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 Wellington Windsurfing
Association |
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Wellington Windsurfing
Association |
Rob McIntyre, ex of Stunned Mullet and WWA president has shifted to the Wairarapa and would like to have company when he goes wavesailing over on the coast as it's pretty rugged, so contact him at work (06)378-7373 or home (06)304-8220 or call in (49 Humphrey St., Greytown) if you're heading that way. This reminds me of one of my non-events from last season, namely bike over the Rimutuka Incline, camp/sail at Lake Wairarapa or Lake Ferry for the weekend and then bike back to Eastbourne, non-bikers can drive cars with gear, kids etc. Any takers this year?
Brian Scrimshaw (president in absentia) in Hawaii is currently working on his tan and helicopter tacks as he is yet to get on the plane. The most excitement he's had is getting his photo taken holding a boogie board with a large bite taken out of it, the owner has yet to claim it.
Welcome back to windsurfing family John & Sue O'Malley (+3 grommets), hopefully we will see them both on the water this summer.
The WWA has purchased a windsurfing simulator which is designed to teach the basic beginner steps (uphauling, sailing, turning etc.) on dry land. The windsurfer straps on to a cradle which simulates the feel of the floating board (wobbles, turns etc.) and allows the appropriate techniques to be taught and practiced without the need to get wet. The simulator will be available to WWA members for a small fee and will also be available at various events around the region and the WWA "have a go" days. Any schools interested in taking advantage should also get in touch. We don't currently have a windsurfer to go with the simulator so one will need to be found by the user. Contact Dean Dougan who is currently looking after it.
Coming events include the Ditch Derby and the National Slaloms. The Ditch Derby is a fun event for all to have a go, the Nationals is more serious for those at the top, but there's classes for all levels and its a great opportunity to learn from the guns.
The WWA has obtained funding to run a number of other events this season, the Harbour Blast (11-12 Feb.'95) plus the usual range of fun days, women's day, racing and "avagoes". Dates should be set by the next newsletter (hopefully).
Further afield, check out the Sirocco Expression Session (Taranaki- October 21-24, Labour Weekend), this is an all in open contest, no heats no waiting and heaps of spot prozes including a Brand New Sirocco Wave Board, ring (06)7527363 or (06)7527800.
Now don't forget, the National Slalom Championships are at Eastbourne from 8th - 11th December (whadayamean you've never sailed at Eastbourne? Get out there!), ring Dean 2348072 or Rory 5279320 for details. Entry forms at shops soon.
Further ahead is the Southern Lakes Series which offers a mobile feast moving from Lake Dunstan to Queenstown to Lake Hawea (from 28 Dec. to 8 Jan.) For us oldies there's the NZ Masters Games in Wanganui (4-12 Feb.) All these are great opportunities to get a group and do it together, interested? A full calendar of events for all levels is available in the latest edition of N.Z.Windsurfer.
WWA membership renewal is now due, have a look at your address label, if there's an (N) in the corner you need to renew, if you've already paid then don't worry (or contact Bruce to check).
For the long boarders there's regular racing from now on at the Muritai Yacht Club, Eastbourne, contact Richard Lees 4757656.
Late breaking news! Even as I type this the wires are hot with the news...
Mistral announced today that it is buying North sails. "Mistral is an important brand name but we needed more substance. We have an eye open for further acquisitions." said a Mistral official. This includes all world wide manufacturing and distributuion. It will double worldwide sales to over $65 million. Mistral said that the move will also bolster its profile at the 96 Olympics.
I read this off a news feed I have at my desk that picks up german and swiss stories...Thought you would like to know this (Jeff Bunch, jefwndhntr@aol.com)
Commercial break here, still got for sale: 6.0m2 Race, 3.7m2 and 3.2m2 wave sails, 2 masts, booms, bases, 10', 9'3" and 8'3" boards. Any price considered, these are all old and surplus but still quite usable (boards require some attention) ring Bruce 3841213 home, 5690444x4465 at work.
Your gear could be advertised here too, contact Bruce.
Another favourite to look forward to is the WWA AGM (wait, DON'T PANIC!, Brian has volunteered to Preside again but we'll be looking for more committee members), particularly younger types and women. We'll try and make it as social as possible, so come along and share your ideas on what you'd like to get out of the association.
If you get a copy, check out the article on page 16 in the November issue of Windsurfing Magazine. The Board Briefs section features a blurb about the internet mailing list which is where a lot of the overseas content in the newsletter comes from, if someone finds it I'd appreciate a copy as I haven't seen it either (ta, Bruce).
I've been sailing on a "ripped" sail all season. It's a rip in a monofilm panel about an inch from the stitching. I repaired it with 3" wide 3M heavy-duty clear packing tape. You need to be careful to clean the monofilm under the patch with soapy water very well. You can go over a seam, but I don't think it's quite as reliable. TIPS: No sand under the tape , please! Also, every cut edge of the tape must be very neatly cut and as close to the same length as the one adjacent. Neatness counts alot here; uneven edges get pulled off easily. Steps:
(1) on the back side of the rip, place a strip or two to hold the torn edges together perfectly.
(2) on the front side of the rip, lay down overlapping strips parallel to each other, starting below the rip. If you're near a seam, put the strip about a half inch over the seam (you'll trim it later.). Each strip should be longer by about 2 inches than the rip. Cut the ends of each strip carefully with a scissors, remember, sloppy work gets pulled off or rubbed off. Overlap each strip by about 1". Press all the air bubbles our with a towel as you work (very important: if you don't they expand later on in the sun).
(3) Trim the parts near seams parrallel to the seam very carefully with a brand new razor knife. Cut it over the cloth, by about 1/32 inch, and then work the edge under the cloth. Dont cut thru your sail!
(4) Repeat the whole procedure on teh other side of the sail over the rip.
(5) Put the sail in the sun for twenty minutes to get the adhesive sticky and rub it again with the towel and press the edges of your patch down carefully.
My patch has been on one sail for about 100hours of sailing. Periodically check your patch to make sure it hasn't pulled off at the edges. If it has, time to re-do it.
Judy (JFrankli@ix.netcom.com)
That's all folks, time to fire up the presses, contact any of the below for information or if you have any ideas on where the WWA should be heading (constructive ones that is), and remember Look after the environment, you're soaking in it! Bruce
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