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 Friday 26th October – windsurf **** River Stour, Bradfield– sunny periods but cooler

F2 Xantos 295 with Tushingham Lightning 7.8m and 39 fin.

28.30 knot max ., 26.11 knot ave  ., 15.71 knot hour, 21.11  knot mile, 56.10 km., 16.49 knot alpha

The North wind just keeps on giving, after Tuesdays mega 94 km. session it was the same again today but as a front passed during the morning the temperature was supposed to drop, adding the windchill factor it did put a few off. Then on arriving at Bradfield carpark by the River Stour the carpark was already nearly full at 11.15! The good thing about so many there I could let the others be the Guinee pig so I could get my boars/sail combination right first time. The general feeling was that the bigger sailors needed 8/8.5 while the smaller ones a metre less. I nearly rigged 8.5 for my big Xantos but Neil and Craig were going OK so I took a chance with 7.8 on the 133 lt. an OK sail but not my fastest rig. I put my full winter suit on and neoprene cap held in place by my helmet so was fine the whole session, my hands did get a bit chilly but I didn’t need gloves, it helped that I sailed the first hour and a half session and didn’t fall in, that is the joy of a River venue, gybing is easier:) It is odd sailing with a hat on as you cant feel the wind strength as well but it was definitely lighter than Tuesday and a fraction up and down, direction swinging about a bit too. Still it was good fun trying to find some good swells to bear off on but it was not a fast day today and could have been sunnier too! The wind went light so I returned to the van for a yummy salad Mag had made and was pleased to see the legend that is Dave White with his big lens out snapping today’s action, can’t wait to see them later on Facebook:) It was good to see Peter Cutts out today, legs recovered from last weekends dirt motorbiking! The day had definitely changed with the wind a bit more up and down, with the ups getting windier as the clouds passed over, we had it all, light showers, hail and even a rainbow! I had a few more miles and actually fell in a couple of times and the water temperature is still OK and I get my fastest peak with the wind turning so you could sail broad parallel with the beach! Again, I was nearly last off the water but didn’t sail as far as Tuesday but still good. Out of my suit I made a warming cuppa had some cake before packing up and heading home. The wind is strong tomorrow but from the North with a windchill making it feel like 3 degrees so I might give tomorrow a miss and perhaps go to Bradfield again on Sunday as NE is good for the Stour.

 https://www.facebook.com/stephen.squirrell.1/media_set?set=a.10214452098068901&type=3

http://mkwindsurfing.co.uk/booms/

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Nice day at Bradfield - loads turned up again -good fun