RSX Worlds have Practice Race under sunny skies

by Jodie Bakewell-White on 12 Jan 2008
Weeks and months of organization and preparation for the 2008 RS:X World Championships were tested today as windsurfers took to the water for the first organized race of the regatta – the practice race.

The scheduled one o’clock start for the practice race was delayed slightly as race officials reset the start line after a slight change in wind direction. Generally conditions at Takapuna were excellent with a warm, sunny day and a constant eight knot breeze from the north east.

Most of the 200 competitors took the opportunity provided to test equipment and conditions. Results of the practice race do not count and many who chose to start the practice race didn’t complete the course choosing to come ashore and rest before the start of competition tomorrow.

The first race of the regatta is scheduled to start at midday tomorrow [Sunday] and two races will be sailed if conditions allow. The forecast is for six to ten knots of breeze from the north east and a predicted air temperature high of 22 degrees.

The practice race is also a chance for race officials and event organizers to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared for the week of racing ahead. A team of volunteers successfully trialed the exciting mark rounding and scoring system which allows immediate on-line publication of placings and standings for the first time at an event like this.

Free pasta meals and a massage tent are available to those competing and many made the most of this as they came ashore.

North Shore City locals who filled Takapuna Beach and the surrounding reserve enjoying a summer Saturday afternoon at the beach were treated to the spectacle of dozens of international windsurfers preparing on the grass, launching off the beach and later returning.

Windsurfers mark passing of New Zealand legend

Windsurfers in Takapuna for the 2008 RS:X World Championships today marked the passing of New Zealand legend Sir Edmund Hillary by flying black ribbons from their sails.

The entire New Zealand team of 22 sailors will have the black ribbons attached to the top batten of their sails as they head out on to the water for today’s practice race. Sailors from around another 20 countries will also fly the back ribbon as a mark of respect for the famous New Zealander.