Windsurfer Australian Championship - Day One
by Mitch Pearson/SurfSailKite 23 Jan 2020 23:43 UTC
Day one of the Windsurfer Class National Titles at the Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club saw strong winds gusting to thirty knots until late into the afternoon. Unfortunately due to safety concerns for the launching of safety and race committee boats racing was postponed for the day.
The day started with a welcoming of the fleet by Commodore Lisa Brock and Windsurfer Class of Australia president Nick Bez. It was noted that Windsurfer One Design is the fastest growing sailing class in Australia. At this event there are sailors from ages 12 to 80, including 21 sailors under 18 years old. This shows the reach of the class with its focus on enjoyment, participation and of course close competitive one design racing.
At the first night feast overlooking the beautiful Seacliff beachfront the recent inductee to the Australian Sailing hall of fame Greg Hyde was made a life member of the windsurfer class. Greg was presented with a signed windsurfer flag with the signatures of all 116 entrants in this years titles.
Nick, and class legend Greg Johns, also gave a brief introduction to the Windsurfer Worlds 2020, to be held at Mounts Bay Sailing Club in Western Australia over the New Year period.