportunity to get on his inside and roll over him. I pumped and rolled him and finished in first. "Never give up” The remaining races I won which meant I would finsh on the same points as Gareth after we discarded our worst results. As Gareth had to discard a 3rd and 2nd whereas I only had two 2nds. This allowed me to win on count back.A great start to a new year! I have regained my national title and showed that I am on track for the upcoming season. A big thanks to my sponsors North Sails, Starboard, Meanline Fins, BTS GYM and Eye for Detail. I would also like to thank the major event sponsors ATF Fencing, Groundswell, PredictWind and Meanline Fins.

Photo Credit to Wendy Davie, Allan Taylor and all the other volunteers who helped.