AUTUMN 2013

HERE COMES WINTER! 

What a wonderful summer we have had this year with plenty of wind and sunshine for all the windsurfing, BBQs and events.

It doesn’t seem a second since the Summer issue of the Skeg. Now here we are facing the dreaded Winter months and all the problems they may bring. But cheer up everyone! Forget your woes and let the Skeg cast your thoughts to sun drenched holidays and inspire you to take up , improve your windsurfing or simply overcome your reluctance to go winter windsurfing at the bay.

In this issue Turkey, Morocco and Greece await you thanks to Debbie, Alan Tucknott & Mike Boyes. Plus, there are tips for safer winter windsurfing. And there is the amazing story of a board that went for a floatabout for 6 months AND a fishy tale! Here’s hoping for one of those mild winters with temperatures in double figures and loads of wind from the southwest!

1 SUE’S NEWS A big thank you to Richard who volunteered & completed the Ronseal covering of the decking.

The club has purchased new, good quality & excellent viewing capacity binoculars. You cannot miss them they are bright yellow & can be found in the hut for anyone to use. And, there is a new cooker!

The Blue Box of bits has come in very useful this season so if you are having a clear out of harness lines, harnesses, boots, gloves, or anything small that could be of use to others please add them to the box.

The first aid box is now placed in the gap under the cooker. It has a grey top with 2 red crosses on it. As soon as it has a proper home I will advise everyone.

The Season is not over yet!

Take care everyone

Sue x

“oh no, I’ve broken another nail...”

2 STARBOARD & TUSHINGHAM DEMO DAY 27 JULY 2013

Well the weather forecast was terrible but after a brief down pour as we unloaded the demo van the sun came out!

Justin from Starboard bought lots of different toys for us to play with. The SUP boards were very popular in the morning with a few of us having a small race out to the red buoy and back. The Wind SUPs were well used in the light winds with sails on them.

In the afternoon the wind picked up and nearly every demo board and sail was used, including the Tushingham Dino used by Dave the Wave’s boys.

There were lots of Starboard Carve’s in different sizes, Tushingham T4’s, Lightnings and the new lighter Concept sails, which was my particular favourite.

We had bucks fizz on the decking in the morning then fired up the BBQ at lunchtime, followed by Sue’s delicious cakes and little pots of fruity jelly.

Thank you to all those who helped de-rig sails and carry kit back over to the demo van. We were all packed up and finished before the rain, thunder and lightening turned up.

Thank you to everyone who turned up to support the day.

3 GONE FISHING! Minnis Bay, Monday, July 22nd. Wind - WSW (cross shore). It had been one of the best windsurfing days of 2013. An incredibly constant wind - perfect 6.5m weather. There had been no lulls all day - honest!! I started windsurfing at 11am and sailed initially for 2 hours, blasting straight out on relatively flat water. The included 2 trips to the Hook Beacon. On the second trip the water was chest high as the tide was coming in quite fast. As the tide came in, the wind picked up to a 6 at times, so I changed down to a 5.8 and a lower volume board. Excellent went up a notch! By 2pm there were about 6 boards still out - all revelling in the wind. During the afternoon I had noticed a large fishing boat in the distance. I had been too preoccupied with windsurfing to keep an eye on it all the time. I had kept well away from it all afternoon, giving it very little thought. UNTIL NOW. On this particular run, I blasted out as usual, and after about 400metres I saw an orange buoy ahead. I veered away from the buoy, and thought to myself - “never seen that before!” Then I saw the net. Too late. My fin hit it and I fell in the water. I tried to swim away from the net, but had difficulty freeing my feet, which were tangled up in the net. I was joined by Richard, who suffered a similar fate. We eventually got free and sailed away. No damage done - except to the net, I hope! The net must have been spread out for about 200 metres between 2 buoys parallel to the shore. It was almost impossible to avoid - though one sailor claimed to have jumped over it!

We found out that the boat is based in Ramsgate and called the Endeavour. It has fished in the bay before and complaints have been made to the council in the past.

However, fishing boats can fish anywhere as long as they the nets with black flags and buoys. The Endeavour certainly did not use black flags, and had laid the net very close to a recreational beach, which is an official sailing bay. It seems to me that professional fishermen need a good dose of common sense!

4 Winter Sailing

I have 2 overriding memories of windsurfing in the winter. The first is during the long board days at West Bay. It was the very first time I had ever windsurfed in what must have been extremely cold conditions. I remember I was trying out some long rubber gloves that were held away from my wrist by a plastic ring, thereby reducing pressure on the wrist. I am sure I wore a rubber balaclava (or maybe it was just part of my 1970’s gimp suit), yet the pain in my head when I went under was excruciating. It was like the worst migraine you can imagine! And when I came out of the water and took off the gloves (which were useless, by the way) I was in agony - my hands gave me grief for a considerable time. I vowed never to go out again in the winter.

But I must have broken that promise because my other memory of winter sailing took place at Minnis Bay, and it was Christmas Eve. My son and I had a great sail until my fin broke, and we took turns in towing each other back to the beach. By the time we got back to shore, it was almost pitch black. We had seen some lights on the beach as we struggled back, and when we got out of the water we then saw a group of people standing by 2 coastguard land rovers. Someone in the flats had seen our predicament and called them. So winter sailing can be cold and dangerous. If something breaks, the time it takes to swim back could mean that you are swimming in the dark. So here is some advice which will enable you to enjoy your winter windsurf and reduce the risk of a catastrophe.

1. Obviously, wear a good steamer. 5/3 will be fine.

2. Winter boots must be worn, though there are some toughies who insist on going barefoot in quite low temperatures. I find, however, that 3mm boots give sufficient feel and keep the feet adequately warm.

3. I never wear gloves - I find that they drain the strength from my wrists. Plus, I never found a pair that stopped my hands from getting cold. So if it is too cold for my fingers, I don’t go windsurfing! If you can recommend some winter gloves, please let the Skeg Team know!

5 4. Make sure that you are warm before you put on the above - changing outside is not recommended, though most of us do it! Use the sailing club or club hut if you don’t have a van.

5. Choose a good time to go out. The late morning is best - early mornings & late winter afternoons are cold and dark. You want to be off the water by mid-afternoon. If you are sailing a long way out at 3pm and you break a , you will be swimming in the dark eventually.

6. Try to go out at low tide and don’t sail as far out as you would do in the summer.

7. Go out when you are sure that there is plenty of wind. If there are lots of lulls, you will spend more time in the water and get colder. Mental & physical activity combat the cold.

8. Forget northerly, easterly and NE winds. Who wants to windsurf in Siberia? The temperature can hit 10 plus at any time during the winter if a southerly/SW blows.

9. 10 degrees C is my minimum - though I think I raised it to 12 degrees last winter. I once told a Scottish windsurfer this, and he said he would never be on the water all year if he adhered to that rule! So it all depends on how well you withstand the cold!

10. Of course, stick to the year round safety rules:

a) Buddy up.

b) Take rope & whistle. PLB. Flare.

c) Have the rescue boat out & ready . In fact, all the things we should do all year (but rarely do)...

Windsurfing in the winter can, on occasions, be fantastic. Winds are generally stronger and more constant than in the summer. But always remember that there is greater danger due to the cold and shorter daylight hours. Here’s hoping for a mild, winter.

6 INTERVIEW WITH A WINDSURFER The subject of our interview in this issue is a relative newcomer to the club. He is known as Martin Banker and often comes down to the bay wearing a suit & tie. On the water he can often be seen hopping about on little yellow boards, heading for the horizon. He is, of course......

Martin Lloyd

Place of birth ?

A private hospital in Bexley in Kent ( NHS one was full !!! Local baby at the time something to do with the power cuts back in the 1960’s ). I have lived in kent all my life since moving ‘Down From London ‘ as a toddler..... Home has been..... Faversham Tankerton Whitstable Headcorn Ash Maragte and now Birchington!

I don’t think i’m still classed as a DFL ....don’t often say ‘corr blimey govnor ‘ or ‘ apples and pears’

When and Why did you start windsurfing ?

We had a family holiday back in the early eighties to Jersey, ran out of money, thought I could blag a few quid (oh god I am sounding like a DFL !) off the parents and try windsurfing. They said no but everyone else went to have a go and I had to watch from the beach. I told them I wanted one for Christmas ! ... ended up saving a bit towards it and bought a Vinta 370 aka ‘the plank’ with soft sail and pink foot straps!

I got hooked straight away even though I started to learn in January in a 2 piece wetsuit that let water in down the back on your neck!!!

7 Can you Remember some of your early boards?

I can remember them all!

The ‘plank’ didn’t last me long as progressed quickly on to Bic Hardrock ...... remember their plastic fins & fin boxes??? same thickness as a plastic cup!

Mistral Screamer - an all time classic ! had hours of fun on this board maybe the best around wave / slalom

Tiga 250 wave ..... almost indestructible ( almost being the opperative word! snapped it in half jumping it .....long swim /body drag to shore on a winters day)

Tiga 285 1st proper fast slalom race board -- loved stuffing long boards up wind to the point of stalling them ! hehehe

A custom Lodey 265 wave / slalom - my first ‘big air’ board - claim to fame was landing a full backward loop on this late 80’s : -D

I left the sport for 10-15years as sold at my kit to buy a bikes - still enjoy doing silly miles when there’s no wind and doing the odd Triathlon

I am now collecting boards for a living! (or so Zoe says! )

I currently have..... 9 boards OMG think Zoe’s right !

Your Present Boards...

I’ve got lots of boards at the moment !

I think the ‘banana’ 85l F2 axsis is the favourite of the moment - Fun& Function ...... ‘does what it says on the fin! ‘

Your Favourite Sail Maker?

I’m not sure I have one, got a real mix of 2nd hand sails - North, Naish, Tushingham, Gun, and Neil Pryde. more have a favourite size 4.2 to 5.7

8 Which do you Prefer? Speed Manoeuvres Trick or Jumping?

I have a different preference on different days. NE is my best direction for jumping, flat water blasting in a SSW depends on my mood more than anything just love having fun .

Favourite MB wind direction ? strong NE when it’s been running a few days, starts to get lumpy able to get big enough jumps to require clearance from Manston Airport ; - )

In a sentence say why you love windsurfing so much it’s how it makes me feel, the you get from a great days sailing, whether it’s blasting in a SW in the summer sun in a shortie or on a cold NE braving it for the one awesome jump of day ( you know the one no one else sees! same as the fish that got away! )

Apart from Minnis, what’s your favourite sailing spot ?

Home - dead heat - either the Street Whitstable - strong SW or NE TopGun again! or Camber on a good day ...... waves you can ride!

Abroad - ‘The Gorge’ mental industrial size barges going by and mega winds! or Vass hot enough for sailing in shorts only!

What don’t you like about Minnis?

The people who can’t read ! ...... it says ‘keep clear’ aaaaahhhhhh!!!!!! and the walk of shame if the wind dies! (or for me the Swim of shame! )

Worst thing to happen to you windsurfing?

Detached my left Pectoral muscle crash landing a big jump (the one that got away again!) - bailed out but hooked back in as I kicked my gear away, came down chest first across the boom. one armed 500m swim in trying to tow my gear wasn’t good - lucky it wasn’t my drinking arm!

9 Who is your windsurfing hero?

It used to be Robby Naish check out Pipeline if you’ve not seen it, then Bjorn ‘ I rig my sails the right way ‘Dunkerbeck - Rigmarole, but now I think it’s Robin! I so need to get him an ‘old dudes rule’ t-shirt !!!

Any windsurfing target for the coming months?

It’ is generally to always have fun! - even a bad day on the water is better than a good day in the office!

For me - I need to get a freesytyle board ( please tell Zoe I need one next time you see her! ) and land a forward ‘spin loop’ before the year is out

Martin :-)

10 DUDE WHERE’S MY BOARD? In the spring edition of the Skeg, we told the story of Alan Ross losing his new Fanatic Skate off the beach in a strong wind, and he hadn’t even ever sailed it. Here is Alan’s account of how this same board eventually found it’s way back to him via eBay 6 months later!

Mid September. One evening I looked on eBay for windsurfing boards, like you do, and came across a Fanatic Skate. Then I noticed the new straps. On closer inspection I realised it was my board. The guy had just sold it. Anyway, I thought I would still message him and explained that I lost this board in February and to look on Minnis Bay web site and read the Skeg and then he would know for sure.

“True enough”, he replied, ”glad you’re alive. Was thinking all sorts when I found this board washed up on the west side of Sheppey. The board is yours. I know i will be in trouble with eBay but i will sort it and you can pick it up any time.” He signed off - Darren Caine.

It was rainy on Sunday 17th September when I picked up my Skate. There were only minor scuffs. I was so pleased I offered Darren a drink! He said “no way” and carried my board to the truck. We shook hands and I headed home.

Two days later I sailed for the first time. How lucky am I?

This board was beyond my expectations - North Westerly on a 5.4. I was flying, and I mean airborne, it’s fast and gybes well. Luv this board. Funny thing is, if I hadn’t spotted it on eBay , Lee told me about it on face book! Is it fate or luck - who knows? Over 6 months at sea and it came back. Got to be a record.

Might see me on the water. This skate is fast although it’s a good all rounder too .

Big thanks to Darren Caine - a true gent.

Your’s truly Alan Ross..

11 GOING ONTO THE WATER? Don’t forget 3 basic precautions -

• Buddy up - so someone knows if you haven’t come back to shore.

• Carry spare rope - for tying your gear to the board, towing the board/ gear and even to temporarily replace a broken harness line.

• Carry a whistle - if you are downwind no one will hear your voice. But they should hear your high-pitched whistle, which we should all recognise as a distress signal.

• Carry a flag - Ask Denis for the pattern, he has made a great little day- glo flag which can attach to your arm with knicker elastic and can be seen miles away..

AND DON’T FORGET ...

If you see someone in trouble and the safety boat is required - sail in & get the klaxon from the hut and sound it 3 times FROM THE WATER’S EDGE.

Those willing & able to help with the rescue boat should come ashore.

12 A WEEK IN THE SOUTH IONIAN

DAY 1

On the 12th May, Brian and I flew to the Greek Island of Lefkas with Sailing Holidays who specialize in relaxed sailing holidays.

We arrived mid afternoon at Sivota which is the Sailing Holidays southern base on Lefkas, a very pretty spot at the end of a long inlet.

We were directed to our boat, a Jaguar 27. The yacht was 27ft, built in the 80’s, this was to be our home for the next seven days although a little cramped. We soon settled in and at 5pm we attended the first of many briefings.

The Flotilla consisted of ten Jaguar 27’s, all manned by couples, husband and wives or friends. We were introduced to our Lead Crew, Mike the Skipper, Aneel the engineer and Sophia the hostess. They each explained their individual roles and told us that each morning there would be a briefing at 9am for instructions for the day ahead.

DAY 2 – Sivota to Spartohori on the island of Meganisi

Due to the chance of some very strong winds we were advised to motor to Spartohori although a little disappointed about not sailing we followed instructions and motored. However as soon as we arrived off Meganisi we upped full sail and spent the afternoon putting the Jag 27 through it’s paces and achieved the best speed of 5.9 knots. We eventually arrived at Spartohori at 5pm and moored bows to the quay without an incident.

This evening was a most enjoyable group meal where we became acquainted with our fellow sailors.

Spartohori was another pretty inlet with one taverna and a very pretty village perched high on the adjoining hill with a few small shops and restaurants.

13 DAY 3 – Spartohori to Kastus

After an early 8am swim and breakfast we left for the island of Kastus, our next port of call. In a moderate north westerly wind, we sailed close hauled until the northern tip of Meganisi and then came off the wind to enjoy a pleasant sail between the mainland and the island of Kalamos. The wind fell away and we spent a short while becalmed until the breeze started to pick up, we had a little race with one other yacht in our flotilla. The wind then increased to a force 5-6 and we beat to windward along the coast of Kastus looking for the port of Kastus. We eventually sailed in at 5pm.

Kastus was again very pretty and there appeared to be no one about apart from our flotilla.

We enjoyed a good meal at The Windmill Taverna with lovely views across to the Greek mainland.

DAY 4 – Kastus to Frikes on the island of Ithaca

Lovely morning with no wind. At the briefing it was suggested that a midday stop at One House Bay a small uninhabitable island on route to Ithaca. After lunch and a swim, we left again in a rapidly increasing north westerly wind and had a really good sail, hard on the wind to Ithaca.

On approaching the quay Brian lost his hat in a gust of wind and due to what was not the easiest mooring (outside boat of 4), side on to the quay. Once we were moored a kind young lady started to row her dinghy to recover Brian’s hat but due to the strong wind, she was unable to row back and was rapidly being blown out to sea. There was no choice but to dive in and swim to her dinghy to rescue her and Brian’s hat safely.

The evening started with a Punch Party followed by a group meal which was excellent and then some of us made the mistake of going on to a really lively bar. To end what had been a really good day, it was at this bar that we acquired a title which will be exposed later in this account.

14 DAY 5 – Ithaca to Nidri on Lefkas

At the 9am briefing for which we arrived late and a little worse for wear, the Lead Skipper informed us of a pending storm on Ithaca and suggested we all left A.S.A.P. to Nidri which is a very sheltered mooring. This day was non eventful with angry looking skies but little or no wind and although we did not experience the storm we later learnt that it did hit Ithaca hard.

DAY 6 – Nidri to Port Atheni on the North of Meganisi

Light winds early but increasing as the morning went on. We had a delightful experience when a pod of dolphins appeared and stayed with us for 15-20mins swimming alongside, under and right by the bows before disappearing.

Port Atheni was another very nice place and we chose to free swing for our mooring, this is just lying to the anchor. Later that evening this type of mooring acquired the title of Swee Fringing (I wonder why). Another group meal, great fun and some dancing took place. Brian and I rowed back to our boat singing at the top of our voices the song ‘Michael row the boat ashore’. Our neighbours we found out later were not best pleased.

DAY 7 – Port Atheni to Sivota (Starting point)

Lovely morning with little or no wind so we motored until about mid morning. The engine overheated and we fortunately switched if off before any main damage, however we were fairly close to a rocky shore with no wind or power. On radio contact to the lead boat, they sent the engineer Aneel to assess the problem. We were a little concerned as we were fairly close to the rocks but just in time a light breeze developed and we were able to sail clear. The problem was diagnosed as the impellor and once replaced we were on our way.

15 During the afternoon a breeze developed and we enjoyed two hours of good sailing before mooring stern to the quay at Sivota.

A group meal and prize giving was held that evening at which time we full expected the prize for competent sailors but to our disappointment we were awarded the title of ‘Party Animals’! Never mind, it was all great fun.

So our week in the South Ionian ended and we enjoyed it so much that three weeks later we went again!

In 2014, Brian and I will go again. We are looking for ideally three extra people to make a crew of five. We can then take one of the bigger Beneteau Yachts which will give us more room and a better sailing challenge.

Anyone interested in joining us, let us know:-

Brian Hassall ([email protected]) - 01304 369315

Michael Boyes ([email protected] ) - 01843 866576

16 NEILSON HOLIDAY IN ORTAKENT TURKEY

This year we returned to Ortakent in Turkey with Neilson Active Holidays. The flights to Bodrum are around 3 and a half hours with an hour transfer and Neilson always have a nice cold bottle of water for you as you get on the transfer bus.

As you arrive at the Seaside Hotel there is lovely welcome of juice/punch where you are greeted by the hotel manager and the Neilson activities manager Simon. Your bags are brought to your rooms by the staff immediately so you can unpack and go exploring or get straight out on the water.

The hotel is quite small and set in attractive grounds. All rooms have a balcony or terrace, fridge, nice shower rooms and some have interconnecting rooms if you have children.

As you wander through the grounds you will see the mountain bike racks, tennis courts, the beautiful swimming pool, the bar and more importantly, the kit. Racks and racks of Starboard, Fanatic and RRD boards including a windsurfing tandem. Lots of fully rigged Tushingham and North sails. There are a selection of dinghies including Lasers, Picos and some big 16’s. You will find racks of SUPs and kayaks.

The beach staff are very helpful and knowledgeable and there is always safety cover when the beach is open. A wide range of activities can be signed up for including all the watersports, biking, tennis, zumba, yoga, pilates and much more.

The hotel restaurant is Club Board, which means all meals apart from 3 evening meals are included. It is buffet service and all dietary requirements are catered for and nothing is too much trouble. The food is absolutely delicious and the staff in the restaurant are friendly and helpful. Entertainment includes Turkish night with Turkish dancers and a belly dancer, a quiz night, music night, BBQ and last night entertainment.

Nights off from the restaurant you can walk into Yahsi, a small town with tavernas and shops or get a 5 minute taxi ride into the beautiful bay of Bitez, my favourite place. Lots of tavernas on the beach, friendly, relaxed, good food, lovely people, there is even a Chinese restaurant which is worth a visit. Or for a more lively nightlife bus or taxi into Bodrum.

17 The wind in Ortakent is the Meltemi which blows in high summer June – September. Unlike Vassiliki it builds gradually during the day getting to around F4-5 in the afternoon and the water is relatively empty. Most advanced windsurfers go over to a spot called ‘windy corner’ where it lives up to its name. So Ortakent caters for everyone from beginners to advanced.

Check out this video that was actually being filmed whilst we were there on holiday last year – Lee can be seen blasting with yellow sail! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQIcup61XQs

And finally, if you have children, there are kids clubs and a crèche which caters for all ages where your children are kept amused all day while you go blasting!

Debbie

18 ESSAOUIRA MOROCCO

The question in the depths of a British winter is, ‘Where in the world can we windsurf when it’s too cold in Minnis Bay?’

For years my answer to that has been – ‘Egypt’.

Egypt has many advantages for the windsurfer such as excellent accommodation, warm weather in a British winter and usually reliable wind, but after many years my friend and I wanted somewhere different.

Of course there is the Caribbean but we didn’t have that budget!

But, after scouring the internet, Essaouira in Morocco kept coming up on windsurfing sites, such as www.guycribb.com, as a good windsurfing destination and somewhere we could be introduced to wave-sailing.

We decided to take a chance on Essaouira and found a company, Club Mistral, that had a centre there. Through the Club we organized board hire, accommodation and transfers and arranged our own flights from Gatwick with EasyJet to Agadir (EasyJet also flies to Marrakech as does British Airways).

The flight time was approximately 3 hours and the transfer from Agadir along a scenic coastal road was an additional 3 hours.

The Club Mistral Centre was well organized, as you would expect for a German company, and was well equipped with Fanatic boards and North sails – 2013 models. As part of the booking process we were asked to book a specific board and volume that would be reserved for our use during our stay. This proved slightly inflexible when conditions changed but, with some English charm, we were able to change boards to suit the conditions.

The Club is situated in a large bay that has a sandy beach with no rocks or rip tides. The beach itself is almost as sandy as Minnis Bay but with less people. Instead of children and sand-castles there are camels and horses who are even less interested in what we’re doing.

19 The week we were there (late April) we found the wind to be consistent, building from mid-morning throughout the day coming from the right (starboard tack) and cross on shore. We could sail all day even though there is a tide. The waves varied in size depending on the incoming tide and wind strength, they were from one to two and a half metres high most days of the week we were there.

Also important to mention are the facilities – within the centre there are changing rooms and toilets. Very conveniently, next door there is a restaurant that has good, varied food all day long (including the usual panini, pasta etc), with beer and wine if required. Also along the beach there are several other nice places to eat within a couple of minutes walk.

The hotel we stayed in was 5 minutes walk from the beach and 20 minutes walk from the vibrant, walled town of Essaouria. A cab from the hotel only costs £1 (for those of you who know Dahab, you will be used to the standard of these cabs!). The character of the town is bustling, with men and women going about their everyday business. We found the town pleasant with a non-threatening atmosphere. Every night was an adventure as we discovered different restaurants hidden down side streets and alleys serving their speciality tagines and couscous. Language was a bit of a problem for us since neither of us could speak French (or Arabic) but we managed with the help of the waiters and some excellent miming.

Club Mistral offers a variety of hotels depending on budget. We chose Vent des Dunes which is classed as a basic hotel but it had a nice feel, it was clean, had rooms of a reasonable size with breakfast served on the rooftop with views of the town – a nice start to the day.

As with everything there are a couple of downsides, one of which is the transfer time, the other is that those who like to come off the sea straight onto a sun lounger or into their hotel, this is not available at this resort – all the hotels are either in the town or, like ours 5 or 10 minutes walk away.

All in all however, Steve and I were very impressed with the week and, for us, it worked out well.

Alan Tucknott 20 CLUB SOCIALS

BBQ AND SAILING CLUB CARIBBEAN COCKTAIL NIGHT

We had another sunny and windy BBQ day on the decking with a really good turnout for wind and food. Later in the evening, out came the VERY loud shirts for the Caribbean Cocktail Night at the Sailing Club, the cocktails flowed and I think everyone had a good time.

NATIONAL WATERSPORTS FESTIVAL, HAYLING ISLAND

A few members attended the NWF with us this year, there was plenty of brand new kit for 2014 on show, taster sessions, clinics with windsurfing gurus and of course the legendary parties with an auction for Windsurf for Cancer Research where Lee made a drunken bid and won a brand new 2014 North sail, but it was for a good cause! Next year’s NWF provisional date is 5th-7th September so put it in your diaries.

21 CHRISTMAS DO 7TH DECEMBER 2013

We hope to hold some form of Christmas do, although the final arrangements have not yet been confirmed. Please let me know if you have ideas, preferences or just that you would like to take part in something and we will get something organised.. Debbie

JUST FOR FUN

During the summer I sent my 10 year old, who is dyslexic, to summer camp. He wrote me this letter.

“Deer Mum, Havin a luverly time. Been dooin lots of fings. Jamie Oliver kame yesterday and brought some venison and taughtus to kook! The venison tasted luverly but the taughtus was too rubbery!”

And don’t forget you can keep up to date with things through the club’s Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/MinnisBayWindsurfingClub

22 COMMODORE'S CORNER

End of seasons greetings from your commodore.... But wait, you can sail to Christmas.... surely... ?

This year we have enrolled a number of new very keen members, who have said that the club atmosphere is brilliant. The lack of winds this summer have not been helpful (especially at weekends) but what we have had has been made good use of and enjoyed by all.

The rescue boat as usual has been at the ready and helped a few of us when needed, it is good to know it is there when wanted (thank you Ron). The first club windsurfing sale was well attended, and there is another about to start as I type. Even I was lucky enough to sell two of my old boards... so some bargains can be found ;-)

Lets thank Debbie and Sue for all the good work and smiles plus tea coffee and cake (yum). And a great new first aid kit Sue has put together, which has helped many a beach lover this summer, even if not many of our own members!!

Safety first, we have a rescue boat. Yes. But the buddy system is still very good. When windsurfing just pick another member and agree to keep an eye on each other. Sail safe...

And lastly before I retire for my cocoa, I’d like to thank all the committee members who have helped keep our club going so well again this year:

Martin Stockbridge (Chairman), Debbie Akehurst (Social Secretary), Andy Willis (Treasurer), Brain Hassall (Newsletter), Bob Edom (Secretary), Richard Turnnidge (Director of Development), plus support from Mike Boyes and Thelma Price.

Robin (commodore)

23 STUFF FOR SALE

6m Tushingham Storm sail for sale. Good condition. £80. (Will include an old 5m Tushingham Storm for free if wanted!) Ed Cory 07811 593058

Fanatic Hawk fast freeride board 93 litres excellent condition suit sails 5m – 7m £425 Ian Lycett Home - 01843 600515 Mobile - 07907801506

85 vol Axis. Sail range 4.5 to 6.0. Excellent high wind board. £45 with fin. Ronald Feathers 01843847610

5.8m Ezzy Panther 3, 2011 Very good condition £240 Alan Tucknott 07956 157599

Mistral Electron. Good condition for its age, a classic flat water high wind board, perfect for those strong south westerlies. 88 Litres volume, 263cm long. Comes with a fin. £50.

Gun sails G-Cross, designed by Copello. Light weight with a few dents and scrapes as usual, but structurally sound. 95 Litres volume. Comes with a 34cm slalom fin, which is actually now about 32cm due to a few scrapes! £100

Tushingham 9.4m sail, with Tushingham 520cm mast, 70%carbon, good condition. Plus a boom to match. Any reasonable offer accepted.

Richard Turnnidge 07761 127494

IF YOU HAVE ANY WINDSURFING GEAR TO SELL, THEN ADVERTISE IT IN THE SKEG.

Well, that’s all folks! The next issue of the Skeg will be in the Spring - your contributions are most welcome & should be sent to [email protected].

Until then HAPPY CHRISTMAS from the Skeg Team!

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