Sponsor's Report by Chris Lewis, Pryde Group UK.
The third round of the 2010 national windsurfing slalom tour was held at Branksome Dene Chine near Poole in Dorset. In the first year for the BSA, the association has really taken off, with two fantastic events on both Tenby, Wales and more recently in Weymouth, Dorset. It has been attracting a regular travelling competitor base across all fleets as well as accommodating locals and first timers looking to try something different and explore a new aspect to the sport of windsurfing. The BSA's goal of offering organised social events is clearly working and as such it was with high expectations that the vans were packed and the teams headed down to Poole for the third round of this year's series!
Branksome Dene is a real hidden gem, quite literally! A local hotspot, it's not even signposted off the main road. Its special and unique appeal is clear for all to see once you descend through the wooded valley down into a secluded car park right above the famous stretch of white sand that runs along the coast from Bournemouth to Sandbanks. Indeed, this Dorset creek is reminiscent of foreign climes with pine and palm trees lining the car park and providing our very own paradise for the weekend.
The pre-event forecast did not look favourable and by scouring many a website and forecast, you could just about draw some solice from the fact that Sunday looked like it could be the day when the north easterly wind roared the most. It seemed the unseasonal northerly winds, which had plagued the country for over a month now had not only reduced temperatures and grounded airplanes, they had also led to a serious drought of outstanding windsurfing conditions on the south coast. And for this third round of the national tour, the anticipation amongst the wind-starved competitors was clearly evident; evidence the likes of which can only normally be seen at feeding time down the local zoo.
Saturday dawned to grey skies and an unfavourable offshore wind direction, leaving competitors and organisers frustrated alike. However, it also gave the wind-starved inhabitants of the car park a welcome opportunity to catch up, share rigging experiences and generally just chill-out and enjoy a day off down by the beach with mates. 2008 British Slalom Champion Jamie Hawkins was on hand and hosted a technique clinic on board design, which was attended by most. With time still on our side Jamie was even happy to look at people's kit and help tune board and fin set ups personally. Thanks to Jamie and his sponsors Neil Pryde and JP for this. Saturday however did not manage to deliver action afloat and as the clock ticked away, an official end to the day's proceedings was called. With the sailors released from standby, they all headed off to the designated rendezvous for food, drinks, more drinks and an early night's sleep! One thing the BSA are managing to deliver is a great social aspect to each event, and Poole was no exception with a great evening had by all.
Sunday - the day of action! The forecasts promised much and indeed a few extra people had turned up to take advantage of the master blaster format. This is where over the course of a weekend there will be eight races (four each day) but you only need four to get an overall result! The extra faces and promised forecasts however did nothing to inspire the wind and, like Saturday, it spent all morning teasing and tempting but never quite delivering. After lunch it was decided that some master blast fun racing would be called for and with kit already rigged and primed to go, pretty much all the competitors were super happy to get on the water for a simple out and back follow the boat and round the buoy race! Even though it was not official championship racing, the wind was enough for sailors to get planing and that was more than enough to bring some broad grins and smiles to the eager racers. Pryde Group UK kindly donated a number of prizes for fun race entrants including a new Neil Pryde X3 boom to one lucky youngster. Chris Martin of Pryde Group UK was happy with the day's racing and remarked on how impressed he was at the turnout and the racing spectacle:
"It's great to be down here in Poole. We've been unlucky with the weather this time but in many ways the unusual conditions and even the lack of wind have helped to make this event both memorable and special. The BSA so far this year has achieved great things and I can't wait till the next event - I have my year planned out!"
At the close of play the wind had not delivered a championship counting result, but nonetheless it did not detract from the excellent weekend had by all. It certainly wasn't due to a lack of wind-dancing or the sterling effort made by the race committee and race crews who spent hours afloat in RIBs chasing and searching for the wind. Thanks to the UKWA race crews for all their efforts once again. The BSA is an association set up with the sailors in mind and alot of work goes towards that end, and so thanks must also go to Neil Pryde and JP for sponsoring and organising the Poole event, along with the other BSA members - North, Tushingham, Starboard, Fanatic as well as Thommen and Boards Magazine.
Round four is next and we have a slight break to recharge the batteries before rolling onto the sleepy and picture-postcard village of Aberdovey in mid-Wales. 45 knots one year and a Caribbean style holiday the next. Aberdovey never fails to deliver and is a great destination for windsurfers and families alike. Pryde Group UK will be showcasing their secnd event in style by raffling a brand new Neil Pryde sail to all Amateur and Master Blaster entrants, along with other amazing product prizes. And for the pro fleet there is a cash bonanza to compete for! For more information, go to the Next Event page.
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