Another epic race! Thanks to James and Windsurfing SA for organising, and to Ty and The Ocean Surf Co. for prizes and support. We had 15-20 knots in the tune-up 10 min before the start, with a threat of it either going up or down 5 knots from there. As it was, it went down 5 knots, but that is racing for you. I had a 6.4 sail rigged, and swapped boards for the the trusty Kona 11.5 just before the start.
A ding dong battle with Mark all the way down, swapping lead 3 or 4 times. He was blasting in the gusts, and I had a bit more downwind angle when the wind was light. Had to pump onto swells almost constantly to keep the board moving. Max speed was 15 knots. LeMans start and finish are always fun, and such a close finish with Mark after 55 min of sailing.
Props to Leo who is fairly new sailor and who got to the finish line showing a lot of guts and determination. He bought his own support crew who did a great job of keeping an eye on him.
It would be great to see some more sailors next year. Dust off some freedride, longboard or slalom gear and have a go at some downwind work. LT sailors, I reckon an LT could be competitive on this course in up to 20 knots. It's surprising the variety of equipment that will work for this event.
