tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44793541308802830232024-02-07T23:27:03.559-05:00Original WindsurferOriginalWindsurfer.com blogow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-60025728445733692542013-02-27T16:43:00.003-05:002013-02-27T16:44:39.385-05:00Wakeboarding an Original Windsurfer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several years ago while moored off the coast of Catalina Island, Daniel and Elizabeth buzzed by us and asked if I wanted to go wakeboarding. " SURE! " I yelled as they passed our stern in their dinghy. <br />
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Daniel is a surfer and always had his surfboard on their boat, it was about a 6' 0" so we used his board. It was challenging to get up from lying down on the board to standing up while being pulled and timing it just right to coincide with accelerating to a plane. It took talent and energy to get up but it was well worth the effort. The surfboard carved easily but didn't allow for any mistakes and we both ended up having some good wipe-outs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wakeboarding on a short board, Catalina Island.</td></tr>
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<b>Fast forward to last summer. </b>It's the end of another perfect day in Northern Michigan. The wind died hours ago and the sun is positioning itself for a spectacular set. I am restless to get some sports in, to squeeze just one last ounce out of the day. I grab some line, peal on a wetsuit and I paddle out —this time on my 12' Original Windsurfer— and wait for Brad to meet me beyond the harbor. Brad maneuvers the boat slowly past me and tosses the line. Once the slack in the line is gone, I casually stand up. I give Brad the "<i>Thumbs up</i>" and as he throttles-up a wake forms behind the boat. I slip into the wake and begin walking around the Windsurfer board like I am the only person on a dance floor and I have it all to myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Windsurfer Wakeboarding, stepping forward...</td></tr>
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The board is stable, and I realize quickly that we could be dance partners. I am not a cowboy breaking-in a wild horse. No, we are working together. I step towards the tail, moving my weight towards the inside rail to carve a turn, then several steps forward to keep the board in the wake, then a few steps back to enjoy the ride. Brad accelerated more and the wake gets larger and the board glides into a sweet spot. We are one and I am not getting bucked off for some time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constantly making adjustments —and playing with the wave— on a long ride.</td></tr>
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Wakeboarding the Windsurfer reminded me of longboarding a point break. Relaxed, time to really enjoy the ride and loads of places to move your weight around to work with the board to play in the wave. Constantly making adjustments —and playing with the wave— on a long ride. <br />
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I've described the <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/site/index.html">Original Windsurfer</a> as a surfboard and I guess this is just one more way that it is. I was stoked to squeeze that last ounce out of the day!<br />
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<br />ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-3244921575678637382013-01-11T20:16:00.002-05:002013-01-11T20:16:13.773-05:00Laugh & Fall<h3>
Splash!</h3>
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This last summer we had two separate families — with a total of 6 kids — visiting at the same time. Now being one who bonds best with others thru sports, I knew I had to act swiftly and take the lead on a group activity, and I suspected it would have to be something new for everyone because doing something we would all be "comfortable doing" meant we'd be sentenced to a day of the dreaded <i>going out to lunch and window-shopping in town</i>, a real default for everyone —especially kids with energy to burn and a deep sense of discovery! Not to mention my own selfish reasons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Noah, Holland, Natasha & Henry. <br />
They not only learned fast, but also had a great time. </td></tr>
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My arsenal for persuasion was simple but strong: a few Windsurfer boards; a couple SUP paddles; SPF 30, and a quiet sandy beach. Once at the beach, the kids were corralled and I went through the basics of Stand Up Paddling. They listened with interest, and after some initial hesitation, most of them were off on their own independent way. Just like that!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fearless and having fun</td></tr>
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I was impressed with how quickly they were able to stand up, balance, and start paddling. A few falls here and there, no big deal. Especially impressive were the kids that were sharing a board, they had to figure out how to coordinate paddling between themselves while balancing together on the board. They were laughing and chattering amongst themselves all the while. <b>They were fearless.</b> And that's what stuck me most, they were so busy having fun, there was no fear of learning something new, and no shame in falling. It was wonderful to witness. <br />
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As we continued to watch the fun, and of course some drama unfold between the kids, I couldn't help but reflect upon the adults I'd taught to SUP over the past summers. These kids were by far the quickest adapters I had ever had as students. I wondered why teaching (some) adults was generally more involved and took longer? How come it took adults longer to get their "legs" than kids? I know there's many logical reasons, like kids have a lower center of gravity, and that some adults have physical limitations, but I also believe us "older kids" might be too focused on not falling. And sometimes we just forget —or have forgotten how— to have fun while learning a new skill. Or for that matter learning anything new at all. It is easier said than done. And besides we don't want to run around with the sheer abandonment of a child, we would get hurt. But still, watching the kids was a great reminder not to lose my sense of humor. And also to enjoy the challenge of taking on something new, whatever it may be.<br />
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My mother always taught us kids to not be afraid of falling. (She also said that a glass of wine at lunch helps you ski better in the afternoon. In fact we had a saying when we skied together, "if you don't fall you're not trying", or as we've often modified it: "if you don't fall you didn't have enough wine with lunch!"). I believe Mom was right-on about trying something new and trying something more difficult. Get outside your comfort zone. These kids reminded me to not forget to laugh when I fall (into the water of course!); it makes getting up and trying again a lot more fun.<br />
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<br />ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-30027871692432670512012-08-27T11:39:00.000-04:002013-01-13T13:04:35.913-05:00Everyone's a winnerThe Original Windsurfer Summer Series #3 was on Saturday, August 11th and brought a few sailors up to Traverse City from Ohio. It was a great day to go sailing and we had a nice breeze.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of the regatta site. Thanks to Joel Scinchak and Brad Bickle for the photos.</td></tr>
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The wind was puffing up to 13 knots from the north/nw/ne and quickly carried us around the course in about 20 minutes time. The windward part of the course was very"tactical" due to some drastic wind shifts close to shore and kept everyone on alert - one unfavorable tack could take you from being first to the windward mark to last - or worse, dump you directly into the water. And I know this to be true by my first-hand experience. But it did feel good to get wet!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark positioning himself for a good start.</td></tr>
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We were having much fun sailing, so much so that we had several races before mid day. With a long break for lunch —thanks to the <a href="http://www.boathouseonwestbay.com/">Boathouse restaurant</a>— we were re-fueled with some humongous sandwiches and ready for more sailing. The sun came out, we peeled our wetsuits off and ended up having 9 races. The competition was tight and the outcome of each finish was different every race.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon out front</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel holding onto his lead...</td></tr>
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After a good day on the water, some cold beverages and a BBQ hit the spot. And in the end everyone was a winner! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY53dR5ZLwTXKrsVI1tjmInKINDnMVMuunBE6KMiII2_hheH3Wfl5r9tbA7VQLahu9eDXKngd-dAcBIZrSrE7Oc4N4v450i3MXdFWEtNIWhIR69dLXo8yAmIrTpAU3SjOdwkYTfJ73bou/s1600/CIMG1741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY53dR5ZLwTXKrsVI1tjmInKINDnMVMuunBE6KMiII2_hheH3Wfl5r9tbA7VQLahu9eDXKngd-dAcBIZrSrE7Oc4N4v450i3MXdFWEtNIWhIR69dLXo8yAmIrTpAU3SjOdwkYTfJ73bou/s320/CIMG1741.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left to right: Joel Sminchak (light weight class); Gordon Bittle (heavy weight class); Mark Drotleff & Ted Schweitzer (medium weight class)</td></tr>
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<br />ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-30588929316743204882012-08-24T07:55:00.000-04:002012-08-24T07:55:09.708-04:00A Slow Summer StartMuch like a wonderful summer vacation that allows us to slow down and enjoy each moment, it's been a slow and somewhat relaxed start to the Summer Windsurfer Series. <br />
<br />The Original Windsurfer Regatta Series in June was cancelled and July got rained out. But a few of us did manage a nice long sail exploring the other side of the bay and sailing out to Tucker Point in a firm wind, tacking back and forth against the breeze, and then a long downwind back to shore. It was a sporatic journey, I sailed without a harness and took every opportunity to hang off the booms and splash my body into the warm water; because there was a mild cold front blowing thru the water was warmer than the air so it felt great to do body dips or fall in and become completely submerged in the warm lake water! <br />
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A few colorful sails on a grey day, a relaxed journey to a scenic shore, warm clear water and some companionship on the water, not a bad start to summer.ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-49282440016836566002011-09-13T11:15:00.000-04:002011-09-13T11:15:43.979-04:00Original Windsurfer Summer Regatta Series #6<b>Summer wrap up</b><br />
This was the last regatta for the 2011 season. Thank you to everyone who supported these summer event. Those that came from out of state, down state, and those locals who decided to try an Original Windsurfer for the first time or revisit it after many years. By all the warm handshakes, hugs and smiles I feel certain everyone had a good time and came away with some improved long boarding skills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04tx9iFTFT74UVeNyK0MdueLvIFA6Lm9AE54eflvwQOrP8Y1jevffiV26Y7CrVewLjksm19MLTCxNXgz4jiMwnK9GqEFbWkvJ2TQAZDaP0mkpsy2Z-FnZE9SDonhxT_cShzvYV5MpG2lW/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04tx9iFTFT74UVeNyK0MdueLvIFA6Lm9AE54eflvwQOrP8Y1jevffiV26Y7CrVewLjksm19MLTCxNXgz4jiMwnK9GqEFbWkvJ2TQAZDaP0mkpsy2Z-FnZE9SDonhxT_cShzvYV5MpG2lW/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0003.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon reaching towards the finish.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist </td></tr>
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Special thanks to Dave Dalquist who has an amazing talent for capturing the essence of the moment thru his photography. Dave not only sailed in almost every regatta but also managed to take bundles of photos from the Summer Series Regattas -you can view his photos at <a href="http://gallery.waterholic.com/Sports">waterholic.com</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46BG23NTRjHMzhPstiaS94vOIeiOLQp03L7tO_Vt0D4iV0jMTmjNcjUkCwh69ot-p9q97EaF42nSJbq87ZKTtcg8fwAqi9AXV4w0YXXfKm3r052ztkIwwgT1v9uLbOJi3HYW0zOVrKOh1/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46BG23NTRjHMzhPstiaS94vOIeiOLQp03L7tO_Vt0D4iV0jMTmjNcjUkCwh69ot-p9q97EaF42nSJbq87ZKTtcg8fwAqi9AXV4w0YXXfKm3r052ztkIwwgT1v9uLbOJi3HYW0zOVrKOh1/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the start, Bill & Ted heading towards windward mark.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist. </td></tr>
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And thank you to the <a href="http://www.boathouseonwestbay.com/home.html">Boathouse restaurant</a> for all the wonderful lunches this summer and keeping us well nourished throughout the regatta season. The food, the staff, you spoil us!<br />
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<b>Harness-less</b><br />
We held 7 races and like the previous regattas, many decided to sail without a harness even though the wind was gusting to 15 + knots. I am not sure why most of us didn't sail with a harness. I think it may have started earlier in the season, a few regattas back when the wind was light early in the day and then began to build as we sailed into the afternoon. Some would sail to shore between races and get a harness, and some simply decided not to. I didn't think much of it at the time —to each his/her own. But as the wind got stronger there we were sailing without a harness and experiencing a feeling I can only describe as "pure". I believe I am able to feel, read and assess the wind shifts more accurately with the uninterrupted connection of my hands on rig. I don't think this is a big revelation, but it is something that has further enhanced my enjoyment of the sport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Z2dkoCR2YEYR4cbsSLS6MYTTVkOub0cZ0qyK-qnZTCTQO8r4_F1rP18t9AVK_1xEw2CMDujaudG85Px95vRU9mgCManqYG5w3XdNmRDz7-zhkmFHxN8_owK6SL9PKmBdodWqG2LY4Ka/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0001_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96Z2dkoCR2YEYR4cbsSLS6MYTTVkOub0cZ0qyK-qnZTCTQO8r4_F1rP18t9AVK_1xEw2CMDujaudG85Px95vRU9mgCManqYG5w3XdNmRDz7-zhkmFHxN8_owK6SL9PKmBdodWqG2LY4Ka/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0001_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellis on his 'Original-Original', wooden booms and all.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist. </td></tr>
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<b>Starts & Board Handling</b><br />
After the first few starts, and with some encouragement from the race committee, the sailors improved their starts drastically!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HGapvaWUUET9egk5AtscaNo0EoAaKX4SYKZeyPnIhkS1ADBCvM0HrqaWCLzo1Cr3qip28x8ABpGBY-dWDXvsjoiDhSNriHfIs7wIwn8LzrD8_QIqnFDqymnpBwpjwWXDrvxDpluxOW4U/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HGapvaWUUET9egk5AtscaNo0EoAaKX4SYKZeyPnIhkS1ADBCvM0HrqaWCLzo1Cr3qip28x8ABpGBY-dWDXvsjoiDhSNriHfIs7wIwn8LzrD8_QIqnFDqymnpBwpjwWXDrvxDpluxOW4U/s400/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kb_ZFy3YuGNAV8MjgcuOF2veDiyhPJ9H2wHqjc-NuSnqKROBNWgUgvlhLTbi-I4AUVlif7uQEIEvSVzjqjkxAv4pijWXwVoSe4d2THZtZeWlBJp0KFGtTmEWcoRdP-FDX-lNUD0WBf9L/s400/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0062.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span">I enjoy pleasure sailing and I also enjoy keeping my skills sharp and improving them. These regattas helped keep me tuned-up and also helped with my board handling. I also got to meet many new friends. </span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Don't be frightened by the word 'Regatta'. If you're a beginner or haven't been on a long board in a while or maybe never been on a long board, these are casual get togethers of sailors with all levels of ability. I hope to see you next year!</span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZJuT1E2pVvsaQjuFZNlP_bdJz9ZJ4j0hdbbbuF22zKiXIDR8xwk0vSC0_NKkw2_mmjumUFd1tmEqnmlCN7uQ9V2iUY0FHFIdSUzTpwpiGm7iAG3Te6kSNzZuS6ac0Wd5kdhYgpeWrjRL/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZJuT1E2pVvsaQjuFZNlP_bdJz9ZJ4j0hdbbbuF22zKiXIDR8xwk0vSC0_NKkw2_mmjumUFd1tmEqnmlCN7uQ9V2iUY0FHFIdSUzTpwpiGm7iAG3Te6kSNzZuS6ac0Wd5kdhYgpeWrjRL/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0099.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuVkmM_E9HRNPqXl3eUJPJKxqbfzw9zIREFIbWoDDYXSADnx37L1soSMuIbKonZA3r8Hz_GNaouZJEakIwsg3ProZqgzwX05tT02fawINlRIjWRriY8P4yR59BuUNXj6744v2QaPR9mNL/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuVkmM_E9HRNPqXl3eUJPJKxqbfzw9zIREFIbWoDDYXSADnx37L1soSMuIbKonZA3r8Hz_GNaouZJEakIwsg3ProZqgzwX05tT02fawINlRIjWRriY8P4yR59BuUNXj6744v2QaPR9mNL/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0072.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQnfxeyvKMdg9wG7hnipzb0eFH0l0Mx3rxN4g8l6JrVkn3Xtqgp6eU6kND8VHacBsbvpPOXOkVHPj_nhqzQ6sktuB-Vd_PQ4jKlbc2O57waWiEhBrhWv4qH9LF4R-gUE3_I6LSNuiNWlh/s1600/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0086_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQnfxeyvKMdg9wG7hnipzb0eFH0l0Mx3rxN4g8l6JrVkn3Xtqgp6eU6kND8VHacBsbvpPOXOkVHPj_nhqzQ6sktuB-Vd_PQ4jKlbc2O57waWiEhBrhWv4qH9LF4R-gUE3_I6LSNuiNWlh/s320/08272011-originalwindsurfing-0086_2.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sun was out, the wind was up, and a good time was had by all...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Update on Availability of Windsurfers</b></i>: It's been nice to say that I am SOLD OUT of Original Windsurfers the last few months, but I also feel bad to those that wanted to get one for this summer. Boards will be available by Nov 1st and there are new sail colors! I posted the new sail colors on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Original-Windsurfer/108919607255">FaceBook</a> if you want to see them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<b>I never tire of jibes </b><br />
The light-weight rig; the square tail, sharp rails, and low stern volume of the board; and most importantly the fin — it's not over-sized so the board actually turns. These are a few of my favorite things. And whooppie is it ever fun.<br />
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ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com2Bowers Harbor, Michigan, USA44.880693099999988 -85.54576889999998544.862032099999986 -85.566576899999987 44.899354099999989 -85.524960899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-36181552367427149482011-08-20T15:12:00.000-04:002011-08-20T15:12:38.824-04:00Summer Regatta Series #4<br />
<h2><a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/?p=1438" rel="bookmark" title="Original Windsurfer Summer Series #4 Regatta">Original Windsurfer Summer Series Regatta #4 July 30, 2011</a></h2>The regatta site has a large grassy area for rigging and a beautiful sandy beach.<br />
<a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-series-52.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1449" height="275" src="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-series-52.jpg" width="514" /></a><br />
Original Windsurfers were supplied for all sailors along with regatta t-shirt, lunch provided by the Boathouse Restaurant, a BBQ dinner and wine supplied by J Henry Vineyards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTkx-Ohyphenhyphen-h4y_7E-jr3gvIMlOpiy2YkexNouBOKELjTSIPYl5Ly90JvhDuUlkF_sKzfFLTAGrxRqsSwnpw3xq9JkZ_p0GD59d9ESQhG2to0VVxodD1MiZRPi3CzLAkLhbT3EEY897rTwg/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTkx-Ohyphenhyphen-h4y_7E-jr3gvIMlOpiy2YkexNouBOKELjTSIPYl5Ly90JvhDuUlkF_sKzfFLTAGrxRqsSwnpw3xq9JkZ_p0GD59d9ESQhG2to0VVxodD1MiZRPi3CzLAkLhbT3EEY897rTwg/s320/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0016.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy returning to beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0akKFd-MhKEoau61V2CtgwhpmF36TaXzYHFRCTQN_LCUOFSuQnTlRvL9Ig6Da7Pjbx8S-aYu9tFVb6U8N2CJbW9IdUXlm6y6yLsqPZ4ScMmhYSALeDSfJkomAaG-rSKPgrjkqyfz13-K/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0014_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0akKFd-MhKEoau61V2CtgwhpmF36TaXzYHFRCTQN_LCUOFSuQnTlRvL9Ig6Da7Pjbx8S-aYu9tFVb6U8N2CJbW9IdUXlm6y6yLsqPZ4ScMmhYSALeDSfJkomAaG-rSKPgrjkqyfz13-K/s400/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0014_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen watches a sea plane take off.</td></tr>
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</a></div>The morning was calm so several people went SUPing on Original Windsurfer boards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-event-6.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1442" height="179" src="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-event-6.jpg" width="503" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No harnesses, not even with 18 knot gusts. </td></tr>
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After lunch the wind picked up to 6-9 knots and then increased to 15 knots with gusts to 18 knots!<br />
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Of course no one was taking pictures when the wind picked up because everyone was having too much fun sailing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK9qgjMpEkzowavuL1xYazaFLRqWpuPWmFguPzyrlo-Jru_epDsj6QRb2WYdvKIIPUXRdMDAED8h-NgG0cRLpktGfwTIE_U0MKyfjjskS7ZnWXopb_YzJZt3SjD-nlHy4cX55jcEosOpa/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK9qgjMpEkzowavuL1xYazaFLRqWpuPWmFguPzyrlo-Jru_epDsj6QRb2WYdvKIIPUXRdMDAED8h-NgG0cRLpktGfwTIE_U0MKyfjjskS7ZnWXopb_YzJZt3SjD-nlHy4cX55jcEosOpa/s400/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0028.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Randy having some fun mastering the agile Windsurfer and entering a power jibe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The first 2 races were moderate wind and once the wind really picked up the guys in the group declined to use harnesses and decided to hang tight and go “iron-man”. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7k_mmI_qAEUm0aY0rYng9SblEnw3MNlKPgXZROdHTkkX2r7aUYgV8e40d067ROaFytKrAzWykH660OwuvnpgapNdBdw4V1feGMhVe-xwbi7f-I9Ni8WhXOIlRapOryuWIVARDiKQBZFN/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7k_mmI_qAEUm0aY0rYng9SblEnw3MNlKPgXZROdHTkkX2r7aUYgV8e40d067ROaFytKrAzWykH660OwuvnpgapNdBdw4V1feGMhVe-xwbi7f-I9Ni8WhXOIlRapOryuWIVARDiKQBZFN/s400/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0037.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The race committee counted down to the start so everyone could improve their timing at the starts and boat handling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Six races were held on a triangle course; a long upwind to the weather mark and 2 reaches back to start/finish line. There were some excellent swells and chop to surf on. The light weight sail makes it easy for steering to catch a wave. And the maneuverable board also helps positioning on a run or reach to catch swells.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKLkfHrEUh5oq_YsqjkZvBGVpsidGQs843FGyN8OHgK59Ng_qlbIET5dDstdnHWCMohWBRDdn8i-dZ1RBZrIXKzbzwB0-_RqSsBco30mx5usEIbe49hZkAmkAoyqnuPgSPx_3BaSRv9OM/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKLkfHrEUh5oq_YsqjkZvBGVpsidGQs843FGyN8OHgK59Ng_qlbIET5dDstdnHWCMohWBRDdn8i-dZ1RBZrIXKzbzwB0-_RqSsBco30mx5usEIbe49hZkAmkAoyqnuPgSPx_3BaSRv9OM/s400/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0040.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alison hanging on, big smile.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kPuUSL2rkAFNIp_EHdu2hqD5ueyXA9_nHBZ-aLRzW8AJd4DKEfoPwVYoBMDISTFUf6cDuGt6Jo3QEg-hAVz4EdwTx4dpUdsAw-egca_YW1gElRHeprpCwyjwRD0fcIAW65ztV-IRj7K5/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0048-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kPuUSL2rkAFNIp_EHdu2hqD5ueyXA9_nHBZ-aLRzW8AJd4DKEfoPwVYoBMDISTFUf6cDuGt6Jo3QEg-hAVz4EdwTx4dpUdsAw-egca_YW1gElRHeprpCwyjwRD0fcIAW65ztV-IRj7K5/s400/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0048-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading the fleet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the sixth race all sailors had improved their start, upwind boat speed, tacks, jibes and mark rounding ability.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy05wtTtbJQndjGJUVAr5BWA5R0MpUoc_Yj6L4sGZ-bIf66Aim-HAfbkPQZe_rPtYnBj1R8s5rtQX_PugrK6YRDGv1UmUD4ghyphenhyphenQ6l9mhfkyCAczqjXPTMkuPMnZmgQTD5x0r2CQ3LKDgH/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy05wtTtbJQndjGJUVAr5BWA5R0MpUoc_Yj6L4sGZ-bIf66Aim-HAfbkPQZe_rPtYnBj1R8s5rtQX_PugrK6YRDGv1UmUD4ghyphenhyphenQ6l9mhfkyCAczqjXPTMkuPMnZmgQTD5x0r2CQ3LKDgH/s320/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0071.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alison at start mark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREtXQUpZ4Aes3qvlasATcx1GJE2qXj5A1uj34j7AWgvWXf9F4IUN6h3-G5UqdDUBLvQUaX0zQrfburVoaB1rlM32mvh7kYhRHWnR5UO5hsPtyx08i2-JIauzaaH_vPBGBAKyvWRWaSMGJ/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREtXQUpZ4Aes3qvlasATcx1GJE2qXj5A1uj34j7AWgvWXf9F4IUN6h3-G5UqdDUBLvQUaX0zQrfburVoaB1rlM32mvh7kYhRHWnR5UO5hsPtyx08i2-JIauzaaH_vPBGBAKyvWRWaSMGJ/s320/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>For some it was their first time on an Original Windsurfer or was their first time in 15 years. No one missed a beat. I guess it's like riding a bicycle, you never forget.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNRl9T343wCOzfKv5PrYwLPrDqLGgtR9dp-dm5H0b54xqaLHIyj4916WIwWxTkIvpkkIAhvJ9fmR9vl6Iq6mPfP9bZZHq1wgeydN3njSf-6xcIdQ4xWdGMqqevkEZ3cb-OIMwQ5WE8Kip/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0077-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNRl9T343wCOzfKv5PrYwLPrDqLGgtR9dp-dm5H0b54xqaLHIyj4916WIwWxTkIvpkkIAhvJ9fmR9vl6Iq6mPfP9bZZHq1wgeydN3njSf-6xcIdQ4xWdGMqqevkEZ3cb-OIMwQ5WE8Kip/s320/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0077-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Jtl-7xBZc0DXczJ9ebkNDkZEphE3q5prLEq1iZUudpjqGVFDv78w-Znun5zes3N1WHcHc7ZPR5V_DzyPOHoZpPYSAkl_ab-SukDMZm-VuXY8Ri-_p065MQLpIfa2rAhd3wD_SjCdTOh7/s1600/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Jtl-7xBZc0DXczJ9ebkNDkZEphE3q5prLEq1iZUudpjqGVFDv78w-Znun5zes3N1WHcHc7ZPR5V_DzyPOHoZpPYSAkl_ab-SukDMZm-VuXY8Ri-_p065MQLpIfa2rAhd3wD_SjCdTOh7/s320/20110730-originalwindsurfing-0083.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen at finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the races, we had a BBQ on the beach and trophies were awarded.<br />
<a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-event-8.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1444" height="640" src="http://www.mowind.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ow-event-8.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Standing left to right: Randy Bass 1st place medium weights; Alison Rowe 1st place light weight; Paul Sandstrom 1st place heavy weights. Below: Dave Dalquist 3rd place medium weights; "Roscoe" and Ted Schweitzer 2nd place medium weights. Not pictured: Gary Kosch 3rd place heavy weights; Stephen Wiele 1st place B fleet/Sport fleet.<br />
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ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0Traverse City, MI, USA44.7630567 -85.6206316999999944.7293412 -85.674864199999988 44.7967722 -85.566399199999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-80931936371951523492011-07-28T08:14:00.000-04:002011-07-28T08:14:04.470-04:00Windsurfing Ohio: Reservoir Rendezvous RegattaFor the July 16-17 weekend I loaded up my trailer with a couple Original Windsurfers and drove to New London, Ohio for the 2nd annual Reservoir Rendezvous.<br />
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I arrived late in the afternoon on Friday and immediately rigged up to sail away the road dust. There was a light breeze, the water was warm, and any fatigue from the drive quickly washed away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmNA6HMfFg41ausqA7l8WTeuwIyACfKqcmQcR40EDTzjhm_UrsuweSZqAYxvD_YZG9FLZCZtrpVZ7EvFLNTslm4kzVwb4HeMxxikj7lahtCdamI5mJc1hqKUVtqIQPJy0011YRq3wmEso/s1600/246739_254922364519220_100000043766935_1125024_481153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmNA6HMfFg41ausqA7l8WTeuwIyACfKqcmQcR40EDTzjhm_UrsuweSZqAYxvD_YZG9FLZCZtrpVZ7EvFLNTslm4kzVwb4HeMxxikj7lahtCdamI5mJc1hqKUVtqIQPJy0011YRq3wmEso/s400/246739_254922364519220_100000043766935_1125024_481153_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">riding the rail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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As I fooled around doing some freestyle I was reminded what a privilege it is to have a windsurfer, to rig up in a matter of minutes and be on the water —presto! Experiencing and interacting with a new locale. <br />
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I sailed to shore, pulled my Windsurfer onto the bank and walked a few steps to my campsite, nice.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq4_TFo8QbnqaE8nVPE1fMpLy1nFbufY4DPiN4L6xVgm8KrtvCxY74bWhXe4iFH4ZrQlER6ak-hPFHPkR4ivwnKjV1KlXj_Abbz3qRWtWqA0S_Ak12pemg1sEK65e5PgLoIW4PpNfkykN/s1600/284071_255789194432537_100000043766935_1127760_4557535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq4_TFo8QbnqaE8nVPE1fMpLy1nFbufY4DPiN4L6xVgm8KrtvCxY74bWhXe4iFH4ZrQlER6ak-hPFHPkR4ivwnKjV1KlXj_Abbz3qRWtWqA0S_Ak12pemg1sEK65e5PgLoIW4PpNfkykN/s320/284071_255789194432537_100000043766935_1127760_4557535_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">skippers meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
More people showed up and by Saturday morning registration there was a group of sailors, spouses and kids. <br />
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I brought 4 Original Windsurfers and all got used, we had our own fleet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCe8Ftyuv79sDitFig0YD-QaiPbdeBfm6GoLJb8tjOL63lfKxzLcw_A0akG1K-Tek2Jj-dHs_Yh9f06lbhIod7_jixsF9kWwOdRSlvefSJc3l_EANuicI0QEMJUnlZqW1wlUbwoE-CQYi/s1600/267291_255802254431231_100000043766935_1127886_1587152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCe8Ftyuv79sDitFig0YD-QaiPbdeBfm6GoLJb8tjOL63lfKxzLcw_A0akG1K-Tek2Jj-dHs_Yh9f06lbhIod7_jixsF9kWwOdRSlvefSJc3l_EANuicI0QEMJUnlZqW1wlUbwoE-CQYi/s400/267291_255802254431231_100000043766935_1127886_1587152_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Winds were light with some nice puffs and wind shifts blowing thru. <br />
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Six races were held. Lunch and a BBQ dinner were provided (great food thank you Carl!) and campfire at sunset.<br />
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Race results are listed on <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a>. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagHgaCRkUvJIM9sxUFLgRaWv8lB9ohZssTAanJD9hPnojueN4ehJraA4c731XAAJU_UA3-iTzLNemFgXWnXWjf3PKbRqLqApz9rKNLN6uLOSeHWzt6Q2CkoiOS2QL76WaDnigJlOKWDjP/s1600/206005_254922724519184_100000043766935_1125027_4648334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagHgaCRkUvJIM9sxUFLgRaWv8lB9ohZssTAanJD9hPnojueN4ehJraA4c731XAAJU_UA3-iTzLNemFgXWnXWjf3PKbRqLqApz9rKNLN6uLOSeHWzt6Q2CkoiOS2QL76WaDnigJlOKWDjP/s400/206005_254922724519184_100000043766935_1125027_4648334_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming out of a jibe, regatta site in background</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixczMyQ_eN_rUZ-VzxFKtHPBmDuQWbdssTSVmHJhUHzF7Y3nAhSyQC-AZ3jDsNzXAxsFJo6WIakxg5ImGaMiPQYK2AfqP_Gj6GCwHlIkMrFdojSfj3gav3Dg3kei5pnigH7eyGROzGkVII/s1600/253221_254922967852493_100000043766935_1125034_4315476_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixczMyQ_eN_rUZ-VzxFKtHPBmDuQWbdssTSVmHJhUHzF7Y3nAhSyQC-AZ3jDsNzXAxsFJo6WIakxg5ImGaMiPQYK2AfqP_Gj6GCwHlIkMrFdojSfj3gav3Dg3kei5pnigH7eyGROzGkVII/s400/253221_254922967852493_100000043766935_1125034_4315476_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more fooling around...Body Dip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXKJcVaYETRPi-MT63v-M_nYNq0TzTkqwhPoFXPkVYhOIJwJt0HyS9FT_q34sWosrQ37ttega-RlsIHz5IzKSJx7PEepgjsrMkv4q_q-5OxAQIAX6aYuu85rc4sI5k91vN-KaXsOQ8-jg/s1600/198807_255803327764457_100000043766935_1127900_6414836_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXKJcVaYETRPi-MT63v-M_nYNq0TzTkqwhPoFXPkVYhOIJwJt0HyS9FT_q34sWosrQ37ttega-RlsIHz5IzKSJx7PEepgjsrMkv4q_q-5OxAQIAX6aYuu85rc4sI5k91vN-KaXsOQ8-jg/s400/198807_255803327764457_100000043766935_1127900_6414836_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Windsurfers on course</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnuZWaQOLdH4A9lW6n0j3QTSatwXz4-mNMSiRsQae_HjRdZJXfZlF6g0IxpnmcK6X0jxIxXD0TLXVRbsfKXU2dpgESeaVhng0YRyPLJyJW4CvfEgvX0-WEg1UO1zB-vZrsvarjldTxX5k/s1600/282536_255790224432434_100000043766935_1127772_4505719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnuZWaQOLdH4A9lW6n0j3QTSatwXz4-mNMSiRsQae_HjRdZJXfZlF6g0IxpnmcK6X0jxIxXD0TLXVRbsfKXU2dpgESeaVhng0YRyPLJyJW4CvfEgvX0-WEg1UO1zB-vZrsvarjldTxX5k/s400/282536_255790224432434_100000043766935_1127772_4505719_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Windsurfer Class: Robbie with son, Ted and Joel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com1Ohio, USA41.085054199999988 -82.3998887000000239.123199699999986 -84.550941200000025 43.046908699999989 -80.248836200000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-37764130788618505302011-07-14T13:04:00.009-04:002011-07-14T13:13:53.042-04:00Original Windsurfer Regatta #2The June 25th regatta attracted a group of beginner and seasoned sailors at beautiful Bowers Harbor in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-FRhDU23cc">Traverse City, Northern Michigan</a>.<br />
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Complete regatta results are listed at <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyLoeaeA3CH8jg4wUcor6ph5ykaZ_Bs5haPi5QwV9_tr7pu1KNUgNQJFxpBcL6lleWxxxVw3AFnMUr6iaFtL2UB1dVAj4JyXGoAHec73fdx0FazQByCx1AN-C5f0AsqOvPN_nPfRw-TQh/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyLoeaeA3CH8jg4wUcor6ph5ykaZ_Bs5haPi5QwV9_tr7pu1KNUgNQJFxpBcL6lleWxxxVw3AFnMUr6iaFtL2UB1dVAj4JyXGoAHec73fdx0FazQByCx1AN-C5f0AsqOvPN_nPfRw-TQh/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Ted rigging up in the morning.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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Mike Richmond ran race committee and after he lowered the start flag, he then provided on-the-water-commentary and lots of spirit. Thanks Mike we loved your enthusiasm!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRE4qpIDfB8Qnr_lZzn7y8QleV5KGjT84kh170qsJrn24zof3G_HUHsOCTrG4VslBLIWvSknFtXwkYXKh4LNVluvuLuMHwjhaYUGagCvY_P-JD5S8P6yzhBV72GVnAPvhEYYHoYSYLy4Y/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRE4qpIDfB8Qnr_lZzn7y8QleV5KGjT84kh170qsJrn24zof3G_HUHsOCTrG4VslBLIWvSknFtXwkYXKh4LNVluvuLuMHwjhaYUGagCvY_P-JD5S8P6yzhBV72GVnAPvhEYYHoYSYLy4Y/s640/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen off to a great start!<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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Six races were held on a triangle course. And the 7 sailors sailed Original Windsurfers that were provided as charter boards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAipN_CZWem5AuYfdXrciaQ2JRZs1B_Q5jmRpYXitk6_UWhM_Z3_1jn5GInVJ6Z4zg7lsMo9UaA5eVPFx-JOFudw9yLDtq7uMUvpfLP1Bke3CEZ5OeVRx5JpAEnedZs77E0TyFV3wa8mK/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAipN_CZWem5AuYfdXrciaQ2JRZs1B_Q5jmRpYXitk6_UWhM_Z3_1jn5GInVJ6Z4zg7lsMo9UaA5eVPFx-JOFudw9yLDtq7uMUvpfLP1Bke3CEZ5OeVRx5JpAEnedZs77E0TyFV3wa8mK/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0111.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16-year-old Ellis catching the wind after jibing around the leeward mark.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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I believe it was Beverly's first time on an Original Windsurfer, she was all smiles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_zMCm2yr9Wg-xursIwZ3Z_LMscnjM0wUeMOxG-gfmZhAFq1pTwJXioXmM4zsYpTVZMkL2HLKdfi3hHraScAQB_mi2xdp8eQVQOkdvlfqyua0av1WN7PR-V-GFRObv9Y_dT9sskb2fFMf/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_zMCm2yr9Wg-xursIwZ3Z_LMscnjM0wUeMOxG-gfmZhAFq1pTwJXioXmM4zsYpTVZMkL2HLKdfi3hHraScAQB_mi2xdp8eQVQOkdvlfqyua0av1WN7PR-V-GFRObv9Y_dT9sskb2fFMf/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beverly approaching the finish line.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVwOhblD81vwuGifmL1eY7oq5HYo8_UD06bRQZd5stDx4-sijmy2SR-czE6-mJ_wQnF7_v1xWnHoTtwVEr2K0kjcRk5HnqsJJ12FtlOGl7bY2l3fh9wcJUPY88bsktakrHyLf6Z0b9tsF/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVwOhblD81vwuGifmL1eY7oq5HYo8_UD06bRQZd5stDx4-sijmy2SR-czE6-mJ_wQnF7_v1xWnHoTtwVEr2K0kjcRk5HnqsJJ12FtlOGl7bY2l3fh9wcJUPY88bsktakrHyLf6Z0b9tsF/s640/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0051.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Kathleen, upwind leg.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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After lunch provided by the <a href="http://boathouseonwestbay.com/">Boathouse restaurant</a>, sailors head out for more races.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ISPumlZfJgJLX_sZ8LYmpKCefZCYntkwM0uuPzEsvvPzr-Q35C60xXW0JPEq_H_emtJ1bn_atcbLwByGQfLrn3rhzHgpoTPAN15lsXo5qF6aot79B1eh_WEkY3ke-d3wgKoaRYAmQzdW/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ISPumlZfJgJLX_sZ8LYmpKCefZCYntkwM0uuPzEsvvPzr-Q35C60xXW0JPEq_H_emtJ1bn_atcbLwByGQfLrn3rhzHgpoTPAN15lsXo5qF6aot79B1eh_WEkY3ke-d3wgKoaRYAmQzdW/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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The sun was warm and the water was refreshing; there's always time for some freestyle or a power jibe to cool off your feet......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFF7LpSBTB5iRkginh5KjtrhyphenhyphenHlOGzMQjdd95jEm478XjzbhqO1MNifu_CpP4tQcAL42GkZlHy6NHT07jQFgSfRMHVoCtZxx9u-DBAAFWMyimbXcRrU1BB4XaTsOiqMWNNzfvuarRt4cr/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFF7LpSBTB5iRkginh5KjtrhyphenhyphenHlOGzMQjdd95jEm478XjzbhqO1MNifu_CpP4tQcAL42GkZlHy6NHT07jQFgSfRMHVoCtZxx9u-DBAAFWMyimbXcRrU1BB4XaTsOiqMWNNzfvuarRt4cr/s320/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0047.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7w1-mjCxlsmWI-953P3vvoGsUbLtmBx2zgAmtaDDPIf8EKUBKeqhB1COFI59Docj2WQjGGiME2pYE4WyN_Si-Q09o2Z6p2Ftewdbns-JSkbxX7Kc2bzfZITOTB97SgsbhlAxEvZdLIBp/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7w1-mjCxlsmWI-953P3vvoGsUbLtmBx2zgAmtaDDPIf8EKUBKeqhB1COFI59Docj2WQjGGiME2pYE4WyN_Si-Q09o2Z6p2Ftewdbns-JSkbxX7Kc2bzfZITOTB97SgsbhlAxEvZdLIBp/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Ellis on a broad reach.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnOPf6e0v5h5CslCDIAKdDW81lTpxHpUBSrDb5kahldJ2ZfNa2kKs8fqLvUEJ8xcNgnJaI3OYa0iY2IEOzUU7zqQPg0NIQRorlZfjNKKdOWo0WYqgda8XJji2HpijUYs13VdXvIstfa2C/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnOPf6e0v5h5CslCDIAKdDW81lTpxHpUBSrDb5kahldJ2ZfNa2kKs8fqLvUEJ8xcNgnJaI3OYa0iY2IEOzUU7zqQPg0NIQRorlZfjNKKdOWo0WYqgda8XJji2HpijUYs13VdXvIstfa2C/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0102.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Textbook form: Hiking out, raking sail back<br />
to point up towards windward mark.....<br />
and no harness needed!<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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After Six starts & races everyone showed improvement on the course and at the starts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXRfCsBW2Schytm361tkqENyWFXtiEmq1QSSqN1pP0fTKexpf5AMIg66uTAfkbE9TVXeQ6fZQHC0EoC2j_yuEqL6nwgu9cGgVWFDXBObRh3XX49wRZnAMyJTS2cXxcV1EV3vIGOxOWEra/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXRfCsBW2Schytm361tkqENyWFXtiEmq1QSSqN1pP0fTKexpf5AMIg66uTAfkbE9TVXeQ6fZQHC0EoC2j_yuEqL6nwgu9cGgVWFDXBObRh3XX49wRZnAMyJTS2cXxcV1EV3vIGOxOWEra/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0099.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter, Ellis and Bill on the start line.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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Heading back to the beach after the races for a BBQ and trophy presentation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZlWFV4ebRWiITOf4rMAcPbWsjoetwQHU_438MjvMYGvDQBf0tSo2TvZyi1M_TBblMNNxmIX2vnw5Gyczsjw9KQY-YrQqwoOTE5j8HQasVZGrhGYSK6H7OZ62eUHZaZNmOmG5DyulRoJW/s1600/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZlWFV4ebRWiITOf4rMAcPbWsjoetwQHU_438MjvMYGvDQBf0tSo2TvZyi1M_TBblMNNxmIX2vnw5Gyczsjw9KQY-YrQqwoOTE5j8HQasVZGrhGYSK6H7OZ62eUHZaZNmOmG5DyulRoJW/s400/20110625-originalwindsurfing-0126.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathleen and Beverly coming ashore.<br />
Photo: Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And the top 3 place winners....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CcxEkIkopFK3cKu2KAvMdsc662VwBeiRv0G-taqygFLkOzDAvneCzz0KwBAmq-ooRcxKdZw9wXPXjM6k8wcja_lYNFeGitbknL6yFwT_SO7OsZZYl27iBr88TlXp2Gz3-sGracSbTumg/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CcxEkIkopFK3cKu2KAvMdsc662VwBeiRv0G-taqygFLkOzDAvneCzz0KwBAmq-ooRcxKdZw9wXPXjM6k8wcja_lYNFeGitbknL6yFwT_SO7OsZZYl27iBr88TlXp2Gz3-sGracSbTumg/s400/photo.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Ellis 3rd place, Peter 1st place, Ted 2nd place.<br />
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<i>Thank you to our sponsors: Boathouse restaurant, Sailsport Marine and J Henry Vineyards!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Come join us! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The next Original Windsurfer Series is July 30th. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Download a flyer at</b> <a href="http://www.OriginalWindsurfer.com/">OriginalWindsurfer.com</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com1Bowers Harbor, Michigan, USA44.880693099999988 -85.54576889999998544.862032099999986 -85.566576899999987 44.899354099999989 -85.524960899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-81573347284439758162011-06-30T10:06:00.001-04:002011-06-30T17:04:14.859-04:00Original Windsurfer Regatta, Traverse City, Michigan<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Original Windsurfer One Design Regatta, Summer Series #1</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This was the first in a series of summer regattas being held on Original Windsurfers. Morning rain, cool weather and water temperatures brought a few brave souls out on Saturday, June 11th. Six sailors showed up and three sailors raced.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Three long courses were raced - and the sailors were very careful not to fall into the water! There was a light to moderate breeze and the racers demonstrated good gentleman's strategy and tactics as they made their way around course.<br />
<br />
Click to see <a href="http://gallery.waterholic.com/Sports/Windsurfing">Dave Dalquist's photo gallery</a> from this regatta. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U0nvawFm448NTuKw3TRMD6102dVaDRmmshoekEim8RSF9nIo0385SLeOrinuVd19iwi6YBozq5Z3ngmt77NuvJ6VZBwTJnlgSiBHt_GQHy_0Fozu7gD-weUlKP3a2oXzPIxK7HRF0gvL/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U0nvawFm448NTuKw3TRMD6102dVaDRmmshoekEim8RSF9nIo0385SLeOrinuVd19iwi6YBozq5Z3ngmt77NuvJ6VZBwTJnlgSiBHt_GQHy_0Fozu7gD-weUlKP3a2oXzPIxK7HRF0gvL/s320/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0003.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Jon and Ted setting marks before the race.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Photo by Dave Dalquist.</div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6-4dNULyv81GsY0Mlx67ypEENBQyAmxCCvVyGtxdTh6QlBQ98xqjqtIjQx-WHl_ovV1dmxvlF231mWpOrfi9qW5-TzULYWne02C2JrU1a5ZUUGkUlWMB7d4CFD4zKcNLWDcZcQPwYbNq/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6-4dNULyv81GsY0Mlx67ypEENBQyAmxCCvVyGtxdTh6QlBQ98xqjqtIjQx-WHl_ovV1dmxvlF231mWpOrfi9qW5-TzULYWne02C2JrU1a5ZUUGkUlWMB7d4CFD4zKcNLWDcZcQPwYbNq/s400/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Original Windsurfer charter boards.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Photo by Dave Dalquist.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0MyZ8YVQFvBgt4SUGj23V9dXzpub_0jfb9-YIb_3Bpi0z-fnfKYNrR2PQgdd2qBawh1jORSDQFQcAIyzXsU5GHpT-V2aPK0se33zj25SiAZWKpF3iSVMYiPf9WeKtPKo3WmMZ1CSI4kk/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0MyZ8YVQFvBgt4SUGj23V9dXzpub_0jfb9-YIb_3Bpi0z-fnfKYNrR2PQgdd2qBawh1jORSDQFQcAIyzXsU5GHpT-V2aPK0se33zj25SiAZWKpF3iSVMYiPf9WeKtPKo3WmMZ1CSI4kk/s640/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regatta site in Traverse City.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsKkihM0vU24KYWox3eiO9g5i4vTYYE4E1g8pZaagFZ4gddvQcT_Y0EBD5AHagpTfB0_Tdd1re-u_4Yg-cg83CWbg4z3VZOJj7erPeAs5QsJ13Fq3RVMuu3dbVXyer1_eMIv10F4gH-iY/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsKkihM0vU24KYWox3eiO9g5i4vTYYE4E1g8pZaagFZ4gddvQcT_Y0EBD5AHagpTfB0_Tdd1re-u_4Yg-cg83CWbg4z3VZOJj7erPeAs5QsJ13Fq3RVMuu3dbVXyer1_eMIv10F4gH-iY/s640/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">View from Boathouse restaurant. Photo by Dave Dalquist.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-50355351900076478842011-06-30T10:05:00.000-04:002011-06-30T10:05:36.404-04:00Grosse Pointe Regatta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Patterson Park Regatta, Grosse Pointe, Michigan</b><br />
The Grosse Pointe Windsurfing Club hosted this 12th annual regatta at Patterson Park on Saturday June 18th. There was a spectator boat for those who wanted to get an up-close look at the on-the-water strategy. There were 5 races in moderate to light wind. This is a well run event and was well attended with some competitors coming from as far away as Toronto. For regatta report visit <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a>.<br />
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A local sailor named Bruce decided to join me on an Original Windsurfer for the race. There was a nice breeze in the morning. Bruce hadn't been on an Original Windsurfer is many years, if ever. After reading about it's agility and light weight rig he wanted to experience it. The first race of the day were his first minutes on the board and he had no problems, in fact he sailed it all day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Lm-oH8i-USraamaLa3dwyCD5w09T_PJhZNM47C03sYSoD6sbLQIedvsiSZ3nXaMaYCVhhDRo6Jbd_p3zTrR7z_-oYHXq1STXBPzx_s_vJkdZJo1j55ixqjnYj9faS825dzkDGvErQvn/s1600/gp+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4Lm-oH8i-USraamaLa3dwyCD5w09T_PJhZNM47C03sYSoD6sbLQIedvsiSZ3nXaMaYCVhhDRo6Jbd_p3zTrR7z_-oYHXq1STXBPzx_s_vJkdZJo1j55ixqjnYj9faS825dzkDGvErQvn/s400/gp+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for start.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpcxMhR_3x3nf80wl5INXSxJqExfbPohLkXG8VexlcVwpHkFRYfViPjAMW4AGs9gx-YDcYtCK6B-WgiaLwhHotdEC68okxks_XVSp4mkuMiGGgl2nvB1YjA-LsdvYu5H_1O9jYFS1Z8yQ/s1600/gp+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpcxMhR_3x3nf80wl5INXSxJqExfbPohLkXG8VexlcVwpHkFRYfViPjAMW4AGs9gx-YDcYtCK6B-WgiaLwhHotdEC68okxks_XVSp4mkuMiGGgl2nvB1YjA-LsdvYu5H_1O9jYFS1Z8yQ/s400/gp+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This event has a strong One Design fleet. Nice breeze.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYhGB1FpGwb_fZ0cEpynOEUbj7rmFfHxSwE_C1RHdn_uZD-15RP9G64l6Zaq5q30oF_IllNn14nU-WjVwlsi1gGz-V-Pfjc_ZiAqFltPMCqXxDS-OwZPvO6jaNRx1UXVsxj3Q5FXJsoDO/s1600/gp+8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYhGB1FpGwb_fZ0cEpynOEUbj7rmFfHxSwE_C1RHdn_uZD-15RP9G64l6Zaq5q30oF_IllNn14nU-WjVwlsi1gGz-V-Pfjc_ZiAqFltPMCqXxDS-OwZPvO6jaNRx1UXVsxj3Q5FXJsoDO/s400/gp+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsk10nc4usd5AlZ_JFOGWHXMhkWqfKHFJXE_kDLY2erFLAH6cvbrGhHecIni4JeKNT5ZOhvwuOaZ5PeojiKn59UU_WVg4txegv1Ycax6OGNWWD7vRDH6GQJLBtiLHQNTjeShHdRSdBTru/s1600/gp+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsk10nc4usd5AlZ_JFOGWHXMhkWqfKHFJXE_kDLY2erFLAH6cvbrGhHecIni4JeKNT5ZOhvwuOaZ5PeojiKn59UU_WVg4txegv1Ycax6OGNWWD7vRDH6GQJLBtiLHQNTjeShHdRSdBTru/s400/gp+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Windsurfer board gliding thru the water. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUcLqCEXIHVAyLdl9c88fW2Dxc6k5eXArrsYsPfTutX1e2cyRY74Lkjmn_Bf1gvZg5q5rDkGvipcMjc55cpufLWdLUdvpEtK-uJlkzkX8vEc-JCczwmSHMcJydhP-zbkDtIkcsuOLHvqy/s1600/gp+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUcLqCEXIHVAyLdl9c88fW2Dxc6k5eXArrsYsPfTutX1e2cyRY74Lkjmn_Bf1gvZg5q5rDkGvipcMjc55cpufLWdLUdvpEtK-uJlkzkX8vEc-JCczwmSHMcJydhP-zbkDtIkcsuOLHvqy/s400/gp+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the spectators entertained</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKqwr-NLurYX03PJmn0EEe7AvnMBXl6molpF7SjEL-7yRHvlpE6sD5t4AobZ5Oipz5I1UELQ_FAqLKqbOV3IuP12sf9NnCyfZg9_gTNUnfP3HjYBAztLbsJC-Z9G3UN2JIYQnYubMe1p/s1600/gp+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKqwr-NLurYX03PJmn0EEe7AvnMBXl6molpF7SjEL-7yRHvlpE6sD5t4AobZ5Oipz5I1UELQ_FAqLKqbOV3IuP12sf9NnCyfZg9_gTNUnfP3HjYBAztLbsJC-Z9G3UN2JIYQnYubMe1p/s400/gp+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downwind leg, later in the day the wind lightened up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmu_Lk8GnbB-enpVS6kAdM6sZ0Y0qsQ42wJpA8mlkorGEXDMoF47YDQ9CS6sSntVZdRJhvrlVarW28afbVNC1WpKMZidT7mApaeSNUIUKYVaUXBR7d6_smSWKjdm79AV9lfoiXVTf_eYh/s1600/gp+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmu_Lk8GnbB-enpVS6kAdM6sZ0Y0qsQ42wJpA8mlkorGEXDMoF47YDQ9CS6sSntVZdRJhvrlVarW28afbVNC1WpKMZidT7mApaeSNUIUKYVaUXBR7d6_smSWKjdm79AV9lfoiXVTf_eYh/s400/gp+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battling it out to reach windward mark.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_p1EjidDhSyg5-XSx1Qlp4Xh3z2Ep6lkZcSzlvNIptIrqeDmMmgFlU_VH4sdK3IME6fXA9gbKSIfikjhfai5-YRLBpx8xEwqkJ0mdF9WUP_AztdP5uGTOMYChemBMlc_297y9I2xBRGP/s1600/gp+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_p1EjidDhSyg5-XSx1Qlp4Xh3z2Ep6lkZcSzlvNIptIrqeDmMmgFlU_VH4sdK3IME6fXA9gbKSIfikjhfai5-YRLBpx8xEwqkJ0mdF9WUP_AztdP5uGTOMYChemBMlc_297y9I2xBRGP/s320/gp+9.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Friday afternoon before the race I met up with a local gal Lauren to go sailing but the wind died on us, so we ended up removing the rigs and going for a SUP instead.<br />
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Here we are goofing around while there was wind. When we launched the wind died, go figure. <br />
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The sign in the back reads, "Windsurfing Only" !<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzifyYSJB03iL-y7BvaJisWKOl9z-LRDTY1VRrKvHw_CkHth4LSGFCkeEHt8IOnnVnmgNhlHFlgY3BcTBeadETtY5C5tVLM4YmupkRbNbKAlPcoaM73qFIb_u9cM5m_703PoXS4eAffrO/s1600/gp+sup+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzifyYSJB03iL-y7BvaJisWKOl9z-LRDTY1VRrKvHw_CkHth4LSGFCkeEHt8IOnnVnmgNhlHFlgY3BcTBeadETtY5C5tVLM4YmupkRbNbKAlPcoaM73qFIb_u9cM5m_703PoXS4eAffrO/s320/gp+sup+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren sailing to shore after wind died to remove sail rig and grab a paddle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTkafJSs7IwTlZ6GUGXpVTsDaJxSs6OF6gDVdcVVErTjxK1c1PjUL_KYVuxCFMjxECxqpw0PRHZsbRAle6cCMqJ2Rui-R-gvCsAiMmlPSvEedkxebOWcTClIViwCHjFzrOhOb_aA5P8Xx/s1600/gp+sup+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTkafJSs7IwTlZ6GUGXpVTsDaJxSs6OF6gDVdcVVErTjxK1c1PjUL_KYVuxCFMjxECxqpw0PRHZsbRAle6cCMqJ2Rui-R-gvCsAiMmlPSvEedkxebOWcTClIViwCHjFzrOhOb_aA5P8Xx/s400/gp+sup+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no wind? no problem!<br />
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</b>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-84724361504728260892011-06-21T10:50:00.000-04:002011-06-21T10:50:46.591-04:00One Design Regattas & More NEW Boards.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>One Board One Sail</b><br />
One of the benefits to owning an Original Windsurfer is being able to rig quickly and sail in any conditions. One board, one sail, anywhere there's wind and water. I recently put this adage to the test at the Walleye Wagatta in Wisconsin where it was b-l-o-w-i-n-g 15 to 20 knots. I wasn't sure if I'd get walloped in the high wind conditions...as it turned out I not only had a blast racing the Original Windsurfer in the high winds, but I was also very competitive. The only problem I did have was my bungie-cord uphaul broke. Otherwise the Windsurfer was outstanding, especially around all the jibe marks. I was able to de-power the sail when needed and adjust the centerboard with my foot to maintain stability and balance on the reaches and mark roundings. To see a full report of the regatta visit <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jULmAZXnpeHXMtVbDFHyXB6IrX-nSiXEo4xzknmNHx0H7L2Qn6hyphenhyphen3681khmw2Duaklawgni8Twi2MlQ5PE1ErdadIHRqpU7BXN7pQLq5omx6gZ1fn0RpDTWsANnfJWxYemHjktjj8Qkw/s1600/windsurfer+walleye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jULmAZXnpeHXMtVbDFHyXB6IrX-nSiXEo4xzknmNHx0H7L2Qn6hyphenhyphen3681khmw2Duaklawgni8Twi2MlQ5PE1ErdadIHRqpU7BXN7pQLq5omx6gZ1fn0RpDTWsANnfJWxYemHjktjj8Qkw/s320/windsurfer+walleye2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the first start of the Walleye Wagatta.<br />
The wind continued to build, harnesses required!</td></tr>
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</b></div><b>Original One Design Racing is back</b>!<br />
This summer there will be 6 regattas on Original Windsurfer One Design's. A fleet of Original Windsurfer One Design boards are available so all you need is your swim suit. The regattas will be held in the beautiful resort town of Traverse City, Michigan that has beautiful waters, national parks and any type of outdoor activity you can think of. The regatta includes lunch, regatta t-shirt, races, charter board, bbq after the races, raffle prizes and trophies. As summer continues to warm up I expect charter boards will be in demand so reserve yours today. If you need assistance with accommodations, have questions or wish to reserve a board <a href="mailto:ted@originalwindsurfer.com">contact me</a>. A flyer with more information and details is at <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/site/index.html"> Original Windsurfer.com.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DCoEElaTjlsCwUW0fWESNFdVyze1is0fmfQl2QLomjvOQ-eC83eUF7q6l8AKXntJu7oEbzrLyTlwnO3GYrtAY8wcAGZnZChQfusGr1xsvOMvn9u6gthT2VUQdi9aj-6akAGQwNJx3DmY/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DCoEElaTjlsCwUW0fWESNFdVyze1is0fmfQl2QLomjvOQ-eC83eUF7q6l8AKXntJu7oEbzrLyTlwnO3GYrtAY8wcAGZnZChQfusGr1xsvOMvn9u6gthT2VUQdi9aj-6akAGQwNJx3DmY/s320/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traverse City, MI Regatta Site. <br />
Photo by Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
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<b>Sail Colors, which one to choose?</b><br />
Going, going....GONE! Hard to believe the last new Windsurfer One Design was sold and shipped two weeks ago. But not to worry more are on the way! To find out about pre-ordering a fresh new Original Windsurfer One Design for this summer contact me for details. Choosing the sail color has been the hardest part of the process for the new owners, the sail colors are all colorful and fun. And now here's something to seriously consider...Come to the regatta, have a great time sailing in beautiful Traverse City, make some new friends, sharpen your sailing skills and buy a new Windsurfer. You'll save on the freight cost and we'll help you get her all rigged up to sail in the regatta. Maybe you'll even win some new rack straps to help take her home with you, it could happen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxsx5Gx2KXBY56ims95q6X7ect8VSp498picYEMJBbDGtjog8EZG3MTB5igsUrTQPnwlguLI8M4fr5Sl4q7Mio_A-Hp3VC3KUFuFWYkLkwupqcBB4ohh50ZWit2pjw3kHQlb2mfJ37kHP/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxsx5Gx2KXBY56ims95q6X7ect8VSp498picYEMJBbDGtjog8EZG3MTB5igsUrTQPnwlguLI8M4fr5Sl4q7Mio_A-Hp3VC3KUFuFWYkLkwupqcBB4ohh50ZWit2pjw3kHQlb2mfJ37kHP/s320/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The board's design makes the Windsurfer agile and fun to sail. <br />
Photo by Dave Dalquist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtfItdTDe5xW7ja5iq5rNuXWODFxXxWcolsdabov0TP9CJt8SMdNxuAdOUZKTy6HrEYA70mLnciiR8Lp-4cTZJGvbq507Y35e3FLl9quUchOfdd32XciK2V5ig99XqZ9a4OCTVUCRu2hE/s1600/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0009-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtfItdTDe5xW7ja5iq5rNuXWODFxXxWcolsdabov0TP9CJt8SMdNxuAdOUZKTy6HrEYA70mLnciiR8Lp-4cTZJGvbq507Y35e3FLl9quUchOfdd32XciK2V5ig99XqZ9a4OCTVUCRu2hE/s320/20110611-originalwindsurfing-0009-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Often called a "soft-sail" because it has just one full batten at the top, <br />
the Windsurfer sail is light weight and easy to rig. <br />
Photo by Dave Dalquist.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0Michigan, USA44.7630567 -85.6206316999999941.4580842 -89.768214199999989 48.0680292 -81.473049199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-60860957583666964042011-02-20T14:47:00.001-05:002011-02-20T14:49:14.712-05:00Windsurfer One Design Slalom & Freestyle Cup, Miami Beach, Nov 2010The <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=OW&Category_Code=WSRFR">Windsurfer One Design</a> International Slalom & Freestyle Cup was held at the <a href="http://www.miamiyachtclub.net/">Miami Yacht Club</a> in conjunction with the 2010 <a href="http://www.kona-windsurfing.com/">Kona</a> Windsurf World Championships.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd9FDZITK-yrS4ufzc597IlUmiKCDOaMwsO0qFr6iIv0eW5Qr6kjT0RAGjxTgqEOOKsrLgPGQ5Hy8pibtBECmLDuWyiObt8-3thyphenhyphenYNydb3EQYr2OzrccLRA8rHAzmVAmQ-C-Ff3k808Yc/s1600/windsurfer+one+design+slalom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd9FDZITK-yrS4ufzc597IlUmiKCDOaMwsO0qFr6iIv0eW5Qr6kjT0RAGjxTgqEOOKsrLgPGQ5Hy8pibtBECmLDuWyiObt8-3thyphenhyphenYNydb3EQYr2OzrccLRA8rHAzmVAmQ-C-Ff3k808Yc/s400/windsurfer+one+design+slalom+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Racing to jibe mark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The wind was light to moderate on a fast slalom course which meant the start, each tack, and each jibe were critical. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJp5jp8YcIUW9IAeB_S5ejziNs0_aJXGy3oxKwZApOTfX1o9XsOd3Mjnw1C-d9SVCZyzichcL0CDeXClGQKUv5Ow9yUPK86t-8g9M8ceZ_cmj_my3atRTiaBEK3cOlNNWzag7nk17fupN/s1600/windsurfer+one+design+slalom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJp5jp8YcIUW9IAeB_S5ejziNs0_aJXGy3oxKwZApOTfX1o9XsOd3Mjnw1C-d9SVCZyzichcL0CDeXClGQKUv5Ow9yUPK86t-8g9M8ceZ_cmj_my3atRTiaBEK3cOlNNWzag7nk17fupN/s400/windsurfer+one+design+slalom+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The competitors did a good job of maintaining their boat speed while rounding the jibe marks downwind. One slip up and the competitor behind you was sure to overtake you! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1SpFZ4rIuucgKPq4dIDxXvfola1Ufxtwvk9iJckJ0qTDVLjko9It123z8C0tG_Xcay0JCOYMwefDmQKEVp8YqMOE0zE8yQXdYFbhAJWRPEt7pCIhuneh9J2zvJ7xE-8l7W_jqAc4h9F1/s1600/windsurfer+one+design+slalom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1SpFZ4rIuucgKPq4dIDxXvfola1Ufxtwvk9iJckJ0qTDVLjko9It123z8C0tG_Xcay0JCOYMwefDmQKEVp8YqMOE0zE8yQXdYFbhAJWRPEt7pCIhuneh9J2zvJ7xE-8l7W_jqAc4h9F1/s400/windsurfer+one+design+slalom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slalom races maneuvering through slalom course with skill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Several sailors passed their competitors while rounding the marks. It was very exciting to be in the competition and exciting to watch the competition!<br />
<br />
<br />
Greg Johns from Australia ran the Slalom races, he started and recorded the finishes of all the Slalom heats. THANKS GREG!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<b>Slalom Results (top 5 out of 16):</b><br />
1st place: Peter Jacobson, S. Africa/USA<br />
2nd place: Bjorn Holm, Denmark<br />
3rd place: Andrew Divola, Australia<br />
4th place: Ted Schweitzer, USA<br />
5th place: Stuart Gilbert, Australia<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>I didn't have an opportunity to take any Freestyle pictures because Greg Johns and myself were judging the Freestyle competition.</i>... there are Freestyle photos from the event that you can view that have been posted on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Original-Windsurfer/108919607255?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts#%21/pages/Original-Windsurfer/108919607255?sk=wall">Original Windsurfer FaceBook page</a>.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Freestyle Results:</b><br />
1st place: Dennis Winstanley, Australia<br />
2nd place: Stuart Gilbert, Australia<br />
3rd place: Taun Masterson, S. Africa/USA<br />
4th place: Pierre Coupal, Canada<br />
5th place: Denis Dagenais, Canada<br />
<br />
Here's a picture of the event shirt, designed by Florencia Barletta from Miami Yacht Club. Thanks Flor for ALL your help!<br />
<br />
And there's now a new Windsurfer One Design in Miami thanks to Tomas --who runs the Junior Program at the yacht club -- who bought a Windsurfer One Design.<br />
<br />
I hope to make it back to Miami again!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHrhevVoF_OluR8b1IklO1TSjiLRS9XNc0LxmTShFZVeWN1COJ3W21k7tbSj6jptA3kdeTCFhB_6wQ_oAvZgBuWF2Ro3it-m_jYuAZvH4y8v_ZoBlH2HTwUfPqRTRJMl14ICcWweefD0W/s1600/windsurfer+awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHrhevVoF_OluR8b1IklO1TSjiLRS9XNc0LxmTShFZVeWN1COJ3W21k7tbSj6jptA3kdeTCFhB_6wQ_oAvZgBuWF2Ro3it-m_jYuAZvH4y8v_ZoBlH2HTwUfPqRTRJMl14ICcWweefD0W/s320/windsurfer+awards.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-35995416050034237722011-01-17T20:36:00.000-05:002011-01-17T20:36:19.171-05:0013th Annual Dino Windsurfer National Champs, Houston TXThis event is organized by the "Dinos" and it's better than a time warp to the 80's. Why? Because it's a fun venue to sharpen your windsurfing skills in a relaxed event. And you can go as retro as you like; for instance I saw a chest harness (circa late 70s) and many vintage shirts. I was sporting a neon Windsurfer shirt, way retro. <br />
<br />
Here's the deal: Bring a Stock Windsurfer One Design. If you don't have a One Design or you're not able to bring it to Houston, you can sail one of theirs. The Dino's have a fleet of Original Windsurfers! As the Notice of Race states: <i>We rig’em and you sail’em.</i> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF5YwGF660U0CxmRqWYS3EfPQMpCHij1pp_EtowOoMi5tSt_5_7h0Jqn6kFuBzxo45SRiugwZq1ACErfiOW2TsHCbed4Bnkj99a_UFvn-bvzaiIWHEpc1FXZQYg4l4n2m_BSdgmhGR5TG/s1600/downwind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF5YwGF660U0CxmRqWYS3EfPQMpCHij1pp_EtowOoMi5tSt_5_7h0Jqn6kFuBzxo45SRiugwZq1ACErfiOW2TsHCbed4Bnkj99a_UFvn-bvzaiIWHEpc1FXZQYg4l4n2m_BSdgmhGR5TG/s400/downwind.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZFzr8M9V1DE9Mgdz-PFBWGjkI8yjYH9AscXU4Po-a8xcFyIluqaQSuTEZor_x7DfbqNZByaS_Vatw59Qvc3Zycka8Tz8BehVTeTJezdN_GhFYY_eReC-nRy_BNkfBOsCCU_ucPzAtkRF/s1600/start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>For 2010, the event was held on Sept 25th. Nine races were held and there were 28 entrants. The wind was light to moderate and sailors of every skill level participated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY8Ele-7Oz621F56QCckZQp4o17-f0JrsDPCn-T6Owi2_nGuOuQtqJjCz6Vm6seLCFr8cTlXW0FrYtLRQ5UoiafFgDN3ygj1bpXqrcer6DSk7DgWbphPzNv_TmkQhu-O-ymVXMm3CaihE/s1600/after+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY8Ele-7Oz621F56QCckZQp4o17-f0JrsDPCn-T6Owi2_nGuOuQtqJjCz6Vm6seLCFr8cTlXW0FrYtLRQ5UoiafFgDN3ygj1bpXqrcer6DSk7DgWbphPzNv_TmkQhu-O-ymVXMm3CaihE/s400/after+start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
But it's not all racing racing racing...there's also a "party barge" near the windward mark for hecklers, shade, lounging and refreshments! It's a great place to hang out between races.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFs8Qip9epMwIKurLAdWJoz3I2Uz88SC9_e5H32j-ld419DrO-ED5vlkbe23Pjc6vprLApGHzwMkdrrvmdwqPqXoLoyC5SePLRrl5YBiCmv7N8g6i4MVCmkGUKpUrIzwauZCbZcF_1Po0/s1600/mark+rounding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFs8Qip9epMwIKurLAdWJoz3I2Uz88SC9_e5H32j-ld419DrO-ED5vlkbe23Pjc6vprLApGHzwMkdrrvmdwqPqXoLoyC5SePLRrl5YBiCmv7N8g6i4MVCmkGUKpUrIzwauZCbZcF_1Po0/s400/mark+rounding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
It's truly a group effort, a real community effort, everyone does something to help get the race organized and keep it going.<br />
<br />
"Look no harness!"....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjEasPnupj00fA1LhjTI4Cc6B07sbRtMoAcU3ipsriEOS8wOJO5TsxkbDcEyLnCqY7ngzk1gUdbqfQR3Z0Kdlc7RE9kCFOES2at9wgtWRt_ViPfiIwEPZ-U5p677wG6DMxVQFfMYUSBb8/s1600/IMG_8592-adj-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjEasPnupj00fA1LhjTI4Cc6B07sbRtMoAcU3ipsriEOS8wOJO5TsxkbDcEyLnCqY7ngzk1gUdbqfQR3Z0Kdlc7RE9kCFOES2at9wgtWRt_ViPfiIwEPZ-U5p677wG6DMxVQFfMYUSBb8/s640/IMG_8592-adj-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilS-kMNmU7_t4qkOsi5sE_Gd9P-2OLr578rxutijDt85esI3eF-b4rycyRSIBeBNO1EuA0H_CFvlz9S2kRO9A09tKbPfivLo36Tp-k2Ts5G7Zi025BYO0_29gUrzEbiXidR5YE9LVFmNEf/s1600/barge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_806882287"></span><span id="goog_806882288"></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3zL7hkmApDlfOjS6UbenYQozLUnO627TBn1_2AFAFEhUstBtG3zY5Wc0evFko-XNPf8HKRSs7AFuSyMMEA3mQvx6B4raN-8gREvBIVzKPT_UNooDIUjP5UAeyV1nlRWOtJvNZfF4rfE0/s1600/barge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-25441026675504628112010-10-28T15:17:00.000-04:002010-10-28T15:17:31.904-04:00It's About Community<span style="font-weight: bold;">Toucan Open Sept 10-12</span><br />
<br />
"Once upon a time, in a land far away...The boards were long, the clothing was neon and the harnesses were few and far between"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I took the above sentence from <a href="http://www.larsonsport.com/TOUCAN.htm">Larsons Ski and Sport</a>'s website; they hosted the Toucan Open on Lake McConaughy in Nebraska in mid September. Because this event has been going on for decades I thought the above sentence was most appropriate to describe the event's provenance and also remind people of why we go to events and why there are events at all.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532101285405309842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZITWTBq8iwVjSkUCFCRRO4uUpLpHk3YKaMDU2RSjehkbD6SPxckw4XVSGNN1Uvc_oF14wcauvyYok9Gx0GpWRRDT3rbBHLMaiV5cu3pEBaAmDIsCAuA0RKEM63QpPRiK1x-JH96Xz53W/s400/early+beach+scene.jpg" style="margin: 0pt auto 10px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I arrived the evening before and the lake level was high, and so was the wind!</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
People attend events and gather for varieties of reasons and I won't attempt to speak for everyone. But from my point of view windsurfers get together to have fun, improve our sailing skills, spend time with friends, family and maybe make some new friends along the way. It's also a great excuse to travel and explore.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532101285539819442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFuOUjLCgrx0IG34ul-C_zf0gR47K2S-Ry0bB86-2qAiW9So8-BYxXiwUMTb7KsSB4vfCERdQeQDL6sIh0mw_b4yNKJ_FyqcLg8D3F41erWI6sxEIlLq4fxTTgyEhVo2oMenjbLxHeSWd/s200/beach+scene+from+my+camp.jpg" style="height: 226px; margin: 0pt auto 10px; width: 301px;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Beach camping fills in and the wind outside picks up.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had been to this event in the 1980s during the height of Windsurfer One Design races. It was more than a regatta, it was an event. People from all over gathered and they were excited to be there, they were part of something and you could sense it. Some were there to win, some were there to race better than their last regatta, and some came to just finish a race. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532101281517437874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNe1PWUZYZJeNEfX3SG2pV_rsqxZe2u0WHMiLJqI2s9WxMVf7PMBfEt43CKv0AgVFTsvukHcP29gopTI7rFoUHRc_D1VJ1hqw4NRTiwZdd6U4lMzD66I71YZ5r-2X2AXq-Dq8zq-8pFoy/s320/beach+scene.jpg" style="height: 300px; margin: 0pt auto 10px; width: 400px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toys for all ages scattered on the shoreline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNe1PWUZYZJeNEfX3SG2pV_rsqxZe2u0WHMiLJqI2s9WxMVf7PMBfEt43CKv0AgVFTsvukHcP29gopTI7rFoUHRc_D1VJ1hqw4NRTiwZdd6U4lMzD66I71YZ5r-2X2AXq-Dq8zq-8pFoy/s1600/beach+scene.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqnHNuJh4VLMBINyj07gE8MXeET1Ok_-tuuHCvZNaml7J28-LIGNypRbAlloi72w1EMACce654D854fQ5wQW1T1QXKbj6XM2Eyfhaq9mrDvHnsu3rMAfRAUj8R9mD0dn62hyphenhyphenU-AgtnzcS/s1600/windsurfer+sailing+1.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
Karen Mariott, her sister Brenda with help from brother Ryan and their mom Joanne hosted the Toucan Open. They've been keeping it going and make it a welcoming environment. <br />
<br />
<br />
I raced on my new Original Windsurfer and had some good fun races.<br />
The first day was windy so after wearing myself out windsurfing I joined a few guys surfing the swells that were rolling into the beach.<br />
<br />
It's amazing how much fun you can have if you want to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532101277038854802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqnHNuJh4VLMBINyj07gE8MXeET1Ok_-tuuHCvZNaml7J28-LIGNypRbAlloi72w1EMACce654D854fQ5wQW1T1QXKbj6XM2Eyfhaq9mrDvHnsu3rMAfRAUj8R9mD0dn62hyphenhyphenU-AgtnzcS/s400/windsurfer+sailing+1.jpg" style="height: 282px; margin: 0pt auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trying the Windsurfer for the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I brought a couple boards and several people took them out for a spin. It was fun for me to see people discovering the Original Windsurfer–something that's been around all along, they just haven't been exposed to it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjkQrjQD7zeVDgeML08DaWM3sw25r_P9XI0l5wxCgZKe4VrVPbgWWOF1gSaXxCGbh7PM_0_zj5gXDTSkzj_QiWwPObDcE-3BQwBsn38YMG6rE8JAxT891umKC9LaRqqh_-qrYCvKgbM7E/s1600/slalom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjkQrjQD7zeVDgeML08DaWM3sw25r_P9XI0l5wxCgZKe4VrVPbgWWOF1gSaXxCGbh7PM_0_zj5gXDTSkzj_QiWwPObDcE-3BQwBsn38YMG6rE8JAxT891umKC9LaRqqh_-qrYCvKgbM7E/s400/slalom+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The last day brought light wind. Someone recommended a Slalom Relay Race sailing on 2 of the Original Windsurfers (no it wasn't me!) and Karen made it happen.<br />
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Within 30 minutes 2 marks were set, and two teams were ready for the challenge. Each team had 7 sailors. The course was to sail around the buoys and then hand off the Windsurfer to your teammate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCI6jvwwgoaDPhkwMzFUevoQR7ECotTDWzBvSUk_fv3vWMwvg7CyzoWUZPyPRtovWuWXtv6CpQYDKzgFmVPttYtKRb8pjDfYII09aTPlrvLih3-GWbH_IW1PLOWjNuKzBwpcbvhjVXw2n/s1600/slalom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCI6jvwwgoaDPhkwMzFUevoQR7ECotTDWzBvSUk_fv3vWMwvg7CyzoWUZPyPRtovWuWXtv6CpQYDKzgFmVPttYtKRb8pjDfYII09aTPlrvLih3-GWbH_IW1PLOWjNuKzBwpcbvhjVXw2n/s400/slalom+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I think it's safe to say most of these people had never sailed a Windsurfer, or if they had, not in the last 25 years. For most of them it was their first time on the board and now they were racing on it!<br />
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After sailing the Windsurfer in the Slalom Relay some of the comments I got were:<br />
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<i>"that is 'pure' sailing...it's so simple and pure".</i><br />
<i>"that's fun, the board is so responsive and the sail is so light!"</i><i></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532100773447896210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHJP5o9WVzKsoAsbykjTDf8l7_J_vNHLuuchasjk3Z5sj1fDlshEzSajOBf6h0a_3FZpMlEQllXY6JcKJXY3OeCci34GAlunMlqPSlDLcnDBNdWXT9JBcDn2knTf-gccAilUAobzFHVp/s400/slalom+3.jpg" style="height: 254px; margin: 0pt auto 10px; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team effort</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZHJP5o9WVzKsoAsbykjTDf8l7_J_vNHLuuchasjk3Z5sj1fDlshEzSajOBf6h0a_3FZpMlEQllXY6JcKJXY3OeCci34GAlunMlqPSlDLcnDBNdWXT9JBcDn2knTf-gccAilUAobzFHVp/s1600/slalom+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZjrDIxuDpvsH1jwnQAQWRjjcNWPDaXBjqvVLSsWT_9-OKdeR7F25sR7e4iwVtn3a-0C3e9tpukdEaf-_Mc-lZ3vw2xPzSakMnL0vQ0ZFDrh3Ih3cJxbJTk9Yi3cOCBvwFXb7X7a4VHq6/s1600/slalom+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWRndk7bx6uV8n_Ok6udWpQ-TORgjflH978ice12H9CRrV7-QEyLy0ZO6QGAYtwqODkMCvxs1FTBnA0LJHOk2_US5DmEXgh0iu7W_q3wM9G9UXaB1HSgPrhiHl27tvQQpcD_3Nhko2EMT/s1600/tandem.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>It was the Blue team against the Red team. I had met all these new people over the last 3 days, and now we were working together–or against each other–to win!<br />
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The wind was light but the spirit was high; we were engaged in the task at hand, beat the other team.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyZ0CzHH2rgRgbNv6zlXKEbMhfqYM4iKS7hJY8t2S08MpX__KRFD41JIg7YgevyUOsslkoy5BiPA6x66Ic8oQxFZCBgP1vf8rrUxcrX9WvrIs59JSXEyBrmtQP66U2wjS4_9Oru1iiW6S/s1600/slalom+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyZ0CzHH2rgRgbNv6zlXKEbMhfqYM4iKS7hJY8t2S08MpX__KRFD41JIg7YgevyUOsslkoy5BiPA6x66Ic8oQxFZCBgP1vf8rrUxcrX9WvrIs59JSXEyBrmtQP66U2wjS4_9Oru1iiW6S/s400/slalom+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I was the last sailor for the Red team and regretfully I didn't sail down and away from the last slalom mark to knock the opponent on the Blue team off his Windsurfer. It's hard to knock someone you just met off their board. Sorry red team.<br />
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Now that I know these fellow sailors better and they know me, next year I won't hold back. Watch out Blue team. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD_0M73QWC3UsW17QA9n2LcWqtd4QT-3kQg5edYyYP248vDkh4CRtirhlIVeJqf2exiVRGHqOkoRtdOsDlZgn_QyylgTLExK3jZfBwOTx415lby4kOZq5m08JR0vuMG86KFfuNQ_PR8rj/s400/tandem.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> This guy took a cruise up and down the shoreline with his daughter on the front of the board.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD_0M73QWC3UsW17QA9n2LcWqtd4QT-3kQg5edYyYP248vDkh4CRtirhlIVeJqf2exiVRGHqOkoRtdOsDlZgn_QyylgTLExK3jZfBwOTx415lby4kOZq5m08JR0vuMG86KFfuNQ_PR8rj/s1600/tandem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>As the final sunset for the weekend set across Lake McConaughy the world surrounded by windsurfers feels like a smaller and happier place to be.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGAYDPnW6fYAiXjSr2O1QyZM5PHk_ZEqpMdnPpug5ZF2PpO3tCpHeGHzWZTZa2Oa49b_BiWzL0PeK_GNiri7h2vvRtG6ckFY23_g83go1cYWfwSG7G_cPI1naCmUzhbdPDE8Oa7ltmQGX/s1600/sunset+with+campfire.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532100099834302914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGAYDPnW6fYAiXjSr2O1QyZM5PHk_ZEqpMdnPpug5ZF2PpO3tCpHeGHzWZTZa2Oa49b_BiWzL0PeK_GNiri7h2vvRtG6ckFY23_g83go1cYWfwSG7G_cPI1naCmUzhbdPDE8Oa7ltmQGX/s400/sunset+with+campfire.jpg" style="float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 400px;" /></a>I am thankful to have had the opportunity to gather at this event to sharpen my sailing skills, have some fun and make some new friends. Thanks Karen, Brenda and family for hosting and continuing to provide a venue for windsurfers an event and weekend worth coming to. <br />
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Closing comment: Do you have a local windsurfing community? Leave a comment about what makes it work for you or what you envision it should be. Is it all about sailing for you or maybe it's social first, then sailing? Or maybe you just want to go fast by yourself; hey that's okay too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGAYDPnW6fYAiXjSr2O1QyZM5PHk_ZEqpMdnPpug5ZF2PpO3tCpHeGHzWZTZa2Oa49b_BiWzL0PeK_GNiri7h2vvRtG6ckFY23_g83go1cYWfwSG7G_cPI1naCmUzhbdPDE8Oa7ltmQGX/s1600/sunset+with+campfire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
</a>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-89439851993944195842010-10-12T12:20:00.032-04:002010-10-13T16:01:20.482-04:00Toronto Demo & Canadian Deliveries<div style="text-align: left;">In August I loaded the van with a few boards, the dog, and drove to Canada.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My first stop was Toronto at the <a href="http://torontowindsurf.com/">Toronto Windsurfing Club</a> for a Freestyle Demonstration and their Wednesday night series. I was invited by Tom Mae who is President of Windsurfing Canada and an avid windsurfer sailor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzUmUiJ9-WB4gtTiz7kDaQSs_zqrteqmBH8XK4uFJH4jZ-50-xQywrlPt4tvK2_z1l2YVxn4EDeXs7QwSj-RoZ_wkBHECJq5L7qZgSiy2HF-ceDebGSIW59FWqd4VtslcK-XDKSC6lWUm/s400/imgp4438.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527220719410093698" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Students from Kids Camp trying new Original Windsurfer</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They have a sweet facility very close to downtown with a big beach. This seemed like a club where members drop in to check the wind and visit with friends in addition to windsurfing. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening several people introduced themselves to me and shared their windsurfing stories. Some weren't sailing in the evening race but wanted to come down to the club to see the "new" Original Windsurfer and say hi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUUqTb6r8jrSX_RKSqZ346b8AnthUScsld-DGQn1EQjDT6WEJL13vGsEwpZeWgxgLE6KxkfhMO-efVDwSi77HAQoHDSGLULB8dT-J2hbThBylUy0TCS8ZhoNnn3AIn8652AMgGgOtQ3Wh/s400/imgp4428.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527220692573531682" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Here's a light-wind power jybe</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"></span>The wind was light but I continued with the Freestyle Demo anyway and then took questions back on the beach from the "Kids Camp" students who had finished their day of windsurfing. They were kinda quiet so I kept talking, then one of them raised their hand and asked if she could try the board, then there were more hands, "me too, me too"!</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-aTg3ijVNACNhjKf496xeJj1qD6U5PmUoDMLaeFPXOmSCGggfllKWCLNQe9gYVwaLDyVeguhVB8lKj-3ZRKLKKzYp20hd78hS9TshZtyxsBNe5wlg2T97qObGngvmO3qjsiSeiP_no13/s400/imgp4434.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527220695050705874" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-nhYDR7okFJZ6UMkEy3FfFUOVxqMuX0LcxSpYPZXD3e5tl_Y9zWblvbXMiNO4fmh0Zx58E3Nks8ewskW1nBNKriwJlArBFv0FX2iFhdyIlAgOP0Mm9fxABOSpm9HcGY-caxCbzAMXBM-/s400/imgp4436.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527220703743905698" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div>They sailed the 2 boards I had rigged and one guy even did a back-to-sail (impressive) and 2 of the gals were having a ball and just kept sailing around, tacking and gybing. Back on the beach I asked them what they liked about the board and they all agreed they liked how responsive it was and how easy the rig was to use.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz7sJ9TKXvw8G2i9c0DmwN-cq2FPxYqtlGWkz6-4LBZNuAdrqqFYN3gV3xVXx-O1yIfCNSWi9G8pcHvGEjnvmpfyERoTeiZUDJXyyfTc2vvX4OUp1Lem_5c_pn5kQXjxGk6n1tZfqtks2/s400/imgp4458.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527221307551954242" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnQbldQs0FCPPvRtRGjnc627-NHNZNTyo8yECR6AKcukqIPaK3jOgjdcq9YovEplAv75neEyKjWl00SA0SasLOZ31yb3fyUbpKBQuGMx8DJKDMWiJ_Oy6r3JlveF1kwgGgCgc4hF4Lmil/s400/imgp4452.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527220726192298530" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></span></div>Next was the evening race. The wind was still light but that didn't stop this lively group of sailors from having a good time. A gal named Andree Gauthier sailed the 2nd Original Windsurfer and in no time it felt like I had been sailing with this club for more than just that evening. After a BBQ and loading up the equipment I left Toronto that night heading north.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvJa-pnE-ithGOOD9Yhoxpl2Tc3garNUIm8zsx7XBUSiiYtwP5-Pn4pBj5GI2uEtxhsrTGL0yvC2jSmI3GbcId-NgU4LmIi6NXcbRLyW8L67T1y0IJH6NhXvTydfLwDWuC2w9uZFP4m1u/s400/imgp4508.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527221311202489298" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Above photos by: Reet Mae</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"></span><br /><b>Next stop: Cottage Country</b></div><div>Cottage Country consists of all the Canadian summer cottages around and on the lakes and thousands of islands north of Toronto </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=the+north+channel&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&ll=44.543505,-81.5625&spn=3.758452,7.03125&z=7&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Map</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span>and near the famed cruising grounds of The North Channel. Some crazy couple originally from California wanted a new Original Windsurfer and I (being also a crazy guy originally from California) volunteered to deliver it since it was kinda on my way home from the Demo in Toronto and they're kinda my parents. Oh, but I forgot to mention that while I was driving to Toronto I got a call from a guy in California and he wanted a new Original Windsurfer...and guess where he wanted it delivered? "Cottage Country" but even farther north. You just can't make this up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some shots of delivering the board and Hoyle sailing his new Original Windsurfer:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSPxn8ljrmsEXCzpiO-Ir6YdUia6qFukChnNg4gH6TTC34Q7FmokeE5_sBnPViQgBqKdEQbO1bAG1ljnMYqblMMO5QEu-EOyBZ8liUrLPT5hrD5fm0qQOhhR8pGw3PyL02DwFe5QekEr0/s400/hoyle+at+dock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527233288496324274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div>Everything has to be taken out by boat to the Islands. Here's the excited new owner. It was too far to windsurf after 2 nights of sleeping in the "van" with my dog Roscoe. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rigging up</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPbHcYdF_Do7Aznr0KNv4dWKRKv_ZEnY5qXBFGqcTm7_IY5U8U7DtSm106iw2s_lwHFug0bQ1dUkE5P6QAgNJ5DE_yBiapdBcmpv8xKAeJBGeQ59LWyYm4aHtotYvL5VXyP8Z5NEocfrG/s400/rigging+up+windsurfer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527238352990420274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7Id6AiIkYYGmTc5IncqggJ6c4706WJ4YkWwFSEIPt0eZ9RUKwcjpbrJDd8wn6jCVyhTpH7oqvUIY7rF39CtVuza8Wjv_4tVeFDfoO3g158YxC2ecPbkDspcgXSmPllBbYQwoS6piUBAp/s400/hoyle+windsurfing+in+bay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527238376397706578" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Hoyle's 1st sail on a "new" Original Windsurfer. Over 40 years later, he's still got it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">He was having too much fun so I paddled out to him to see if I could knock him off </span>and pirate his new toy.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBww8_6_ecoA-Wdyqfs_RjCh_ZQNKaIIy5MitbqmYDfXw5MxINCdbXZEiCprSSsvcqdkYARObhselWo3er0ME3TAWPMN3MvAGqCBQB3DCu5aX38tjRIIAYIL7mwWx2E4MDPeIbZ-aS_Hy0/s400/windsurfer+ted+and+hoyle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527240151621039938" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">He took the bait! I successfully stole his new toy,</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiH31YdxHwt_PSJ-53MFTVG3xqQHOVLCYGanIEp5ttI0Ve43O9bdeYsKxAEqDRvKyP-qnAAUlEUvbGWAgdwC84-NIWxbYSR_qARD5ty_Y4Uz2PscmtdE3QTjW1s5fAcpEoCC0s-KCidD3/s400/windsurfer+one+design+ted+hoyle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527240164420825746" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">did some freestyle, then took a long sail around Lambert Island.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzDiiIEy2NZCgovSMFl4a5xPCTx52wVYUgnqBDHnTKkPV9Kt-XeR8KCzP9iJTeAEseHA0MT2Uq0t1IOKEpazNoRG2nbIgTEKEotewqtsxQLMdOhYSS52c35J_3vqusWM6M8q3qBcdVy1t/s400/windsurfing+rail+ride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527240157911205858" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Roscoe waiting for me to return from my cruise...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBNd_ndK0xDOsTJa3rkugAg6KxFSAqSPD6VQc56c1fMYzS7M3XyWd5ddTwCbhAXniHxP7lsQbcw1kGZy6izHNNebhL5cDUsJCAJNXL9vG5TSWYy4mn4T9mB44e-oKRSSl3meWUvu0PKjh/s400/ted+windsurfing+and+roscoe+off+dock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527240174773057938" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span">My next stop was delivering another board to the northern part of Lake Huron. After that I drove back to Michigan. I look forward to another sailing session with the Toronto Windsurfing Club and another stop to sail with family.</span></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-14752568414903958682010-09-27T11:35:00.049-04:002010-09-28T10:39:28.641-04:00ONE sail size. 40% is just a number right?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgMGJl6IXQT9p9-kURVvbzIWWlIJW2h4Fw32rRjmLxOiQygBcrTdsULG31q6Y0QVR8cNcjEgbr8VxcLWYQWW6sG7C-jeG_Q6gLOEmdsqaDAhFmU-LHtFwBEcSznyBh32qO_my3JCgdRad/s1600/campsite.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgMGJl6IXQT9p9-kURVvbzIWWlIJW2h4Fw32rRjmLxOiQygBcrTdsULG31q6Y0QVR8cNcjEgbr8VxcLWYQWW6sG7C-jeG_Q6gLOEmdsqaDAhFmU-LHtFwBEcSznyBh32qO_my3JCgdRad/s320/campsite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521654504712383282" border="0" /></a><br />In mid July I traveled to the "Reservoir Rendezvous Regatta" in New London, Ohio. I really enjoyed this regatta because of the site, good sailing conditions and I was able to demonstrate how competitive an Original Windsurfer is, with just ONE sail size in a variety of conditions.<br /><br />Photo: Camping next to the lake made this a great site.<br /><br /><br />This is only my 2nd competition racing on the new Original Windsurfer so I am still measuring it's worth against other boards. Especially racing against other boards with sails that are 40% larger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GpjeXFwZScIvAQky-a9iD_Hlyql-Eooz9O4FxRk2AGYK7LYphRCHyY1Z1W5PM0sCqOw4tDMOtTtO-iGpCTcWyaOena3hlCZqZVO-pqWF7pGmRC9f-XR93uPRmpt9UZToBS9DSffgYM5M/s1600/windy.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GpjeXFwZScIvAQky-a9iD_Hlyql-Eooz9O4FxRk2AGYK7LYphRCHyY1Z1W5PM0sCqOw4tDMOtTtO-iGpCTcWyaOena3hlCZqZVO-pqWF7pGmRC9f-XR93uPRmpt9UZToBS9DSffgYM5M/s400/windy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521652966023188018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br />"As the wind increased and I was in a constant planing mode, I wasn't overpowered like some sailors with big rigs"<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRyuU3wkwNq96LWYPRqQzb7y0eWGh2IbRMHyx0U20OfEY-VRV1pO0wxcAE0XPXmc79Qt4VapCry_2RzNGf7RisSNSsXB-UZcVSai0k9yxOreiQZc1Zu5EQVis7_5RrSHfHqsHz6ukRMZQ/s1600/hq+site+2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRyuU3wkwNq96LWYPRqQzb7y0eWGh2IbRMHyx0U20OfEY-VRV1pO0wxcAE0XPXmc79Qt4VapCry_2RzNGf7RisSNSsXB-UZcVSai0k9yxOreiQZc1Zu5EQVis7_5RrSHfHqsHz6ukRMZQ/s320/hq+site+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521964462609432834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have to say it was a bit of a drive for me but it was worth it. The organizer, Phil Sage and his son Matt put on the event with help from the Town of New London. There was moderate and strong winds for the races both days and after a long day on the water Phil & Matt provided dinner and there was a big fire to gather around.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgfj3Wfb4LYIHZAAj-4RGxsaAdx7e5XpMf0gIdwMKTUcbX2BkbHczO9pJyMTi6xywN8c2Padkg9GDiL_v4TUNiEIFDrHd7SX2DXrVyk1I92-gWitmNemP-EXPJyN0c3vAQ7yb4W5FL0CC/s1600/start+1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgfj3Wfb4LYIHZAAj-4RGxsaAdx7e5XpMf0gIdwMKTUcbX2BkbHczO9pJyMTi6xywN8c2Padkg9GDiL_v4TUNiEIFDrHd7SX2DXrVyk1I92-gWitmNemP-EXPJyN0c3vAQ7yb4W5FL0CC/s320/start+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521632975157885186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Race photo 1: Before the start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjswDHQkkvdBK3Qm4V0OWwz2SrQzWT2kaZkbO68H0Tx1hJiIbJ3gi5guIxlDjSbwyeNib8ZKvrJ97K6i_dwn7UJJP4nDBVE9gS5YZrEOAG0f_YPj3rJq0KDIcuSk7dW5kmliy2piAFSTN/s1600/ted+rail+ride.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjswDHQkkvdBK3Qm4V0OWwz2SrQzWT2kaZkbO68H0Tx1hJiIbJ3gi5guIxlDjSbwyeNib8ZKvrJ97K6i_dwn7UJJP4nDBVE9gS5YZrEOAG0f_YPj3rJq0KDIcuSk7dW5kmliy2piAFSTN/s320/ted+rail+ride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521965340958809634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sometimes I do some freestyle before the start of the race, especially when the water is so nice and warm. Look! no harness.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRTioR3NV6Az1MRXZ5kw51PL0UVCIG-sXfNkdoxnlD7vM878cEXZZQn4raTWor3PR9ar0VC1C0Cc5wV9xrWOSrKpojOsPhWtLx54oamjQmllRM8fWSv_wksE05TkTKkyuSA68lFHVTVue/s1600/start+2+rev.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRTioR3NV6Az1MRXZ5kw51PL0UVCIG-sXfNkdoxnlD7vM878cEXZZQn4raTWor3PR9ar0VC1C0Cc5wV9xrWOSrKpojOsPhWtLx54oamjQmllRM8fWSv_wksE05TkTKkyuSA68lFHVTVue/s320/start+2+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521643433616826530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Race photo 2: Just after the start, the Original Windsurfer accelerates and points to wind very well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj5L1S2Spoh2mH0C2hqG8VTWxH_7uNPtaOaV_IoLmtNmWC9pZL5tnJlsTMOpFgJrbo_jZ8extWP49gf9SWwZWdC2lfp2rEjtmTrF5KIKc5FI8Idwgnf8L7_40yfD4BcbU5XuBS4UYkfjE/s1600/start+3+rev.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj5L1S2Spoh2mH0C2hqG8VTWxH_7uNPtaOaV_IoLmtNmWC9pZL5tnJlsTMOpFgJrbo_jZ8extWP49gf9SWwZWdC2lfp2rEjtmTrF5KIKc5FI8Idwgnf8L7_40yfD4BcbU5XuBS4UYkfjE/s320/start+3+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521643015777682226" border="0" /></a>Race photo 3: Just because the other sails are larger doesn't guarantee they get off the line any faster.<br /><br />I believe this is because the larger sails are difficult to maneuver...but it could be the boards also.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg980WmCKZDBxQshHSB63TdEbdFx64PJJ1_FYcvNwxEGAni0l3hEjdtbxGqeD2blrgF3uxzW5Za-RruVBi7zEI77wj6ihoOILe8dTpvmNo3m4BxZ5e-464gMy4SUfkNAKlFVeE15I6Zu27I/s1600/start+4+rev.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg980WmCKZDBxQshHSB63TdEbdFx64PJJ1_FYcvNwxEGAni0l3hEjdtbxGqeD2blrgF3uxzW5Za-RruVBi7zEI77wj6ihoOILe8dTpvmNo3m4BxZ5e-464gMy4SUfkNAKlFVeE15I6Zu27I/s320/start+4+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521642788419830882" border="0" /></a><br />Race photo 4: 40% is just a number right?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMLUagOmuhzZ7WRXsY879Wk1JLf2O5MD1nAB7zCNG4iJU7uSzGCKANgfSy8Ddx_Ja4PaTl5H0TKjBVtwI1HfB2RO8DlU3CgWU9kVBLA5ulb7HY9CG7SvRzvpAT3TaFaso3j-K4QgqvUhL/s1600/race+5+rev.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMLUagOmuhzZ7WRXsY879Wk1JLf2O5MD1nAB7zCNG4iJU7uSzGCKANgfSy8Ddx_Ja4PaTl5H0TKjBVtwI1HfB2RO8DlU3CgWU9kVBLA5ulb7HY9CG7SvRzvpAT3TaFaso3j-K4QgqvUhL/s320/race+5+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521648894557404130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Race photo 5: Fleet is tight, no slackers in this group of racers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wBgucta9REKE5YhG9aRqLc5LQtInZ3GYS1bt3_OTOF0055oHp7bmpdPi4mRGzcVMZMIHJnHam0s1XC0olBIAeg4RxExSjgWnASefJ_mNKXMtP8qILmsQcJ_vhN3T-zCoauhaPgfXE3W/s1600/race+6+rev.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wBgucta9REKE5YhG9aRqLc5LQtInZ3GYS1bt3_OTOF0055oHp7bmpdPi4mRGzcVMZMIHJnHam0s1XC0olBIAeg4RxExSjgWnASefJ_mNKXMtP8qILmsQcJ_vhN3T-zCoauhaPgfXE3W/s320/race+6+rev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521648981824243138" border="0" /></a><br />Race photo 6: Moments later after the first tack of the race, the Original Windsurfer is at front of fleet.<br /><br />The Windsurfer can tack & gybe more quickly than any of the boards on the water that day, so every time there's a tack or gybe involved, I had an advantage. This is getting exciting... can I route for myself?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWffvclma3_z-TjgdlRLeEvIjb-Y9SBXvthips_taJgG5ocZg6vo2ija4aQsmpla6Pgmai8r3rXU23ddkR1KKtDLn4y6EDhQjw9XZVZt_9q2MszBJq902HLoWVa7oEZGRpglH-L-6vrrc/s1600/morning+cruise+around+lake.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWffvclma3_z-TjgdlRLeEvIjb-Y9SBXvthips_taJgG5ocZg6vo2ija4aQsmpla6Pgmai8r3rXU23ddkR1KKtDLn4y6EDhQjw9XZVZt_9q2MszBJq902HLoWVa7oEZGRpglH-L-6vrrc/s400/morning+cruise+around+lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521968885204019442" border="0" /></a>A couple people wanted to try my Original Windsurfer. One racer "Paul" even wanted to try a few races on it! So we traded boards and I raced his board for one race. It became clear I wasn't getting my board back from Paul so I relieved the organizer, Phil from Race Committee duties so he could get in a race, he was stoked and I was happy to help.<br /><br />Photo: The next morning a new friend, Robin took the Windsurfer for a cruise around the lake. I think it was her first time on a long board, she said she was surprised with how responsive and fun it was to sail.<br /><img src="file:///Users/thomassc/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/thomassc/Desktop/New%20London/campsite.jpg" alt="" />ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-14618543768490239742010-06-23T10:34:00.034-04:002010-06-27T13:28:53.408-04:00First Sails on New Original Windsurfers<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >New Owners Get A Soulful Feeling -and- Windsurfer Ties for 1st Place!</span><br /><br />Last weekend was the first time on the new Original Windsurfer. I drove to a regatta at Grosse Point Park put on by the <a href="http://gpwc.jimminet.net/">Grosse Pointe Windsurfing Club</a>. The park has a big grassy area to rig up and a small sandy beach to launch from, what more could you ask for? Oh yes warm clear water and we had wind!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I was excited to try my new board and experience a new venue. Six races were held in winds ranging 6 to 13 knots with stronger puffs blowing thru towards the end of the day. There was a photographer on the beach who captured one of the starts; see the photo sequence below. My sail is the ORANGE colored sail.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE5sO_fPK-HN7eN2IhqGhEOg8TyC7SOQsl-Cj0ROPP47PCfFjN-Sx1YeVnASAvxwxKWCDQmb0cywd7aKmcAU-ihdFA-6GfFTIus7jVnpi9HQegDjl0cmL8SaUjGc7uRO4QZdnDDCv327y/s1600/blog+start+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyE5sO_fPK-HN7eN2IhqGhEOg8TyC7SOQsl-Cj0ROPP47PCfFjN-Sx1YeVnASAvxwxKWCDQmb0cywd7aKmcAU-ihdFA-6GfFTIus7jVnpi9HQegDjl0cmL8SaUjGc7uRO4QZdnDDCv327y/s320/blog+start+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487437907019287714" border="0" /></a>Getting ready for Start<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXacyoteqIdXQFfmR7M17ZhnS-wqU61_BQQ0pDT4ySv0FwYwh4luHc8A5y0iVpzhmUuS_MzPns9eBlhyT6x2WxjLFBsQYPrKWlberUBW83f8ESHTxO2nc0cht2f7tnMXkUz8Zvfr24vRtU/s1600/blog+start+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXacyoteqIdXQFfmR7M17ZhnS-wqU61_BQQ0pDT4ySv0FwYwh4luHc8A5y0iVpzhmUuS_MzPns9eBlhyT6x2WxjLFBsQYPrKWlberUBW83f8ESHTxO2nc0cht2f7tnMXkUz8Zvfr24vRtU/s320/blog+start+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487439762873011058" border="0" /></a>Flag down, horn blows, GO!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqrermcbBGcQ9LEDYY8gxMPqknDI9W5WIaS9mfcWNtxK08hnhnkLeeCT6lh4kIP44FoHoPmeRlI80pEyGuYuwCk_wIL7wYCMI2Nvnedo-kSViYwgwQznK739P5RriiJ8Ocv6fCEsVfssZ/s1600/blog+start+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqrermcbBGcQ9LEDYY8gxMPqknDI9W5WIaS9mfcWNtxK08hnhnkLeeCT6lh4kIP44FoHoPmeRlI80pEyGuYuwCk_wIL7wYCMI2Nvnedo-kSViYwgwQznK739P5RriiJ8Ocv6fCEsVfssZ/s320/blog+start+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487440504229146418" border="0" /></a>Go go go...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBSfDIrg-kozFyUVhXobXRAOgP8vXDZPF-cSZQdITqnsaLdz0mC1gWWMUtlLW0Mjm_Z-N8-8OvKJMa1Og9_kIqTZWF8GFPhUz_TN645t6doQvTaYY97ltTQ2lCtz0Fj0dSa71jC-x4KiN/s1600/blog+start+4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBSfDIrg-kozFyUVhXobXRAOgP8vXDZPF-cSZQdITqnsaLdz0mC1gWWMUtlLW0Mjm_Z-N8-8OvKJMa1Og9_kIqTZWF8GFPhUz_TN645t6doQvTaYY97ltTQ2lCtz0Fj0dSa71jC-x4KiN/s320/blog+start+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487440506331337858" border="0" /></a>Pulling away from fleet<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE3uF5bi9dpj_gYNLqc_N7o5V_IeKT2GsfGhHeruH4Wetror9HAztDy3IY2GiKpdkTLseaqOLHuMSK8AvG2JMRhlKsrh1OEvhYuBKH0p711UaDlqYAVD4nBkTK6kPPcGdh2197REyQC3N/s1600/blog+start+5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyE3uF5bi9dpj_gYNLqc_N7o5V_IeKT2GsfGhHeruH4Wetror9HAztDy3IY2GiKpdkTLseaqOLHuMSK8AvG2JMRhlKsrh1OEvhYuBKH0p711UaDlqYAVD4nBkTK6kPPcGdh2197REyQC3N/s320/blog+start+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487440511132478642" border="0" /></a>Original Windsurfer "Old Schooled" entire Prodigy Fleet!<span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:78%;">photos by Mike Florian</span><br /></div><br /><br /></div>My new Original Windsurfer didn't disappoint. In addition to it's ability to plane in almost all conditions, I also had a blast sailing it. Before starts and between races I played around and pulled off a few duck-spin-tacks, rail rides, power jobs and sail tricks. The Windsurfer's sail is 25% to 40% smaller than the other 7.5 & 8.5 sails on the race course, which is one reason you can do sail tricks and throw around the sail to power jib. But a high volume board & big sail didn't translate into more fun or a competitive advantage this day, because I ended up tied for first place overall. For a complete event recap, visit the <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/?p=926">MOWIND</a> website.<br /><br />As I was driving home and reflecting on my first sailing impressions for my new Windsurfer, I got an email from John (from Minneapolis) who had just bought a new Windsurfer a week earlier. It was also his first day out on his new Windsurfer, and his email sums it up best. I couldn't have said it better myself, so with his permission here's his note about his first day out on his new (original) Windsurfer:<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Yesterday, I finally went out on my new board. The conditions were perfect. The wind was probably around 10-15 mph. I was at my local city lake, Lake Calhoun, where all the local guys go in Minneapolis. There were probably 15 guys out.<br /><br />It was great pulling up in the parking lot with the new/old-style board on top. I jumped out, unloaded it, placed it among the other big wide-style boards, started rigging, etc. I was so focused on and excited about getting that thing rigged up. I was so excited to get that thing out on the water.<br /><br />I finally rigged it up and quickly brought it to the water. Jumped on and THAT OLD FEELING WAS BACK! That soulful feeling that I haven't felt in almost 20 years. I can't even tell you how stoked I was.<br /><br />Within 3 minutes I did a couple of quick tacks where I quickly take two steps to the back of the board (it's sort of a dance move, when you think about it) and snap it around, and then immediately run three steps to the front and around to the other side. Within 6 minutes I was doing my quick jibes which only that board can do. I was riding with my back to the sail, front to the sail on the opposite side, on the rail, cruising backwards, with the sail backwards (going forward) and then doing a quick jibe in the opposite direction. Many of the other guys were sitting on the beach wondering when the wind would pick up and/or stay consistent to have any fun. The other guys on the water were just going back and forth, sometimes not moving, waiting for the perfect wind to enjoy themselves. I was passing guys, too.<br /><br />I was having the time of my life.<br /><br />My cousin, Mark, came down to shoot some video. I don't have it yet. He jumped on after I rode it for a while. He was as stoked as I was.<br /><br />My Windsurfing fever has returned. That old feeling is back in my blood. I will now start noticing the leaves on the trees when the wind picks up. I've been riding short boards for a long time, but I haven't had that wind-in-the-trees sensitivity/awareness in over 15 years.<br /><br />I can't wait to get out again.</span>"<br /><br /><br />I look forward to seeing the video John!<br /><br />I've had several requests from folks to get a closer look at the new Original Windsurfer so here's some pics for y'all:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCLFRQjNtrDCLyDa9FJu4IrRQT3zKTWXPAqbHGx-F-QS_qshsoD-_avcMbXD4BfujfO48iXcB6spUrHrv8NWArk8E7dosw2I_Koo2t0uzgpn8xQOsm7-1EwkXbtRkYFECkVQS9I8S-xtk/s1600/blog+board.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCLFRQjNtrDCLyDa9FJu4IrRQT3zKTWXPAqbHGx-F-QS_qshsoD-_avcMbXD4BfujfO48iXcB6spUrHrv8NWArk8E7dosw2I_Koo2t0uzgpn8xQOsm7-1EwkXbtRkYFECkVQS9I8S-xtk/s320/blog+board.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487444525893101026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E_QcJFP_JAtfCVIUYmsHiu7oyf1dt0euHF-9e_FfEe8MA7PmNdKVFLHu6pULsUrCwqHyLBs8_5GecNLMNbdyC4NfxIfgd3nk66o5TCBG0trobCpy0K-o_LLq9lUI2-mc_CM3LrHtDRS-/s1600/blog+uni.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E_QcJFP_JAtfCVIUYmsHiu7oyf1dt0euHF-9e_FfEe8MA7PmNdKVFLHu6pULsUrCwqHyLBs8_5GecNLMNbdyC4NfxIfgd3nk66o5TCBG0trobCpy0K-o_LLq9lUI2-mc_CM3LrHtDRS-/s320/blog+uni.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487444529510536002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4GINwHCXgPIAiQH1qBY8_f9NRzjEomI7aKY8t476Q48E59SJgoc0mFdBhhnabQ8SbnA1dQWepmYLPFJfUT_5cfRfyW_-61MkbL5fomEXiq2MnOm1YFHMG1je1RVN0LcBuw2RxqZcTxRF/s1600/Grosse+Pointe+Ted.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4GINwHCXgPIAiQH1qBY8_f9NRzjEomI7aKY8t476Q48E59SJgoc0mFdBhhnabQ8SbnA1dQWepmYLPFJfUT_5cfRfyW_-61MkbL5fomEXiq2MnOm1YFHMG1je1RVN0LcBuw2RxqZcTxRF/s320/Grosse+Pointe+Ted.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487444540290537090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Thanks Marguerite Donahue for this shot</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WLR67dbNXhe5IV_8i-o51BoTpyDXXaBepTfiLjEawpwrhRGOPZh4oM1k81ccR4fkMpy0hiPfn5MOdgTeXC2dQciHunjEX02O2yOvWUDXke9MDwUVChJHuc_kUQYK0tCD9RcZ59lBpEBT/s1600/blog+centerboard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WLR67dbNXhe5IV_8i-o51BoTpyDXXaBepTfiLjEawpwrhRGOPZh4oM1k81ccR4fkMpy0hiPfn5MOdgTeXC2dQciHunjEX02O2yOvWUDXke9MDwUVChJHuc_kUQYK0tCD9RcZ59lBpEBT/s320/blog+centerboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487446658777635330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5cWatrO8O9csWsnx5TI76utwPliqwM-Tf_iW_4vxAFwwN9h-ODAfzUp6N-VZUGQ0Jh5pxQ2GzMNkBtN5ACegzGw9UEYOohHGlQJzHEoVmj_bEpAHgUydrwX4HgBMoExbjKqzlDFgkv6f/s1600/blog+boom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5cWatrO8O9csWsnx5TI76utwPliqwM-Tf_iW_4vxAFwwN9h-ODAfzUp6N-VZUGQ0Jh5pxQ2GzMNkBtN5ACegzGw9UEYOohHGlQJzHEoVmj_bEpAHgUydrwX4HgBMoExbjKqzlDFgkv6f/s320/blog+boom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487446652580248930" border="0" /></a></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-50286900809394992122010-05-19T14:05:00.052-04:002010-06-09T11:12:50.688-04:00Validation of the Original, some 30 years later<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last month I competed in 3 regattas. This isn't a big statement except it's been many years since I've raced so I wasn't sure what my skill level would be and I also wasn't sure what was happening in the world of racing windsurfers. I really didn't know what I was stepping into after all these years.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the races required an 8 hour flight to Europe, another required an 8 hour drive around Lake Michigan and the third took me through the fields of Ohio. But it wasn't the event's location, body of water or wind that made these regattas different. It was something equally as fundamental. As I recap the events below you'll read about the differences and I hope come away with a refreshed perspective on windsurfing, racing and equipment.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWP6TGYM5s-q5TLXfuV7Yszn0WHP1pbN7d48W5_dJnWLqw1itTiBkxRfdSaCSppGLtqNa9QZ76dEueGhk2v1czvv6HOiiGXtf0tH3fYbqZ_cvI16aNVDXNHRSQwSSOjPkC-2g_7Mb3UJA2/s320/wod+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480584909713571298" /></div><div>The Windsurfer One Design Team Sailing Championships were held May 7th & 8th during the Chia Waterman event on the island of Sardinia, Italy. There were 6 teams, each with 3 sailors. All teams competed on the same equipment–new Windsurfer One Designs with: beautiful sails, clamp on booms, retractable centerboards and adjustable mast tracks. The racing was very competitive but the mood was light and fun. I found myself giving each race and each moment my full attention and all my energy. After six races our team made it into the finals. We sailed hard and smart, making it as difficult as possible for our opponents. The finals were so close at the finish that the Race Committee had us sail another race to determine the winner. Before they announced there would be a final-finals race I felt exhausted; my hands were blistered and my face wind and sun burned. Luckily my sister Tara, who joined me for this trip, had some food and water in her bag so I refueled and made my way to the start line. Thank you Tara. I was engaged and didn't want to slow down now for the final-finals, even though I was showing signs of how long it had been since I had been racing.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1nDQaOc90kzQmQ1mWB1ZWbQcFpSWOxNxFoMj65EF1AahnYkWvVhkUtZfYb67y5cwaoA-sWPa8xWK5m8CYyIArlsokUcyXAvPRh6UPJp1a6w1e33g_m07U1Nwu37R2lAf4B_DygX0jLjL/s320/wod+around+mark.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480585335611172546" />Because all competitors were using the same equipment, these races were about the ability to negotiate a position on the start line, cover your opponents, read wind shifts, tack quickly, help your teammates, obtain inside overlap at the marks and execute a fast jibe without loosing your boat speed. Even if a team didn't make it to the finals, all competitors left this event with their sailing skills sharpened.<br /><br />I am proud to report our team finished 2nd. We placed 2nd not because we had last years equipment or because we used the wrong sized sail, but because the other team as a whole were better sailors that day.<br /><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAJ6wW_qTDZtwZCRcKeP3C14sHI6l6deqSVQEiJnBQ8j808ElKMxoVC3ViASKAMS07vesIRZszso2l8jm0QNr7AEqILL4O_K2ahFwhjpvy9ApKJLDary_mNdoPIHyKSG9TAIrascdDMeo/s320/wod+coming+ashore+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480586796154219426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " />Returning home to the United States dodging the volcanic ash covering Europe, on May 15 & 16, we (my sister Tara & my dog Roscoe) drove about as long as the flight to Europe around the upper part of Lake Michigan to The Walleye Wagatta (named after the opening season for the Walleyes) on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It's organized by <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a> and Wind Power Windsurfing. Thank you to the Race Committee that did a top-notch job.<br /><br />I brought what I had to the regatta: an older Windsurfer One Design board from mid 1980s with a Windsurfer 5.2 sail from the late 1970s. Most of the 27 competitors had 8.5 or 11.0 rigs combined with high volume boards. There were also Division II boards. <div>Conceptually and technically these boards are very different from the Windsurfer I was sailing which is a low volume board with a smaller "soft" sail supported by late 1970s / early 1980s technology. When I began to rig up the morning of the race and saw everyone else's equipment, I thought to myself, "this ought to be interesting...." I've never raced a Windsurfer One Design against anything but Windsurfer One Designs, this would be a first for me.<br /><br />I felt like a caveman that had been transported 30 years into the future of windsurfing. What new things will I learn from these sailors with all the newer high tech equipment? The first thing I noticed were the sails, they were fully battened camber induced. I also noticed the colors, or lack of; these sails looked very serious and expensive, like a sail I'd expect to see in America's Cup racing or being used to break a speed record, they were mostly transparent with some grey. It was going to be easy to find me on the water because my sail is one of the most colorful sails Windsurfer ever made: stripes of purple, yellow, red and orange cover the entire sail. And the best part is that there is a matching equally colorful streamer for the top of the sail. I believe streamers were made to compliment the festive nature of windsurfing, they are purely cosmetic. When I took the streamer out of my sail bag I stuffed it back into the bag before anyone could see it. Based on the equipment I observed around me, this group was not the leisurely colored sail-with-a-streamer crowd (although once I got to know them better I think they could be!).<br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqgCF8MW5SU0n77NvMMd8pMet00M_Cmeli9BF0otzN-b1scsWoex-EsyjF17OOzljwUse4JEF915iy_iM9XjZiwsHrhpm2HciYfTMfyvb0Gk13kfkgX6E0OCj6D8m9k7SzcnIHrQ6O514/s320/wod+lake+winnebago.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480586805316059074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span>The wind was light to moderate as I left the shore and sailed out towards the course. I had recently adopted this Windsurfer One Design for about $150, this was my first time sailing it. Everything felt fine but something was wrong on the lake. I looked around and noticed that everyone was hooked into their harnesses, except me. They were moving along at a good pace, but no one was hanging from their booms, they were all attached. My vintage Speed Seat harness floats too low on my hips for me to hook-in with light wind, and besides why would I want to hook in when I can sail! Duck tack, rail ride, back to sail, power jibing – I was having a blast doing tricks and warming up before the start.<br /><br />The course was set and the starting sequence began, most of the fleet hung back away from the start line. I wasn't sure why they weren't jockeying for the best position.<br />There was one start for all classes. I was registered in two classes: the Vintage class and the Limited 8.5 class. Vintage is for old-school-equipment; there was me and Andy, he was on a Whaler. In the Limited 8.5 class you can race anything so long as your sail isn't larger than 8.5 so I am racing against sails that are up to 63% larger than mine. And because there is one start for all classes, I am also racing with 11.0 sails that are over 110% larger than my sail. I reminded myself I was there to have fun, meet new people and sharpen my sailing skills. I am going to be dead last. The start horn blew and the division II boards with 11.0 sails lurched ahead, out pointing the rest of the fleet. I tacked quickly away from their cover and headed for cleaner air. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the fleet; hardly anyone else was tacking over, I wondered why.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX-LO2uXovjhy3drIo0RYCtOCegZcY43X4a9vVAbzdtdqPYG6tA39hOWs6fdpV3Vb2lq5a-KW7O6waJ9YUz4n4Mf06I1x78M0BlbI1J1yoeDm0hoTg02ASDqFyCuQbkUuWlRZeFBPARDj/s1600/img175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX-LO2uXovjhy3drIo0RYCtOCegZcY43X4a9vVAbzdtdqPYG6tA39hOWs6fdpV3Vb2lq5a-KW7O6waJ9YUz4n4Mf06I1x78M0BlbI1J1yoeDm0hoTg02ASDqFyCuQbkUuWlRZeFBPARDj/s320/img175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480586808603817186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>As the wind shifted I tacked, again and again making my way up to the windward mark. As I approached the mark and began to join the rest of the fleet I thought, "Hey I am not doing so bad, I am in the top 5 of my fleet" Sailors were tacking their boards in slow motion on the lay line to the windward mark. As I rounded the mark sailors in front of me were struggling to maneuver and jibe their boards and rigs. I suddenly realized what was happening all around me; the weight of the rig and the high volume board made tacking and jibing a labor. As I made my rounding between the sailor ahead of me and the windward mark I realized my rig had never felt lighter and my board more attentive. On the way to the leeward mark I lost a few positions to the larger sails but as I rounded the leeward mark I knew the upwind leg was my chance to catch up. As the day progressed I began to finish in the top 5 and was even first to the windward mark one race. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OFwxaEbNEmVkjt6tMh7QUWi24YMWdq91Nl3KlZTBW9Ey8lt3lTLfUug6J4EpTq3aPkl5YZm3u3wgPdVMnYNI9-O9lvSAoaYGbve_xOA2-kDGVEqmBxOgX6uQ8Alu8ZMf9U56Fx09D-wM/s1600/img181.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OFwxaEbNEmVkjt6tMh7QUWi24YMWdq91Nl3KlZTBW9Ey8lt3lTLfUug6J4EpTq3aPkl5YZm3u3wgPdVMnYNI9-O9lvSAoaYGbve_xOA2-kDGVEqmBxOgX6uQ8Alu8ZMf9U56Fx09D-wM/s320/img181.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480586820133427362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>Many people asked to try my Windsurfer between races and I in turn sailed on their boards for a few minutes but towards the end of the day their rigs were too heavy for me to pick up so I just sat on their board while they sailed my Windsurfer One Design around. One of these people was a young guy who even did some tricks. He told me about a downhaul crank that makes trimming his large sail much easier. I asked him how much the down haul crank costs and he said about $125, which made me appreciate my recent Windsurfer adoption even more.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGk4kHROGKzCBagqEau8MEnKlnRY208c1X5JNVxL-6Li_w9fHGSTkT4zb2qTUiLIAH3N1mfcpcQJuzzAbn8z67QA_X0oX2achVDxpeHSXajX9ekrzN3xB_HkggJKOu_PvLPGO2Wf7oWdi/s1600/wod+ohio.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGk4kHROGKzCBagqEau8MEnKlnRY208c1X5JNVxL-6Li_w9fHGSTkT4zb2qTUiLIAH3N1mfcpcQJuzzAbn8z67QA_X0oX2achVDxpeHSXajX9ekrzN3xB_HkggJKOu_PvLPGO2Wf7oWdi/s320/wod+ohio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480588859683987538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div>The third race I went to was held May 22 & 23 at Alum Creek in Ohio also put on by <a href="http://www.mowind.org/wp/">MOWIND</a>. It was the same format as the Walleye and again the Race Committee did a great job. This event has been going on since the early 1980s and is one, if not the oldest regattas in North America. There were 9 races on Saturday in 6 to 8 knots of wind with some 10 knot gusts. Thanks Paul & Chris Sandstrom for keeping it going! Again I had some great races and great competition!</div><div><br /></div><div>For complete race results and pictures on both events, visit MOWIND.org </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Having never sailed a Windsurfer One Design against other (newer) boards I really didn't know what to expect. Let me share with you that I left these races with a renewed appreciation for the design of the Windsurfer One Design and a greater appreciation for the boards original concept. I've seen some of the prototypes that were developed at the same time the Windsurfer One Design was being developed, and some were high volume boards. One that was named "Big Red" was even like a division II board and some were even super wide boards. But there's a reason they remained prototypes. I believe the concept behind the original, the Windsurfer One Design, still provides the best all-around sailing experience for the sailor on and off the race course. In fact while driving home after these races I called Hoyle & Diane to share my enthusiasm and let them know how impressed I was with the original Windsurfer. I think in a way it wasn't just me acknowledging this, but all the sailors I've spoken to and emailed who've shared their stories with me; their love affair with windsurfing and their passion for the original Windsurfer.</div><br />I look forward to attending more regattas this summer and going OLD SCHOOL :) </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to see you out there,</div><div>Ted</div><div>ps- Just received shipment of new Windsurfers so I'll be at the Patterson Park Regatta in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan on June 19th with a NEW Windsurfer. If you want me to bring an extra one for you to sail, let me know.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKzIFqwO5MX7TaEOGoZRWRFD1mQTXC0nE7JIKOOSXKQT8CtZ6Sz3JqnmkgTpAEFxmj4xBbmVY5XXUgHOSiZs3-M2xbCubYUZZ31TuTDCFZ6yrkaU6kJ8iIioK1lP5O_bc4C7LYz1hUaEg/s1600/wod+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKzIFqwO5MX7TaEOGoZRWRFD1mQTXC0nE7JIKOOSXKQT8CtZ6Sz3JqnmkgTpAEFxmj4xBbmVY5XXUgHOSiZs3-M2xbCubYUZZ31TuTDCFZ6yrkaU6kJ8iIioK1lP5O_bc4C7LYz1hUaEg/s320/wod+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480593467131797666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px; " /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-72202010947025197112010-03-22T21:29:00.031-04:002010-03-24T15:20:07.795-04:00Your Wait is Over<span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Helvetica, serif;">Two shipments of Windsurfer One Designs are coming from Australia this spring. One is going to Dallas, Texas and the other to Traverse City in northern Michigan. Between these two locations we'll be able to ship anywhere in North America.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Helvetica, serif;"><div><br /></div><div>This is exciting news because there hasn't been a new Windsurfer One Design on this continent since the mid 80s! Can you guess who'll be first to sail a shiny new board? I am hoping it will improve my sailing speed because I think over the years my "wally" seems to have put on a few extra pounds. I plan to get another 25 years out of my new one.<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=OW&Category_Code=WSRFR">website for prices</a> or email me your interest. I also have SUP paddles - I've had a blast SUPing on my One Design before & after the wind picks up.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">WINDSURFER REGATTAS & EVENTS</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I had some airline miles accumulated so I'll be competing in the <b>CHIA CLASSIC</b> on the Italian island of Sardinia the first week of May. This Pro-Am Waterman event has it all, including a Windsurfer 'Revival' competition with international teams of 3 racing country against country, and one-on-one match races. There's also Kitesurfing, SUP race and more. If you need to use some airline miles, I can't think of a better way -this will be a fun trip. Check out this Event on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Original-Windsurfer/108919607255?ref=ts#!/pages/Original-Windsurfer/108919607255?v=app_2344061033&ref=ts">Original Windsurfer FaceBook page</a> in the "Events" section to learn more, or download the <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/site/downloads.html">Notice of Race</a> from the site.</div></div></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL1xBZJufSBgAgLFvaOvvkG1HHYnwsCV386iAKt140zQhz2cJyjM3ODLTkslaDMzIS9M4i0NJgbbmZ8wI0cUMCBpaXeWi1_dk3K-Fk95wfBsOK6sB9OoGJvex3qlouqnk_BAkQ0rj_Zax/s1600-h/logo-Chia-Classic2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL1xBZJufSBgAgLFvaOvvkG1HHYnwsCV386iAKt140zQhz2cJyjM3ODLTkslaDMzIS9M4i0NJgbbmZ8wI0cUMCBpaXeWi1_dk3K-Fk95wfBsOK6sB9OoGJvex3qlouqnk_BAkQ0rj_Zax/s200/logo-Chia-Classic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451637062723921330" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUumGMEeL80eTOwnLBmD9NFnuUAuLiAVFcoBak_28RWDOiVSBlOhWpsMJP4c-zgTHlK56oUrwzHavmtUkkJ-Ptnec2AgzGDpTu4V2cAiyIhNwfFw1GD08dbiBQq6lsSel-eCB2armc8kl/s200/Roscoe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451639708259098898" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 179px;" border="0" /></span></div><div>Next I'll be loading Roscoe, our dog (see him there to the right, he REALLY likes c-a-r rides) and a couple of Windsurfer One Designs in the VW van this summer and visiting regattas and events around the Great Lakes (and maybe further...). I am still planning my "tour" schedule, so if you want to try a new Windsurfer One Design or already have a board and want a sailing buddy or need another Windsurfer on the start line, let me know.<br /><br />My base camp will be Traverse City, Michigan, so I am pretty close to Canada too eh.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUdkZ_ax1HCUTEzEZfhoE2BeHom6n1_W0wgI3oUmjOjvdgNOFvG5R73XMXbKbVMKw8c-E8wrueq4fLZee1TghQg8SNE91wwo5rpAcJSAAY6d1gkASBUfbBY-Es4J9s4oxaziUVTf-d2wI/s1600-h/vw.jpg"><br /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>WINDSURFER "DINO" RACE AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS</b>: No this isn't code for an extreme seniors race, but this event has been running for a long time!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);font-family:Georgia,serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87c0dfec-Kjw4a_iLbUigVqIv8p1ErdDDAqpQS1hwN_LqzU_0yQVsAZeU6yomsbLYgd6vnSNeGIcQAVimJnJ_MGnmSjZjxDlCUa3r9X4IUoxzMmG__a0QaUnmSKmnwyeKpWwz5xhs8CmC/s320/wod+deck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451648910790115410" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The 13th annual Dino Race is a one day Championship held the last Saturday in September 2010, outside Houston, TX. Super fun crew of Windsurfer sailors, relaxed and beginner-friendly atmosphere...and there's a party barge! email <a href="mailto:seaycook@comcast.net">seaycook@comcast.net</a> for more info.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>WINDSURFER SLALOM & FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS: </b></div><div>Held with the Kona World Championships, the first week of November 2010 in Miami, FL.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGDla90BSv9h1xy68jQTYIQ8ZWgcWrcpXgx3wHGcrIWbiflfhC-9zdBSPGJhwM3GZHqsxcc6yRz582MymOS6Wb3VCteavfc0dinVbwA_4BnELuEyYRAs34K-7wLXU-uESi1DpcQLumUyO/s320/Miami+WOD+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451640237028744178" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 197px;" border="0" /></span><div>This will be the first event to combine Kona One Design course races with Windsurfer Freestyle & Slalom competition. Come for the entire event and experience world class competitive one design course racing on Konas combined with the disciplines of a fun freestyle and slalom championships on Windsurfers. </div><div><br /></div><div>These events will be held on the beach in South Beach, Miami so it's going to be a fun time no matter what happens. <a href="http://www.mycyouthsailing.org/calendar.php">Register early.</a><br /><br />I've read & heard a lot about the Konas and I am excited to get on one. Windsurfers will be provided free of charge, and Kona boards can be chartered for the week. Register early. For complete info <a href="http://www.mycyouthsailing.org/calendar.php">see the Notice of Race</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">note: all Notices of Races are also available at Original Windsurfer.com in the "Downloads" section</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New gear:</span> Soft mesh caps and washed (neon) Wind-surf-er shirts to help get in the spirit, <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=OW&Category_Code=MTS">see more</a>.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWgJE15ggtyAR1t_xV2g_WjkGZ0Jnbne8jdXjy3Gzu8a8u3Bez8rEknzAeJSa9wG6V8AlUR5FXsZqBn-ysLN2F-Mfm6N-XKeM4DJ5z6gAZx5KIeF8TnzJ8MzJJnynHRSRwKh4OTFpzM9N/s1600-h/shirt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWgJE15ggtyAR1t_xV2g_WjkGZ0Jnbne8jdXjy3Gzu8a8u3Bez8rEknzAeJSa9wG6V8AlUR5FXsZqBn-ysLN2F-Mfm6N-XKeM4DJ5z6gAZx5KIeF8TnzJ8MzJJnynHRSRwKh4OTFpzM9N/s200/shirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451844456754374802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Hl6FcRN3Ba46EqtzfijwRjNNGhNNsZoPSh8Ue_eFERi23CqE-D9cXWupiOC1VZpNtriQIWzW-qsD8vDCQKjsZDOQkvLGuvN_Lq4PyFjN8Z5v8XNcC3RLDtZkNc_c2gxWKWzzbzCb_69e/s1600-h/mesh+caps.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Hl6FcRN3Ba46EqtzfijwRjNNGhNNsZoPSh8Ue_eFERi23CqE-D9cXWupiOC1VZpNtriQIWzW-qsD8vDCQKjsZDOQkvLGuvN_Lq4PyFjN8Z5v8XNcC3RLDtZkNc_c2gxWKWzzbzCb_69e/s320/mesh+caps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451844762996081442" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div></span></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-20510017436449026882009-10-01T07:35:00.003-04:002009-10-02T06:33:51.053-04:00Winds of Re-Discovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I'd like to say THANK YOU to all of you who have shared your WINDSURFER STORY by emailing me or on FaceBook. All the stories have been unique and it's wonderful to read how people discovered windsurfing and the impact it's had on their time on this planet. I believe the Original Windsurfer website has reminded people of their "AH-HA" moments and reconnected them with what's important in windsurfing. I also think there's some "re-discovering" of the sport going on as sailors re-evaluate what they want from the sport and for themselves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSouQ1lPAn74Zee2IKJXDyXqrhyphenhyphenCZfqGZUdUWIEjuEuoIfyJmoLUs7OHl9ICe_tOlZyEf1jMBE5X0esFYHOQzP_V9MUAFTuiDP2AYBcd1htmQbPt36lyhcmAXYLxT6m7L0DubDdT1turl/s1600-h/fleet+3+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSouQ1lPAn74Zee2IKJXDyXqrhyphenhyphenCZfqGZUdUWIEjuEuoIfyJmoLUs7OHl9ICe_tOlZyEf1jMBE5X0esFYHOQzP_V9MUAFTuiDP2AYBcd1htmQbPt36lyhcmAXYLxT6m7L0DubDdT1turl/s320/fleet+3+large.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I just got back from a Windsurfer Regatta! The Windsurfer One Design American National Championships (aka: the DINO races) were last weekend and I can report that the spirit of Windsurfing is alive and strong just outside Houston, Texas. You can read more about the event below. What made this a unique regatta was that the friendly folks who hosted the event asked sailors to bring their own Windsurfers, but if you didn't own one or were new to racing, they tried to provide one for you. Because there were more competitors than boards, we all rotated boards each race, this made for a very level playing field. And a strange thing happened: I surprised myself on the 3rd race because I was assigned what looked like a very, shall we say, a very "well-loved" Wally but she didn't let me down --I placed better than the previous race! And I was reminded that it isn't about the equipment, it was about ability. We met a lot of genuinely nice people and had a really fun weekend, and I got to go windsurfing! After all these years of sailing solo, I still (kinda) got it on the race course, I placed 2nd in my class (that is the <i>over 40 with a beer gut class</i> in case you were wondering).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyIT78CrYSbBP9BMy48pMyiZTfB6H3WZFmgu93EK4grcMdP-25ws5JRsxxdKNOPgBqBmik2XfQ1uauWIQMH05CL49C_AjrV6JG7PKRgvJIpFO5LPMWTIQYtcA95GpCCLqN3b7qGMptneg/s1600-h/houston+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyIT78CrYSbBP9BMy48pMyiZTfB6H3WZFmgu93EK4grcMdP-25ws5JRsxxdKNOPgBqBmik2XfQ1uauWIQMH05CL49C_AjrV6JG7PKRgvJIpFO5LPMWTIQYtcA95GpCCLqN3b7qGMptneg/s320/houston+2.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />And this isn't the only Windsurfer One Design event happening. I just got word of a Freestyle Jam that took place the week before last in Kingston, Canada. To read about that visit <a href="http://www.windsport.com/news?news_id=371&uniqid=247">http://www.windsport.com/news?news_id=371&uniqid=247</a><br /><br />Upcoming events are the Australian Championships Jan 24-26 in Port Stephens (north of Sydney); Windsurfer Revival Event on the island of Sardinia in Italy May 2-8; To find our more about upcoming events visit the "Downloads" page at the Original Windsurfer website <a href="http://www.originalwindsurfer.com">http://www.originalwindsurfer.com</a> for Notices of Race in the "Current" section (once I receive a Notice of Race I'll post it). Or email me and I'll try and help you get the info you're looking for.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju66LvliSb2krKTZ7IQE-Vzq-li7PmrnWxO6VRpED5LjPkHDPyxzLO5YRWA7z6ZmMsBRrsw_ATukIz6a39ZOdS7j5b9sp7YqGdWnZCwem-lAzxgGrHxHy2DLCSpQKI6DxE1uwaAlSF3tQA/s1600-h/dock+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju66LvliSb2krKTZ7IQE-Vzq-li7PmrnWxO6VRpED5LjPkHDPyxzLO5YRWA7z6ZmMsBRrsw_ATukIz6a39ZOdS7j5b9sp7YqGdWnZCwem-lAzxgGrHxHy2DLCSpQKI6DxE1uwaAlSF3tQA/s320/dock+small.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've also been asked to get a temperature on the level of interest in a U.S. Windsurfer One Design event in late April/early May on South Padre Island. Do you want to come? Do you have a board? Do you need a board? email me at <a href="mailto:ted@originalwindsurfer.com">ted@originalwindsurfer.com</a><br /><br />There's also been some noise generated about a Windsurfer event in the Fall of 2010 in the U.S. that may be a World Windsurfer Celebration event, maybe a kinda Windsurfing Woodstock to celebrate the sports 40th + years, more to come on that as this comes together. Again, let me know what you think.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJBTCHiJ7EM8YM9RNm7LJFJZIF1hDL5i6dzig9wB56_teugos1aVU5ymdPu2fvu8FWc8lp14t1GuOAGuk7Vn0b8WXSnDLepARvcwtIHWWnbX2Ca24WiRn8Y1GMnieQWIhOaSNhrlRv2tJ/s1600-h/houston+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJBTCHiJ7EM8YM9RNm7LJFJZIF1hDL5i6dzig9wB56_teugos1aVU5ymdPu2fvu8FWc8lp14t1GuOAGuk7Vn0b8WXSnDLepARvcwtIHWWnbX2Ca24WiRn8Y1GMnieQWIhOaSNhrlRv2tJ/s320/houston+5.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Check out the Original Windsurfer FaceBook page! Share a picture, declare your love for the sport or just have an Original Windsurfer moment.<br /><br />By the way, there's a few links at the bottom of the "Quotes and Stories" page on the Original Windsurfer website that has a few Windsurfing links to check out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here is the story on the American "Dino" Championships:<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Windsurfer One Design American National Championships (aka: The 12<sup>th</sup> Annual DINO Race) September 26<sup>th</sup>, 2009<o:p></o:p></b><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This grass roots event was organized by the fleet of Windsurfer One Design enthusiasts outside of Houston, Texas and attracted 30 sailors, it took place at Clear Lake Park.<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM7zWQDT0qjFxknunQUEiCuKA98FKnMOqBeI7NJ1M1UKhVEfmAT35jGG9ZXL1xBILsdAlwwNxpM3IUjp5Zv_uvSe0qsbSgcz1eL-ErRB29AsQWwJJdjPCmyPlGWio4HJZY_E6gMIdQEg-/s1600-h/fleet+4+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM7zWQDT0qjFxknunQUEiCuKA98FKnMOqBeI7NJ1M1UKhVEfmAT35jGG9ZXL1xBILsdAlwwNxpM3IUjp5Zv_uvSe0qsbSgcz1eL-ErRB29AsQWwJJdjPCmyPlGWio4HJZY_E6gMIdQEg-/s320/fleet+4+large.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Six races were held in light to moderate winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 30 sailors were divided into three classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starts were alternated and sailors rotated boards each race so each competitor sailed a different board in each race because there were more sailors than boards. A tight start line, a subtle ebb tidal current and slight wind shifts made for tactical sailing conditions for seasoned competitors and pleasurable conditions for the beginner racers.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mP_N5PVmU3g17wLt0Of9LS0UrJY_WGSbn5a6EjZx4aoaewKZ5EpdoAuURnQiaGRSaiM_9x02zFuj-b_89E0sBbaw2FVTGIPp8g9XjLNZxicRSVzDuVCx0rUsWntNXR1y3JF1qCDvoaAx/s1600-h/elena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mP_N5PVmU3g17wLt0Of9LS0UrJY_WGSbn5a6EjZx4aoaewKZ5EpdoAuURnQiaGRSaiM_9x02zFuj-b_89E0sBbaw2FVTGIPp8g9XjLNZxicRSVzDuVCx0rUsWntNXR1y3JF1qCDvoaAx/s320/elena.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The mood of the event was casual and fun, no protests were made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A party barge anchored off the windward mark and stocked with “refreshments” provided front row seats and shade to sailors that were waiting for their next race, and friends and family to heckle at competitors on the racecourse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSrwZeEMTX6lpEcEhVn7FI57bSSPOnRGiM6cHrxTQpOYNbe3EtwFWxFkU3J7YXQkJfJcaF028vw85fj_7S6vB3S33SK-OvlBPdUhVcqxa1L25Mue23-Uvm-pll1ELjeuEL3-LbJLFfk_t/s1600-h/party+barge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSrwZeEMTX6lpEcEhVn7FI57bSSPOnRGiM6cHrxTQpOYNbe3EtwFWxFkU3J7YXQkJfJcaF028vw85fj_7S6vB3S33SK-OvlBPdUhVcqxa1L25Mue23-Uvm-pll1ELjeuEL3-LbJLFfk_t/s320/party+barge.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmwnzA6WR7oEkGljW0nFafS7UsYRhkh7m1EjyfCugNwVyB3Uj4dIq9D-QfAICMFiOViSVbAKYpFGJQmSr2vWtW1QqohsUY-p9ff3JQwIu-mXlbJehvX0MgBmJXBdNgUNcHJxRVQg4EOjO/s1600-h/trphie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmwnzA6WR7oEkGljW0nFafS7UsYRhkh7m1EjyfCugNwVyB3Uj4dIq9D-QfAICMFiOViSVbAKYpFGJQmSr2vWtW1QqohsUY-p9ff3JQwIu-mXlbJehvX0MgBmJXBdNgUNcHJxRVQg4EOjO/s320/trphie.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Also known as the Dinosaur (DINO) Races because the sailors have maintained their Windsurfer One Design races and their original equipment; these enthusiasts have preserved the fun and social aspect of the Windsurfer One Design Class events of the 1970s & 1980s. All the photos on this posting are from the Nationals, photos taken by: Susan Taylor, Hauk Wahl, Chuck Taylor and Brad Bickle.<br /></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-82663738781898767372009-07-10T12:29:00.002-04:002009-07-12T08:03:29.372-04:00La Dolce Vita and Redneck SUP (stand up paddling)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7djiQ2gjAg2HEpDP5ryskIheqsxwmt07-sqMtir1JjEwK79LKkS3vCij4edjbKv-pNyVVbBv7EQjDn8yqlW4H6Mpfx0n3I5TUvljwcryHP5sg5pmQT-6CQZvr8LsbUeKl4nT50hHDuxAy/s1600-h/2009-07-09-DSCF5610redo@5.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7djiQ2gjAg2HEpDP5ryskIheqsxwmt07-sqMtir1JjEwK79LKkS3vCij4edjbKv-pNyVVbBv7EQjDn8yqlW4H6Mpfx0n3I5TUvljwcryHP5sg5pmQT-6CQZvr8LsbUeKl4nT50hHDuxAy/s320/2009-07-09-DSCF5610redo@5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356870716074428578" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;">Summer has finally arrived and my sister and her daughter, Kira, arrived in Northern Michigan for a summer visit with me in Traverse City. To celebrate July 4th we gathered with friends who treated us to a day out on their boat with lamb tacos and wine. We dropped anchor off Power Island and enjoyed the great weather, being together and the freedoms we are so fortunate to enjoy. Later we headed back to the beach to launch our One Design and play some Bocci Ball. There wasn't much wind but I managed to get a little "session" in. Two gal friends were interested in learning to windsurf, so I took them out "tandem" and gave them a taste of what it's all about. They loved it and I think there'll be more lessons this summer. Sharing food, wine and windsurfing with friends, la dolce vita.<div><br /></div><div>A few days later Tara, Kira and I loaded ourselves into our van and drove further into the Great Lakes to visit our folks on Lake Huron. Their place is on an island so they have a small sailboat (called a "JY"), a few old One Designs and a kayak. I've been reading a lot about Stand Up Paddling (SUP) and thought this would be the perfect time and place to try it. The Island is remote and there's no place to rent a SUP. Yesterday it was beautiful & calm so I brought a One Design down to the shoreline and took a paddle from the kayak to do my own Redneck Stand Up Paddle (RSUP) version of SUP. It was a blast! I paddled around Cowen's Island, and because I was standing up I could see the rocks on the bottom and navigate around any shallows. I had the centerboard all the way down so the board was very stable and used my weight to help turn the board. Tara then joined me for a RSUP, this time we went down the Serpent Channel, and we returned later with great full body tans! Kira could tell how much fun we were having so she swam out, knocked me into the water and RSUP'd over to the next island to show the other kids and her friends her new toy. We watched as three young teenagers entertained themselves for hours with one Windsurfer board and a kayak paddle. As the dog ran by chasing squirrels, and hearing the laughter from the kids on the water, it was evident that we were enjoying summer.</div></span>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4479354130880283023.post-52174255885981051292009-04-24T17:28:00.000-04:002009-05-04T11:54:26.824-04:00Telling a Windsurfing tale<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><div><br /></div>by Ted Schweitzer</span></span></span><div><br /></div><div>So I've been recording the history of Windsurfing's first decade. Hoyle & Diane (my folks) didn't want to "look-back" at what they had done, they said that they prefer to live in the "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">present"</span>. And I admire that perspective. But there's also much I don't know about how it all started. I was there and I lived through the history, but as a youth and I wasn't tuned into everything that was going on around me at that time in life. I had questions. And Tara & Matt (my older sister & brother) were no help, they were just as thin on the details as I was.<div><br /></div><div>I guess us 3 kids assumed Diane would write the story because she started the Windsurfer Association, and the association newsletter which eventually turned into WINDSURFING magazine, that then became WINDSURF magazine. She was an english major and has always had a fine way with words. This I thought was her calling, her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">destiny</span>. Well, apparently she felt she had already fulfilled her destiny. A few years back, she declared one evening that she wasn't going to write the story and asked us to stop harassing her about it already. At that moment, you could have heard a pin drop. Wha...wha...what? Not going to tell the story of windsurfing? How they started something completely new, from the ground up. What does she mean that she's not going to share their story on the original Windsurfer, the One Design racing class and the business of manufacturing them throughout the world. This is the history of windsurfing and the story of following your passions, standing firm on what you believe in, while being at the center of the sport. It's also about business, the politics of the Olympics, and yes, patent law/litigation. Not to mention the personal journey of a husband and wife team reflecting on the good, the bad, the ups and the downs. There are experiences, stories and lessons that need to be passed along to future generations. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as I reflected about this, I began to realize that maybe I was wrapped up in the windsurfing years more than they were. Or maybe, I just didn't have all the information to piece together what it all meant. I had bits and pieces. I wanted more, I wanted the entire picture with all the details. I wanted to know everything about the one thing that dominated my life, and our family for some 20 years and beyond.</div><div><br /></div><div>I knew Hoyle & Diane hadn't purged the windsurfing years from their systems. Far from it, I believe they live with it everyday, and that their lives have been hugely defined by those years. In speaking with them about windsurfing, the emotions are detectable, and thoughtfulness is deep. I've often sensed that they've had a hard time forgetting the battles and remembering the victories, but I don't draw judgement. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a percentage, more of my life has revolved around windsurfing and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Original Windsurfer</span> years than my parents. Hoyle and Diane had years of accomplishments before they started to direct their efforts towards windsurfing. They had a life before windsurfing. The same wasn't true for me. From as far back as I can remember, our family life revolved around windsurfing, life was nothing but windsurfing. Everything in my world, and I expect my sister & brother's world too, revolved around windsurfing. That is what was important, dear to my heart, and our family. I never thought our family would revolve around anything else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now some 40 years later, I believe it is important to get all the pieces of the early days of windsurfing put together. To know in more detail and document how windsurfing came together, and to share this history of windsurfing. Also to know our family heritage, especially because I enjoy windsurfing today but it's no longer a symbiotic relationship to our family. And to correct the misinformation that currently exists. I don't believe the story has been told.</div><div><br /></div><div>I should be finishing some of the story in the next few weeks, it will be at OriginalWindsurfer.com and there will be old photos, historical archives, stories and even some Original Windsurfer gear. There are other parts of the story that I haven't finished or even yet started, those will be posted in an on-going basis.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>ow.com followerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14333022858542471537noreply@blogger.com12