Walvisbay Speedstrip
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One of the longest running Speedsailing events in the world.



2007 WALVISBAY SPEEDWEEK

is over !!

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-- Nautical Mile Attempt --

 

That's it guys, its all over for this year. Unfortunately the wind did not play with us in the last 3 days, so all we did was wait and sit around. The timing team was always on standby waiting for any breeze that would make it worth wile, but that did not materialize.

Thanx for following all the action with us. In a couple of days we will be posting some alternative pics of the event so don't forget is that quick, brows through, and have fun.

Cheers, the speedweek team 2007

 

 

With the Speedweek behind us, and the after effects of the Prize giving slowly wearing of, everybody is analyzing the wind to find out when to hit the nautical mile. Today looks a bit disappointing but that can still change.

Its tuesday and unfortunately the wind is not on our side. It looks much better then yesterday but still not good. We are hoping to get suitable conditions by the end of the day. The course is beeing prepared. Everybody is holding thumbs.

 


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Day 8 --Saturday --


 

Yesterday saw another great day go down at the Walvis Bay speedstrip. Rolf van der Vlugt set a new Dutch kitesurf men record at 39.25 knots.
The forecast for today shows light winds around 20 knots. We are all paused and ready for a final heat if the wind picks up enough.
All the riders are also preparing for the prize giving function which is to be held at 8pm this evening. South African rock act Jesse Jordan will be performing and with many happy riders it is sure to be a party to remember

Sorry for the delay, .... prize giving ...!! Unfortunately the wind did not pick to a constant 20+ knots by 15.00so racing was cancelled for the day. This left more time for prize giving preparations. It turned out to be a very successful evening with the formal preceding's being ended of with the South African Jesse Jordan Band. Competitors and spectators enjoyed the action.

 

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Day 7 --Friday --

 

 

We woke up and it was a bit overcast, ..... cold
It is 11.55 and the sun is coming out, the wind direction is south westish and preparations for the first heat are under way. Although the start will only be around 14.00 competitors are getting ready to kick ass.

It,s 14.20 and the wind is building nicely. Due to the time only one heat will be done which will start at 15.00. Wind currently is measuring up to 22 knots and picking.

With a max of 30 knots we ended of a good day of racing. Predictions for tomorrow look a bit lite but not to light.

 

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Day 6 --Thursday --

 

 

8 National records were broken yesterday in a good 35 knots breeze. The course was a bit square but competitors took that with ease.

Today promises similar conditions with slightly less wind. It is 11.25 and preparations are well under way for the first heat.

13.00 wind is looking good and the angle is better then yesterday, .... wind is already averaging 20 knots and its a go in 30 to 45 minutes. ... we'll keep you posted

It was a good day today with two heats completed, with winds gusting to 32 knots, giving the windsurfers the opportunity to break into 43 knots. The Kiters welcomed the 40s regularly and the competition was cooking.

Results are being checked at the moment and will be up shortly.

 

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Day 5 --Wednesday --

   

 

Yesterday ended of well, ... today, the heat is on. it is 11.55 and the wind is already at 20 knots. Organizers are rushing to have the start early for a possibility of 2 heats. We are expecting 32 knots.

Today was a long day, two heats were completed. A couple of national records might have been thrown. Maximum wind up to 39 knots made some good entertainment with some good wipe outs.
Video checking just completed, but the reports and pictures will only be online tomorrow morning.

 

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Day 4 --Tuesday --


 

After a debated first heat of the event this mornings conditions look very good for a constant fresh breez for a good day of racing. It is 12.25 and already wind direction and strength are perfect. At the moment the first heat of today could commence at 13.30.

14.00 and the thought of wind hasn't arrived yet. .... It seems a bit doubtfull that the wind will be more then yesterday. But hope is high. Wednesdays weather prediction is said to be up to 31 knots. .... but before we look to tomorrow we see what today can still deliver.

Well it seems like 15.30 it is, the breeze freshened up to a good 20 knots and race organization is preparing for the heat. It is a go !!

Racing was rather succsessful today with 25 to 29 knots. Windsurfers men provisinal before video checking
Bjorn in the 41's
Patrick in the 41's

Women and Kiter have to be checked first.

Results and pics will be up later this evening.

 

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Day 3 -- Monday --


 

Its 13.00 now and the wind is taking its time. The area looks good though for some riding later this afternoon. Everybody is anxious to get out on the water after yesterdays warm up session.

14.45 and the wind freshened up to 15 knots, racing will start at about 15.30. Weather is looking like yesterday which will be very promising.

After a longish wait the course was finally opened at about 16.30 with wind skimping around 20 knots, .... it was a tight decision to race or not but ruling confirmed that racing was a go. We are hoping for a bit more breeze tomorrow.

 

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Day 2 -- Sunday --


 

A good strong breeze freshened up to 30 knots at about 16.00. A fun race brought everybody in good spirit with speeds up to 42.4 knots clocked by Patrick Diethelm ITA 120. Spirits are high for tomorrow and everybody is looking forward for a good day of racing tomorrow.

 

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Day 1 -- Registration --

 

Registration started a bit slow today as most competitors only arrived. The wind showed good spirit with a stiff constant breeze giving competitors a good, cold feel for the start of the Event. Registration will continue tomorrow morning then followed by the skippers briefing at 10.00.

 

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