ISWC European Speed Windsurfing Tour final leg at Weymouth

by Kate Holmes on 14 Oct 2011 Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week takes place from 15 to 21 October 2011 at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. The official British Championships will ensure that all possible is done to allow Harbour records to be broken, by kitesurfers, windsurfers and sailors. The event is centred on an accurately measured 500 metre course located in Portland Harbour. This provides the challenge for the speed sailor to pit his wits against the elements.

The Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week will mark the last event of the ISWC European Speed Windsurfing Tour which, has already taken in Belgium, Sweden and Germany, as well as hosting the British Kitesurfing Association National Championships and the Spartan UKWA Windsurfing Championship.

Competitors help develop the sport and grow it internationally, to push the limits of other national and world records, including the present 55.65 knot record set by kite surfer Rob Douglas in Namibia. Signed up to push those boundaries this year are current ISWC European Speed Windsurfing Tour leaders Thorsten Mallon (GER) and Zara Davis (GBR). The course at Weymouth is suited to all competitors from boats to the kiters, so if the wind blows, and they are due a good year, the harbour record set by Anders Bringdal in 2008 could fall.

Other competitors to look out for are Anders Bjorkqvist (SWE) and Daniel Borgelind (SWE) both of whom have a chance to upset the close battle for the top spot. Also hoping to join the excitement in Weymouth is 40 world titles holder and 2012 World Slalom Champion, Björn Dunkerberk.

The lack of rules provides the ideal opportunity for both experts and dreamers to build the type of boats which, but for Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week, would never see the light of day. There are no restrictions as to who may enter and all types of craft are welcome.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, ‘Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week is a unique event. In recent years we have witnessed World Champions and Record holding professionals sailing on the same course as novices and juniors. With so many great competitors from all over the world we’re looking forward to, hopefully, a new harbour record being set.’

WPNSA website