sail-world.com -- Heat 4 of the NSW Formula Windsurfing Tour
Heat 4 of the NSW Formula Windsurfing Tour
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Heat 4 of the NSW Formula Windsurfing Tour was conducted at Marmong Point, Lake Macquarie on December 1st and 2nd.
Formula Windsurfing is the box rule of windsurfing. It is a development class that encourages different designs and ideas; however the majority of the products available are starting to look very similar. Boards can be up to 1005mm wide, carbon fins are 700mm’s deep and sails can be as large as 12.5M/2. These boards have a massive wind range that enables racing in very light winds from 7 knots up to 35 knots and are capable of reaching speeds of over 30 knots.
Marmong Point Sailing club is one of those places that time has forgotten about. Located on the northwest corner of Lake Macquarie just past Toronto, the club house reminds you of the family sailing clubs that you grew up with. Loaded with friendly volunteers and facilities to make a free cup of tea, it is perfectly set up to cater for the formula windsurfing class and execute well run race programs.
After an exciting forecast, Saturday’s conditions of zero wind and muggy conditions was a bit of a surprise. Thanks to a minimum wind requirement of seven knots to run racing for the Formula class, the race committee were quick to call it a day. Sunday however did not disappoint with a 25knot southerly roaring down the bay at 9am.
Racing kicked off right on time at 11am in what was already a fading breeze. 4 races were held back to back in a 15 – 18 knot breeze. Having the start line about 100M’s from the shore and finishing on the beach meant that all the racing had been run within a two hour period.
Steve Walsh AUS-55 dominated the open division with three wins (2.75 points). Brett Morris was once again very consistent to secure second on 6.75 points and Remi Dunoyer came third overall with 8 points. Andrew Vacopoulos won the Free Formula Class and ended the day on 3.5 points. Niall Kinch came second on 4.75 points and Chris Christensen was third on 9.75 points.
Thanks to Marmong Point Club and the race crew for managing such a slick days racing. Next stop for the Formula Fleet is Heat 5 and the Down Under Pro at Jimmy’s Beach, Hawkes Nest. This is an awesome event which attracts an international fleet and conducted in a perfect location for any class of windsurfing. www.fw-australia.com
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