Stephen Squirrell (6594km):
5208 days ago 2 categories   To think I would be disappointed with a 38 max and a 36 ave but after yesterdays break though 40 kt run I was really hoping for a 40 kt average especially with more wind.With only two sails to pick from the 6.4 and 5.2 the smaller sail was the choice with the wind 30 mph + gusting to over 40 mph,but sadly we struggled with the conditions L you had to really concentrate on starting the run by the peir to avoid spinout and once on the course it was very bumpy even right by the beach making it hard work for a couple of novice speedsailers !!! Also had a good n/mile even if it did include abit of a hike back and my best ever average and improved my average each day !!! Sods law that West Kirby went off the for the first time this year - can't win'um all !!!!
The Dynamic Dutch Duo Hans and Ben were making light of the conditions with 5.5 and posting some incredible speeds !!!! it was fantastic to be out on the same course with some of the best speedsailors in the word who were very friendly and keen to help us improve our speeds J
I tried everything to gain a few knots boom up,boom down,track back track forward,more out less out haul but nothing seemed to get me much above 36 kts L I biggest disappointment is my inability to get back upwind which make for lots of walking and way fewer runs !!! Perhaps I will have to connect Tushingham for a few pointers – any Tushingham x 15 sailers out there any help appreciated J or failing that rob a bank and get a couple of Neil Pryde race sails !!! The upwind is abit of a surprise to me as I spend hours beating my bigger boards with no problem.So although I broke a sail and a mast I did’nt have a crash which is not bad considering how close to the beach I was sailing !!!
I must just say a big congratulation to Pete who improved all his speeds and his upwind skill was second to none !!! It was great to sail with a mate so far from home and the friendly rivalry keep us going from early to late !!! Lastly a big thank you to the girls Maggie and Jill for their patience sitting many hours on a deserted wind swept beach and will done to Mag for videoing my 40 kt run J
La Franqui must be the best open sea venue in the world even if the conditions can be challenging – where else can you get 40 kt + conditions for days at a time ??? we will be back J
Fanatic Falcon Speed F1 25 Tushingham 5.2 x 15
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Best speed trip of my life so far !! even more wind today Gusting 45 knots maybe? blew the airial off my van ! The old body has been banged around a bit - but learned loads and should not crash so much next time i hope. bit more chop today but getting my speed up each session - still did'nt make 40 knots - but i know i can do it - Maybe next time . had a few more tips from the quick men . I've realy enjoyed this trip .