Let me have your photos and news for inclusion on this page. There is a table below for you to register the speeds that you are proud of.
If you want to register your speed, drop me an email with the details of Speed and kit used and I'll post it on the table. Click
speeds to go to the speed table
Dave
To download a full Duties list with work party info click here.
Club access restriction
Ridgeway are planning to be at Cliffe Jetty for a three day operation commencing 17 August 2010, they will have Security staff on Duty so there will be no access to the club facilities during these works.
Tips and Tasters May 29 2010
Another tips and taster session which went well with a number of different levels turing up and a mix of people from first time on a board to getting onto the plane and into the harness. Whilst the wind did it's best by continually changing in direction and strength everyone did well and enjoyed themselves. A good first outing for some but also a reminder to check kit with 2 broken mast feet during the day. Thanks to Bob, Simon and Dave for the rigging and tips.
Finally the technology is catching up with us and as Clive states "The old bluey boys have been brought into the 21 Century. This technology will confuse some !!!" Time to join up and join in!
Dahab 2010
Once again a group of members and ex members went away to Dahab in Egypt for a weeks holiday in early May. 19 met up at the airport (well one got there eventually, eh Vic!!), so just as well the plane was late.
The wind blew well for the first few mornings dropping away to very light breeze in the afternoon, then remained variable for the remainder of the week, not the best from the blasting boys, but as a group this meant that everyone had good wind to do what they wanted, so some good progression was made (even if at the prizegiving some of those in the 'beginners' group were noted as not exactly beginners!!). On the non windy days a few got out and did some snorkling either locally or at the famous Blue Hole, or doing some cycling to the local towns. A few good nights out in the local town Masbat, even letting the kids stay out late (well OK they partied, the oldies went to bed!!). Dave got a speed of 33 knots on an Isonic 145 and 7.5 metre Thunderbird.
pictures to follow
11th April
Well, I suppose we got the priorities right, we got the rescue boat out before grabbing cameras to ensure Mick's return to the bank with a broken boom was captured for prosperity.....
Sat 3rd April saw a very late organsied impromptu work party to carry on the repairs after the promissed wind failed to blow. Thanks to Simon, Bob, Geoff and Matt for responding. Things are looking good.
Windsurfers launch area
Sat 27th March saw 15 willing and able bodies turn up for a late organised impromptu work party to do repairs to the windsurfers launch area and shore up the eroding bank.
Many thanks to all
Also there but gone before the photo were Kevin, Cameron, Brian & Ian
Wind and Temperatures up at last
Sat 20th March saw the unusual flurry (for this year) of texts flying about asking, anyone out? What time? and as a result 8 turned up to blow away the cobwebs. A very unpredictable wind, but enough to get the yahoo's going on the water again.
First out at the Bluey 2010
Ian, Dave and Jason let the frustrations of not being out all winter get the better and decided the weather was 'acceptable'. So with a good breeze, and sails from 4.2 to 9.8!! off they went to freeze in the 4 degree wind. With Ian and Jason doing launches from the jetty direct onto the boards in their dry suits and pottering about on near the club, Dave blasted up an down to the far corner fully maxed out and getting some good speed for the first day out. But boy was it cold!
Brian Warner (Bruno) & Dave Crowhurst took part in the speed week 10th to 16th October at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, unfortunately the wind forecast for the week turned out to be perfectly correct in that Sunday would be the only day with any wind (and I mean ANY!!). A few other members, Geoff and Bev Cooper, Simon Gimbly, Mick Reeks & Bob Wolstenholme all came down and had a sail at the weekend, Phil Fidler came down midweek and not even enough wind for the longboard, still at least it was sunny.
Bruno registered 2 speeds on the 500 metre course, on the Saturday of 6.76 knots & 5.27 knots, reflective of the light winds
Bruno then registered 2 speeds on the Sunday of 21.91 knots & 21.34 knots.
Dave registered 18 runs on the Sunday, ranging from 22.04 knots to 25.67 knots.
Time through the week was spent doing various bits, watching the innovative designs of boats being tried and tested, dragon boat paddle to the harbour wall and back (only 5 miles), paddleboarding, and Bruno spent time doing freestile with a bit of coaching from Ant Baker.
We packed up everything on the Thursday evening, expecting to get away Friday right after the prize giving at midday, only to get to the centre on Friday to a 10 knot wind and people getting their kit together, hard to get your brain in gear to sail when you were just expecting to go home!! Bruno gave it a miss, Dave went out only to find they had set the course WAY upwind, so on a 158 Formula and 9.8 metre sail headed off, only to then catch the fin as the tide was very low. Eventually getting to the course, doing a few runs keeping the adjustable outhaul out to keep the sail powered up (Heath Robinson rules OK (just come and look at it sometime!!)) the wind then dropped and after 4 failed attempts to get plaining before the start line gave up.
3 runs registered between 18.07 and 20.10 knots, considering the winds were a good bit lower than that Dave was quite pleased.
Worst thing of the week is Bruno has lost his yellow hat.......
One person we came across at Weymouth was David Tuttlebee who after getting cancer started raising money for Cancer research and rather than doing a different event to raise money decided to do an event in the sport he loves, windsurfing. So what started as an event "SunriseSunset" developed into Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research (W4CR) charity, formed to promote cancer awareness among fellow windsurfers and, through specific projects, raise funds for cancer research, education and support.
More information can be found on the charity website W4CR
Photos 13/09/09
Attached below are photos (both dingy's and windsurfers) uploaded online taken on 13th September 2009.
Dave Crowhurst organised a weekend windsurfing over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
All ages and abilities were catered for and it was particularly good to see some of the younger members of the club trying windsurfing for the first time.
There was a brisk wind on both sailing days which ensured that the rescue boat was kept very busy.
The beginners all managed to get up on the boards and sail for a short time before hitting the water (repeatedly) and, in most cases, having to be towed back to shore.
The intermediate windsurfers were given some useful tips and assistance to help improve their sailing.
It was very good of the experienced windsurfers to give up their time to organise and run the weekend which was greatly enjoyed by everyone.
Vicky Baynard
To Dave and everyone else who helped with the windsurfing
Thank you for the weekend, it was much appreciated. We really enjoyed ourselves even if not many of us could stay on the boards for long.
Once again thank you.
Rebecka David and Cameron
Finally, a bit of wind at the weekend saw a number of windsurfers get out, even good to see a few dingys out on a Saturday as well. Thanks to Simon for the pictures
This year it was the start of May 2009 that saw a group of members (and ex members) off to Dahab in Egypt for a mainly Windsurfing holiday, with a little bit of Dingy/Catamaran/Snorkling/Cycling, the weather was great again and resulted in some great sailing. Mick Janman came back with the trophy for most improved windsurfer (well & generally fun attitude), amazing for the fact he only gets on a board once a year (so he says!!).
In terms of speed, despite those that think they go quickly, when they are armed with a GPS it tells a different story, so Mick Reeks once again registered the best speed on the holiday, nothing to break records though but 28 knots isn't bad.
Despite a wet forecast with light winds, reality was a little different with sun and gusty winds. A good turnout of windsurfers with 14 turning out and a few of the newer faces as well.
Sunday 19th April saw 6 boys from the Bluey take part in the Gravesend Rotary Club On your Bike 2009 ride.
Split between the 30 & 45 mile all finished and received their coasters for completing the course.
Not much wind, but an opportunity to get out... Photo's by Simon.
To see full size images, click on the picture.
Not sure of the dates of the shots, but obviously getting chilly... Thanks to Geoff for the photo's.
To see full size images, click on the picture.
Blasting - Saturday 8th November
Not the strongest of wind, so out came the big boards and sails, even Eddie got on something that doesn't sink immediately! Thanks to Simon for the photo's.
To see full size images, click on the picture.
Mike Fish and Mick Reeks out on 17th August 2008
Windsurfers at various times at BCSC
And because Monique was surprised that her picture of being rescued hadn't appeared.....
To see full size images, click on the picture.
Windsurfers go to Egypt
The start of June 2008 saw a group of members (and ex members) fly off to Dahab in Egypt for a mainly Windsurfing holiday, the weather was great and resulted in some great sailing both on boards and also for those brave enough, on the Darts and Snipes (Dave Jones and Mick Janman will continue to insist that they would've been OK when the club stopped all sailing because it was 'too windy'). John Williams took to the windsurfing and came back with the trophy for most improved windsurfer, something that I'm sure he'll try to keep quiet! Bruno even got himself in an online article in Boards magazine! Boards Magazine Article Other trophies earned were Dave Crowhurst, runner up to Bruno, and Mick Reeks who took the 'Rock Hard' trophy for his achievement of over 30 knots!
To see full size images, click on the picture.
Here are a few of the speeds registered on the lake, including the kit used (where known).
Just drop me an email or see me at the lake and let me know the details
Day
Month
Year
Name
Board
Sail
Top Speed (knots)
Top Speed (MPH)
1st
March
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Supersport 110
Neil Pryde Hellcat 6.7
29.9 kt
34.4 mph
April
2008
Simon Grimbly
Bic Techno 153
Tushingham 7.8
26.0 kt
29.9 mph
18th
May
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Freestyle Wave 91
Neil Pryde Excess 6.4
29.3 kt
33.7 mph
22nd
June
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Freestyle Wave 91
Neil Pryde Alpha 5.8
28.6 kt
32.9 mph
22nd
June
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Naish Boxer SL 6.4
29.9 kt
34.4 mph
5th
July
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Tushingham EvolutionII 7.4
29.2 kt
33.6 mph
18th
July
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Naish Boxer SL 6.4
28.3 kt
32.6 mph
19th
July
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Supersport 118
Neil Pryde V8 7.5
29.9 kt
34.4 mph
13th
August
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard Free 62
Tushingham Storm 5.0
27.5 kt
31.6 mph
14th
August
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Supersport 118
Neil Pryde V6 8.5
27.9 kt
32.1 mph
17th
August
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard Formula 158
Neil Pryde V8 9.4
25.2 kt
29 mph
20th
August
2008
Geoff Cooper
Tabu 115
Tushingham Thunderbird 6.5
26.9 kt
31 mph
21st
December
2008
Geoff Cooper
Tabu 115
Tushingham Thunderbird 6.5
26.0 kt
29.9 mph
21st
December
2008
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Naish Boxer SL 6.4
28.1 kt
32.3 mph
21st
December
2008
Michael Reeks
JP Slalom 104
Neil Pryde V8 7.5
28.7 kt
33 mph
8th
March
2009
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Naish Boxer SL 6.4
29.1 kt
33.5 mph
16th
April
2009
Brian Warner
Starboard Free Formula 157
Tushingham Lightning 8.5
22.3 kt
25.7 mph
24th
April
2009
Brian Warner
Starboard Free Formula 157
Tushingham Lightning 8.5
22.5 kt
25.9 mph
6th
July
2009
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard iSonic 115
Tushingham Storm 6.0
28.1 kt
32.3 mph
24th
October
2009
Simon Grimbly
Bic Techno 152
Bic Techno Logic 6.8m
27.1 kt
31.2 mph
24th
October
2009
Geoff Cooper
Board
Sail
27.4 kt
31.5 mph
4th
April
2010
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard Isonic 115
Naish Boxer SL 6.4
28.5 kt
32.8 mph
10th
April
2010
Dave Crowhurst
Starboard Isonic 115
Tushingham Series 5 7.4
26.8 kt
30.8 mph
And although not necessarly at the Lake, here are individuals best recorded.
