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wTuesday, October 25, 2005 | |
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First (Speed) Lady - Speedweek Weymouth   By Amy Carter This year the Weymouth International Speed Week attracted a record number of entries from England, Wales, Scotland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Austria and the Channel Islands, who were all there for one reason, to go as fast as possible down a 500m course in Weymouth harbour, and break the current record of 36.18 knots set by Bjorn Dunkerbeck the previous year. The pre-event activities started on the morning of Friday 7th, with a windsurfing speed master class by speed gurus Bjorn Dunkerbeck, and Britain's own Dave White. Many of the competitors gathered round for top tips on boards, fins, sails, and stance, all of which I'm sure proved helpful during the week ahead. After registration and a briefing on Saturday morning, the competition got into full swing. With a gusty 12-18 knots a course was set up, and for the afternoon windsurfers, kitesurfers, and boats sped along the course, trying to get as smoother run as possible. At the end of the day I had the fastest women's time of 24.46 knots, with Dan Ellis taking top spot in the mens with 28.47 knots, and fastest junior being Dan Simpson with 24.90 knots. For the rest of the week the wind came and went, not really delivering what was expected, and for most people it was not until the final Friday that some faster speeds were clocked. In choppy conditions Zara Davis got an impressive run of 24.32 knots, but fortunately for me she could not go faster than my speed from earlier in the week, leaving me as fastest female. Frenchman Dave Garrel and "Windy" John Sanderson, had both been hot on the heels on Dan Ellis, but on the last day Dan proved he could not be beaten, as he extended his lead with a run 29.07 knots. Fastest kite of the week went to Ludo Brockway with 23.95 knots, and fastest boat was Charles Thompson in his Tri-foiler which recorded 27.93 knots. The week ended with the prize giving where prizes were gratefully donated by Windtek, T1, Naish, Tushingham, Club Vass, 604 Distribution, Fibrespar, and Maui Sails, and then a rather nice meal at a posh restaurant in town! Despite the wind gods not really being on our side I'm sure everyone had a brilliant week, especially Mark Newman, 1st Amateur, who won a holiday to Club Vass for himself, and wife Clare, who incidentally placed 3rd in the ladies fleet! I would like to say thank you to everyone involved with the organisation of the event for making everything run as smoothly as possible, and to all my sponsors for supporting me so I could make it there. Amy Carter - GBR85 Sponsored by Starboard, Tushingham, Sola Wetsuits, Dakine, Funk Sunglasses, Kangaroo Poo, and Offshore Sports. Pics courtesy of nick povey at www.speedsailing.com and clyde waite at www.boardseeker.com posted by editors at 10/25/2005 10:55:00 PM |
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