The first big swell for ages combined with the first glimpse of sunshine since before the ice age to coincide with the first freewave event of the year - the Cornish Cup. Clyde Waite reports from the depths of the local pasty shop...
If the weather forecasting services were car manufactures then you would step into a Ferarri all excited and full of apprehension, press the pedal and then dissapointedly arrive at your destination 6.5 hours later than planned, and step out of a small pink Reliant Robin with Gaz and Shaz blazened across the windscreen - get my drift! Basically, the epic SW winds that were forecast never materialised. They were replaced by moderate South-easterlies forcing the event to be moved to Marazion.
Reasonably Good Friday
Marazion was a fun place to relocate the event. There were small sideshore waves and most sailors were out on 5.8's whilst the Formula guys were battling away with theirlofty spinnakers.
Unsurprisingly Andy King, fresh from Cape Town, was the first out inspiring (or perhaps intimidating) the many new faces of the twenty strong fleet with his increased repertoire. Soon Jonny "Rock" Hibbard and Terry Luxton followed. Much to my annoyance I was unable to enjoy the conditions because my van doors were conveniently blocked in by several pasty pasty eating tourists.
For two hours many of the new faces relished the chance to sail alongside some of the UK's best in really fun conditions. A bit of wave riding and bit of jumping kept us very happy. But what we really wanted to know was when it was all going to start?
"The pro's on hand did their best to help out and provide some excellent tips"
A Slight Delay
If there is one other thing you should know about many windsurfers, it is the pride they place in their vans. The racers are particular about this. Freewave chairman Trevor Funnnel was in a very laid back mood, and he eventually turned up in his brand new "all the mods" pearl black VW T5 to proudly show off to the racing fleet. Now call me cynical, but I am sure that 10 minutes down the road, but 2 hours previously it was covered in salt and dust. Now it looked as sparkly as your finest Dom Perignon. Obviously there must have been a lot of traffic, well at least the competition could start now.
The marginal conditions called for a freewave expression format to be held where overall impression is the key to the door of success. Many new to competition were busy working out the flag system, heat format and the timing. The pro's on hand did their best to help out and provide some excellent tips on what to do. However despite some very impressive efforts including some really nice wave riding and vulcans from many of the competitors, the established names of Terry Luxton, Andy King, John Hibbard and Clyde Waite made their way to the final, where the wind did its very best to circulate many times as it swung offshore.
The First Final of 2005
A long 8 minute heat made up for the fluky conditions. However, the gusty winds did not prevent the finalists pulling off forwards loops, one footed jumps, spocks, flaka's and lots of 'olde worlde stuff'. Andy King got stuck in a gust and had a flying three minutes linking loads of aerial stuff together.
"Unfotunately the magic gust took him way downwind into the sun where he melted and exploded in a gaseous ball of super fusion."
Conseqently he was never seen by the judges. During the mayhem Terry Luxton nailed a perfect Grubby Diablo right in front of the judges forcing an event win from the grasps of super agent John Hibbard.
Masters, Women, Youths and Juniors
New to Freewave this year is Richard Potter. You may have heard of him from his days in the RYA squad where he was a top IMCO racer, this year he is trying his hand in the youth Freewave fleet. He certainly looked impressive out on the water, but was edged into second by the relatively more experienced Chris Murray, despite pulling off a decent forward loop. Tom Parsons came in third place.
There was only one master, the very disinctive Sav. He completely dominated his fleet of other invisible masters and deservedly took first spot! Well done sir. Sav enjoyed his competition so much that he also decided to enter the ladies fleet! well, that is what it looked like from the pasty shop. Long blonde hair and a Neil Pryde sail that from a distance could be mistaken for the ladies winner Lucy Robson - only his dredlocks gave it away! Boardseeker Magazine columnist Lucy Robson, forgot about her blonde locks, got stuck in and produced the goods to win her first ever event, and very pleased about it she was too. Caroline Radway came in second, but is determined to get her own back at the next event.
The Junior fleet is also looking promising, Graham Woods of Team Airbourne took the honours and notched up another result for the team.
Surfing, Volleyball and More Surfing...
That may have been it for the wind. From then on the long weekend took on a holiday atmosphere with everyone enjoying the quality surf, other beach activites plus the odd pint of Scrumpy in the Bucket of Blood.
Many thanks to GMFCo, Sunset Surf Cafe, Penwith District Council for supporting and organising the event.
|
Main
Page 
