Worthington Race Question

crabbake · Post by **crabbake** » Tue May 02, 2006 3:58 pm

I'm an old (> 35) windsurfer who is a decent intermediate windsurfer. I'm curious about the Worthington windsurfing race but I have no idea what happens at a windsurfing race. I think it might be fun to enter but am worried I'll get in the way since I have no idea about sailing race rules, mediocre equipment, and no race board. I'd hate to fall during a bad jibe and wipe out some guy who had a chance to win the race and was lapping me.

Can anyone describe what happens at a race? How many heats are you in if you enter? Is a 125L board with a 7.5m sail race worthy? Any other useful information is appreciated.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Tue May 02, 2006 6:04 pm

I wouldn't worry about any of the concerns you have, especially for Worthington. It's more of a fun race than anything else, with lots of non-sailing things to do right at the beachfront (music, food, walks along the lake, swim, etc.).

As for the racing:
* People will be totally helpful with the rules, don't be afraid to ask around
* "Race" equipment is not required - just about anything and everything ends up in the local events
* Lots of people are falling in the jibe zones. Just don't fall in front of me (just kidding

)

Without a floaty board as mentioned above - something like your 125L, you can likely still race/play in Worthington. You might consider borrowing a bigger board just for that weekend. your 7.5m is plenty of sail.

It's typically windy or not there, so if it's on you'll be fine with the 125L, if it's off you'll be sitting on the beach basking in the sun like the rest of us.

We'll hope to see you there! More tips from others?

-Coach

- support The House

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Tue May 02, 2006 6:35 pm

There is usually some sort of demo boards available, so if your boards not big enough for the light wind you may be able to try something any way, as Mark said there more than likely will be wind.
Falling at gybe marks is mandatory so if the really good guy lapping you can't plane out of their gybe ,while avoiding you, they don't deserve to win any way. Just don't do what I did one year which was get in the way of the wife at the gybe mark.....misery!. But imagine the feeling when you overtake the good guy because they fell in and you didn't so you overtake them again. ( Don't let them see the surprise on your face)
It's local racing, it's supposed to fun. You're going to screw up, it's what you do while you learn. Once you have learned ,as someone who has raced for more years than I care to remember,I promise you will continue to screw up. The person who screws up the least wins!.
So don't sweat it, worst case scenario you can always buy them a beer at the beer tent, listening to the music, talking about all the things that happened during your days racing. With a silly grin on your face.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Tue May 02, 2006 9:29 pm

"The person who screws up the least wins!"

Ain't that the truth... Amen, brother.

-Coach

crabbake · Post by **crabbake** » Wed May 03, 2006 10:23 am

Thanks for the encouragement. I guess people are just going to have to watch out for me at the gybe mark.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Wed May 03, 2006 10:35 am

Which begs the question, what brand/color sail do you have?

Jeff Hegwer · Post by **Jeff Hegwer** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:55 pm

Greetings
Come on down . There is no event that has a more beginner freindly venue. Our focus has always been on teaching/ training from Into to windsurfing to Start Racing Sport Fleet is For beginner and the Open class has no equipment limitions . There alot of people in the same position. Our Race Committy has a ton of experinceand will take good care of you

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Fri May 05, 2006 7:09 am

Is the kite crew going to show up again this year? I had the time of my life last year at Spirit lake with you guys. My wife is planning to sell her wares agains. Paid for our room and food. Not too big of a haul, but was so much fun.