Windxtasy

NickName

Windxtasy  

FullName

Anita Staaden  

SailNumber

 

Age Division

Legend (60+)  

Gender

Female  

Description

Proud captain of the victorious Pinnaroos GPS team.

I love speedsailing but it is hard on my body and it takes me a few days to recover after a session. I am small and light, which puts me at a disadvantage for speed, and I am no athlete. I have had to be tactical, going to where the water was flattest and the wind strongest to make the most of my limited skills. I have had to plan ahead to make sure I was fit enough for when a good forecast was offered. I have become a student of synoptic charts, tides and forecasts. What was an exercise to improve my own numbers has been a big advantage for the team since I became captain. Most of the team enjoy my breakfast forecast with recommended speed spots for the day.

I enjoy getting good speeds, but I get just as excited when my team mates do well. I live vicariously through their magnificent exploits. They make me look good as team captain, but it is their excellent sailing skills which have reaped the rewards.

I am slowly getting faster, and my gybes are getting smoother and more reliable. I love the camaraderie of this competition and the way it makes me push myself to improve. I probably would never have bothered to learn to gybe if it hadn't been for the alpha and hour categories!