I heard that 2:30 has to be the latest start in time to allow for stragglers to get in and send planes up if required. I understand that, I just can't figure why they didn't wait another 10 minutes and go for 2:30.

I'd like to add a big thanks to the organisers and all the volunteers on boats and on the beach. They (including my missus) do this for free guys.

The start certainly was chaotic, but only marginally more so for me compared with the weedfest shore break trying to get past all the other 2nd and 3rd line guys becalmed downwind in last years race. Same as everyone else getting planing over the reef but knew from last year that the fleet were pointing way too far upwind at the random boats. So shrugged as I wasnt gonna get up to where everyone was heading and thought that if I've missed it I'll just cruise round instead, and followed the kites knowing from last year that you can't see Mark 1 and need to bear off towards it. Turned out it was the right boat and I was possibly first board round the mark. The briefing should point out the general direction we need to go-simples. And if there is any chance of later starts, all the better, perhaps less likely to have people in trouble if 1 wind has filled in, 2 most people on correct gear and less likely to get knackered, sink, crash etc.

Other than that, the usual mad scream 30-40 degrees off the wind with 7.6 on 104 Futura was more than enough in the later stages for my weedy 73kg. But managed 3rd in category so super chuffed with that. Will def do again as overall its so exciting for a Brit to compete in the windsurfing magazines super sexy event the other side of the world from all those years ago when I first started sailing.

I'm a kiter (ex windsurfer) that competed, over here having a look.
I just wanted to say that I totally agree with amoka above, starting before 2:30 made it MORE dangerous than if it had started at 3.
Most of us guys ended up overpowered too, with a half hour delay on the start most would have dropped a size.
As it was with the offshore conditions at the start I made the decision to not use my custom slalom board (which is hopeless upwind) and used my strapless surfboard instead because I thought I might struggle to get back to the shore from the last mark if the wind didn't fill in.
I along with a hell of a lot of kiters was still trying to launch after the start time.
So as it was I ended up overpowered on a little strapless surfboard, no real a problem and I finished well but it would have been way more comfortable and controlled on my slalom board.

Sail Repair WA said..
LOC 2018

First of all congrats to the event / Lancelin / and all the people behind the scenes putting in lots of hard work to make it happened.

However you look at it the event in itself was successful. 1 day for all the wave action and 1 day for the Marathon. Both days got results / nice pictures and sunny sky.Great promotion for the town of Lancelin etc. and great for next year's build up.

Also congrats to the podium placed sailors and all that completed the race.
Yesterday and today is raining. So pretty lucky really

Look it is easy to point fingers at things that was wrong, so see the below more as what can be improved.I think the bottom line and the majority feeling from sailors is that the LOC race currently could be seen as 'less for the sailors and more for the schedule / organizers and other activities.

If we lose a lot of the sailor's interest to do it, then it is pretty 'downhill' I would have thought as it is the backbone of the event.The priority should always be for the sailors I would have thought. Trying to do a fair race, in the best possible conditions for all sailors, if this means a change in schedule (extend the start time) 'move other stuff to later', - then let that be,, (ironically we only needed to wait another 15min for a 'perfect' steady sea breeze

Hindsight is a nice thing and also work with the wind condition can be tricky and unpredictable + many other factors / safety / pressure I could imagine.

Look it is never easy to make the right decision on those circumstances. But yes - it was quite a wrong call and I must admit that it was a strange judgment to start the race in dead off shore (10min before the original cut of time) , when it was reported a sea breeze out to sea from the boats (this normally meaning 5-15 min to get into the shore).

There would have been enough boats out there to give a solid feedback.When we finally got a bit of wind in the sails after the offshore start, then there was 2 smaller boats with flags in front of us sailing in a straight line towards the outside boat (that we got told had been moved more south because of the conditions).

This was of course the wrong boat and I'm still not quite sure what it was doing there? In general way too many boats out there

Half the fleet, I would say went towards this wrong mark and a small group went upwind and tacking to get around it. Even the helicopter followed us out towards this wrong mark half the way.The whole thing was very confusing.

I knew something was wrong but it was way too late. I did sail down to what I then thought was the right no 1 mark / boat to have a look. Even then I was confused as there were 5 boats laying there within 500m or so. When you are close (and see the flag / number on the boat, - then yes it is easy), but from a distance very unclear.

Anyway I'm in general happy for the event and organisers for the event's results, picture and promotion for the outside world. Lots of hard work and a great outcome

Just a bit sad to see a many of the sailors a bit disappointed and question quite a few things.
I'm defiantly back next year

The party was great

Cheers
Jesper

Thanks for the contribution Jesper, and very diplomatic. I know you tried your guts out to reach the "first mark" and it must have been shattering for it to end for you the way it did.

It's fair to say that everyone in the WA windsurfing is grateful for the ongoing existence of the LOC, for the fact that it has been going for so long, that it is a real grass-roots event in country WA, for the international notoriety and coverage that it attracts and for the fact that it provides a genuine focal point for the windsurfing season and a challenge to aim for. We are also very grateful for all who are involved in organising and running the event, particularly those who volunteer their time and resources to make it happen.

That said, it is important that we all point out when things could be improved and offer up positive and constructive criticism without fear of putting anyone off or seeming ungrateful, otherwise how does it get better?

So from a windsurfing point of view, there are a few points that it is probably important for the organisers to understand.

1. We cannot rig our sails up in 35 degrees and no shade so that we are ready to go at a moment's notice. Our masts will snap and I would suggest that probably hundreds have done over the years. I know I have lost a few for that reason. We cannot rig until the wind is in, unless they want to erect a huge shade shelter to place the rigs under.

2. In a race that relies on a thermal wind, the wind needs to be in well before the start. I know time is a factor but we all need the chance to have a ten minute run on the water in the breeze to ascertain its strength. Even if it means we are starting a little later, surely it is much safer if everyone is able to choose the most appropriate equipment, rather than be caught out with gear that is too big, as seems to happen frequently.

3. At the risk of stating the obvious, it needs to be made very clear where the first mark is!

As a comparison, Cervantes was an event run by windsurfers for windsurfers and thanks to Isaac there were some simple things that made it better and safer for competitors. For example, when the wind kicked up strongly, rather than continue on, there was a break to have a breather and rig something smaller - so everyone had the change to use appropriate gear for the conditions.

There's my 2c and I hope it helps, as we all want a great event next year and for many years to come. This should be a big windsurfing event, not a big event that includes windsurfing.

Agrid said..
Soon after I rounded the first mark a kiter went by and yelled "Have the kites started?" Seemed a bit odd.

There were just as many kites on the beach after the start as there were in the water. My first thought was that the kites must be starting later and those on the water must be just having a test run, but it seemed not. Maybe the kiters had two kites rigged for last minute weather changes and only took one? Maybe half the kiters decided against starting in the offshore conditions.

Windxtasy said.

Maybe half the kiters decided against starting in the offshore conditions.

^^^ this

It was near impossible to launch a kite. Many knew they couldn't so they didn't.

Many were also caught setting up, assuming it would be pushed all the way to a 2.30pm start.

As AUS1111 said about rigging in hot sun, kites also aren't great lying around inflated in hot sun.

It is a great race, it was challenging this year and I will definitely be back next year when it will be a solid Seabreeze from 11am!!

I am finding all this very interesting.

As an observer who became involved (but have not raced) about the time it changed to a private company running it, I agree with all the complaints. I have also said much of the above to the committee over the last few years, and its a shame that when MANY of us said the above in the online feedback to the organisers in the last two years they clearly have not taken it on board.

Maybe we need to petition Project3 to actually listen? They are a private company getting paid for this event...

History:
It was run by Lancelin Chamber of Commerce - all non windsurfers - with influence from local windsurfers who assisted the commitee.
BTW - Shout out to Werner who was on the committee and was the voice of reason at many meetings I went to. (eg: trying to finish at the "windsurfers park" a few years ago when Gem Events ran it, and they had no idea that we can't cross a 25cm deep weed bank at 30kn. He put a stop to that rubbish even though a finish there would have benefited his business)
There needs to be a windsurfer and kiter's voice of reason on that committee and whilst not a WWA event I implore them to please try and go to all meetings. If I was in Lano I would, but my presence on the committee was not as a windsurfer it was in a professional role and I have a conflict of interest in some senses. I can't... and I am 400km away now.
Anyway it worked well with non windsurfers at Lancelin CCI and Werner helping, now all these complaints are popping up are since a private company and Eventscorp (Govt funding) got into it.

Now:
Gem Events (2yrs) and now Project3 (4yrs?) have run it as it was the only way to ensure major sponsorship and the Lancelin CCI are worn out / limited in numbers etc.
We are very very very lucky to still have it..... the event would have folded about 4-6yrs ago without going to a private events mgt company. But now they have had our $$$$ for 4-6yrs we need to push them to make it like it was. They sent a survey out last year, and many of us made comments like the above ones in this thread, and they have ignored it.

Suggestions:
(1) as above an early start can be as dangerous as a late one. Wind picking up and people get smashed. Start it later, or if Project3 are too scared of liability at least get a wind reading from offshore turn markers - there are commercial vessels out there with $2K weather stations on board it will be a good reading - and have 3 people reach consensus as to when to start. Not just one bloke under pressure from an insurance company (and 200 competitors ) deciding to start in 15kn when we all know it will be 25kn soon, as that's what the boats are showing.


(2) The issue with first turn marker was the police boat being there. It is needed and we are very lucky to have it every year. BUT this year it was close to turn one and then moved, and same time as the course had been changed to suit an offshore wind (a dumb decision in itself) so of course ppl wondered where the first turn was. If that happened in any other professional event there would be people suing as they missed their prize money. Ridiculous and inexcusable.

The one year they used the Police boat as first turn marker (about 4yrs ago?) it was brilliant. It is huge, and it also has a safety advantage as if the Police boat is the first marker, when the last competitor goes around they can pull anchor and follow slowly acting as the sweeper. If a cray boat also followed it, the water rats would not need to rescue, just keep following the fleet . That way it is safer, you could start at 4pm if needed and no confusion about where 1st turn is. Fixes all the safety concerns.

(3) WTF is with wave event on Friday with a reserve day of Thursday? In effect people need to book an extra day of an already-expensive accommodation cost just to be sure.
The new organisers act like the waves event plays second fiddle to the race. No, the waves is a really good marketing tool. It has the flash pics and video. The waves should always run Thursday with reserve days of Friday AND Sunday as it needs more wind than a race so it needs reserve days.
If it runs Thursday, that's the chance to get it on the news and garner some interest for the weekend. But, no, for the waves we don't get any results at all, or pics or anything, until 2 or 3 days later.

(4) the event is big enough. It is famous. It does not need the last few years' additions of downwind SUP, jetski, beach runs, yoga or anything.
The only addition I reckon was good was a freestyle comp about 4yrs ago, just before sunset, in front of the Thursday night welcome party. Lots of non windsurfers saw that and thought it was bloody brilliant. As a non watersports person you would be on shaded grass, with 3 food van options, listening to a band, and see amazing talent 30m away busting out moves.
Now you have heat, no food, hot sand and nothing, to maybe see somebody come in on a board then a party 6hrs later. What 'normal' Perth or Lano dweller would be interested in that "spectacle"?

Back to grass roots. Waves & Race. Race starts when seabreeze has stabilised a bit, not 10min after we get a puff of southerly.
Waves has plenty of time to suit conditions.
Farken huuuge party. (Thanks for John Keating at Endeavour Tav for getting that right again, I'm still feeling it )


DONE.

Brilliant summary from a different point of view, Mark.
I hope you will forward your ideas to the race organisers

We had planned to participate next year, but will reconsider after reading the reports from this year.

Seeing that most of the fleet was confused about the first mark - how about setting one or two race marks for orientation on the way to the first mark? At the OBX Wind long distance race where a leg is about 5 km long, such orientation marks are an absolute must, since you can't even see the outside make from the start. Setting a couple of large buoys should be easy enough - or am I missing something?

Last year the first mark crayboat could be seen from the beach.

Mark _australia said..
I am finding all this very interesting.

As an observer who became involved (but have not raced) about the time it changed to a private company running it, I agree with all the complaints. I have also said much of the above to the committee over the last few years, and its a shame that when MANY of us said the above in the online feedback to the organisers in the last two years they clearly have not taken it on board.

Maybe we need to petition Project3 to actually listen? They are a private company getting paid for this event...

History:
It was run by Lancelin Chamber of Commerce - all non windsurfers - with influence from local windsurfers who assisted the commitee.
BTW - Shout out to Werner who was on the committee and was the voice of reason at many meetings I went to. (eg: trying to finish at the "windsurfers park" a few years ago when Gem Events ran it, and they had no idea that we can't cross a 25cm deep weed bank at 30kn. He put a stop to that rubbish even though a finish there would have benefited his business)
There needs to be a windsurfer and kiter's voice of reason on that committee and whilst not a WWA event I implore them to please try and go to all meetings. If I was in Lano I would, but my presence on the committee was not as a windsurfer it was in a professional role and I have a conflict of interest in some senses. I can't... and I am 400km away now.
Anyway it worked well with non windsurfers at Lancelin CCI and Werner helping, now all these complaints are popping up are since a private company and Eventscorp (Govt funding) got into it.

Now:
Gem Events (2yrs) and now Project3 (4yrs?) have run it as it was the only way to ensure major sponsorship and the Lancelin CCI are worn out / limited in numbers etc.
We are very very very lucky to still have it..... the event would have folded about 4-6yrs ago without going to a private events mgt company. But now they have had our $$$$ for 4-6yrs we need to push them to make it like it was. They sent a survey out last year, and many of us made comments like the above ones in this thread, and they have ignored it.

Suggestions:
(1) as above an early start can be as dangerous as a late one. Wind picking up and people get smashed. Start it later, or if Project3 are too scared of liability at least get a wind reading from offshore turn markers - there are commercial vessels out there with $2K weather stations on board it will be a good reading - and have 3 people reach consensus as to when to start. Not just one bloke under pressure from an insurance company (and 200 competitors ) deciding to start in 15kn when we all know it will be 25kn soon, as that's what the boats are showing.


(2) The issue with first turn marker was the police boat being there. It is needed and we are very lucky to have it every year. BUT this year it was close to turn one and then moved, and same time as the course had been changed to suit an offshore wind (a dumb decision in itself) so of course ppl wondered where the first turn was. If that happened in any other professional event there would be people suing as they missed their prize money. Ridiculous and inexcusable.

The one year they used the Police boat as first turn marker (about 4yrs ago?) it was brilliant. It is huge, and it also has a safety advantage as if the Police boat is the first marker, when the last competitor goes around they can pull anchor and follow slowly acting as the sweeper. If a cray boat also followed it, the water rats would not need to rescue, just keep following the fleet . That way it is safer, you could start at 4pm if needed and no confusion about where 1st turn is. Fixes all the safety concerns.

(3) WTF is with wave event on Friday with a reserve day of Thursday? In effect people need to book an extra day of an already-expensive accommodation cost just to be sure.
The new organisers act like the waves event plays second fiddle to the race. No, the waves is a really good marketing tool. It has the flash pics and video. The waves should always run Thursday with reserve days of Friday AND Sunday as it needs more wind than a race so it needs reserve days.
If it runs Thursday, that's the chance to get it on the news and garner some interest for the weekend. But, no, for the waves we don't get any results at all, or pics or anything, until 2 or 3 days later.

(4) the event is big enough. It is famous. It does not need the last few years' additions of downwind SUP, jetski, beach runs, yoga or anything.
The only addition I reckon was good was a freestyle comp about 4yrs ago, just before sunset, in front of the Thursday night welcome party. Lots of non windsurfers saw that and thought it was bloody brilliant. As a non watersports person you would be on shaded grass, with 3 food van options, listening to a band, and see amazing talent 30m away busting out moves.
Now you have heat, no food, hot sand and nothing, to maybe see somebody come in on a board then a party 6hrs later. What 'normal' Perth or Lano dweller would be interested in that "spectacle"?

Back to grass roots. Waves & Race. Race starts when seabreeze has stabilised a bit, not 10min after we get a puff of southerly.
Waves has plenty of time to suit conditions.
Farken huuuge party. (Thanks for John Keating at Endeavour Tav for getting that right again, I'm still feeling it )


DONE.

Brilliant summary and suggestions

JonesySail said..
Mark's on the money ,

Is this event still under the banner of WWA and WA?

If so could they organise a petition or working document highlighting the issues and present to the 'WA Gov'' after all they are the ones paying these ' pro organisers' , they need to be held to achieve 'satisfactory' goals and standards some KPI's. Clearly they are failing.

the LOC has been 'about the organisers' for several years now, and they are seriously running the risk of bugger all people entering, it's clear ppl are over it.

Surely the local WA mob can come up with a set of standards and guideline s they need to achieve.

WA is a windy place, run it when it's windy, it's not dark until +7pm!

its been off my radar For a while now and I know many many other east coasters the same, too much $$$ and effort to travel over for a disorganised light breeze slug feast.

Seems to have lost all of its original heritage.

maybe just have an unofficial locals windy day Race for a bottle of rum run! BYO Emegency beacon! Ditch the 'event organisers'

Cervantees looked like a corker weekend worth traveling for! It's in the callender for next year!

^^^^
Would definitely recommend screaming Leeman to add to yr calender aswell !!

I wonder how it would work with only one mark, the one outside the reef gate? I suppose there might be some nutter that tries to do it with one gybe and sails 12km out. And we would miss the spectacle of the mark rounding. I've done a few coastal downwinders and they seemed to naturally pretty much follow the course layout, maybe not going out quite so far.

In a nutshell the problems all seem to stem from the fact that the event is organised for windsurfers, by non-windsurfers.

If you were going to run a golf tournament, you'd wanna get some some golfers on board yeah?

AUS1111 said..
In a nutshell the problems all seem to stem from the fact that the event is organised for windsurfers, by non-windsurfers.

If you were going to run a golf tournament, you'd wanna get some some golfers on board yeah?

Don't give them any more ideas.
I can see next year they will now try and run a golf tournament up the beach from ledge to lancelin as well.