3 categories

Melville Beach, WA, AU

Just not my day, rigged with too much downhaul on the 5.5 became super twitchy rough water but slowy made it look flat some good speeds from the master to come, was knackered after a white knuckle run on the outside bank called it quits before major damage. Should have gone to Coods expecting to see some high numbers from the brave souls if they hooked into the big gusts. Today was survival for the slappers the foilers once again had a ball riding high of the chop

3 categories

Melville Beach, WA, AU

Escaped while my daughter was having a driving test.

Quite happy to escape again from the water with my tail between my legs.

Geez it was rough out there!

Windtech SB 57, SV M1 6.2, Schelts's proto 28 & 29

2 categories

Coodanup, WA, AU

Another epic session in the pond with Woody, Stroppo and Windsup. Wind direction was near perfect (WSW?) and water state very flat near the bank. Entered the pond around 11am where a few descent gust were bringing mid 34s but still not all that powered up. One big squall came through but as usual I was making my way back upwind and couldn't take advantage of the speed run. Up to now there were alot of standing around wondering if Huey was going to boot in with the promised horses. At about 1pm Huey sent in the mules and boy did that light up the conditions. In a blink of a second I went from underdone to holy sweet jesus, I think the mule just kicked me in the guts. Spanked on the way into the run but once in, it was clench the exhaust pipe and hang on. Hugely overdone but I'd take these conditions everyday. Second best PB 2s & 5x10s avg and still the slowest in the pond!!! As usual I will always wonder wether the speedboard would have been a better choice. Only consolation was sharing the stoke with a yet to post team member with something to shout out about and watching the other big guns send it. Great sailing everyone.

SB i87, Evo4 5.8m, Tribal wspd 27

3 categories

Boundary Island, Peel Estuary, WA, AU

What lovely weather we had today. Cold with sheets of rain carrying 35kt gusts. Expecting a welcoming forecast, I arrived to see Windsup waiting for the blow from the west. Flatchat and Stroppo arrived shortly after so we rigged all with 5.5 s I think. Sunk for a while in the 10knots then it was on as a huge gust started the session. I saw from the bank, Windsup take his first run. It looked really quick so it was a sign of things to come. Tide was favorable for the first half hour and was quite smooth in part. Had a few well timed gusts and hugged the bank. Stoked to see the 40 for the first time.  The cold at first was'nt enough to wake up Stroppo and Windsup as I think it was knowing of my 40. They both set the pace for the rest of the session with Flatchat in hot pursuit. The wind picked up a bit more and we got some big squals. Had a blast trying to correct a few spinouts as i was bearing away at the start of the run which had become choppy. Interesting trying to hook back in with the big gusts. Just kept trying to push for more and was happy with the session. Pretty happy to get the manta 59 going quick. I overlooked the 54 and JP speed 50. Next time. I thought going with what felt comfortable would be the best bet. Great to share the experience with some other mad keen nutters today. Manta 59, Vapor 5.6, Lunny modified WP 24