Racing at Poole Windfest

Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) has come on board as a sponsor for the 2011 Windfest to support young local windsurfers and sailors.

With sailing now introduced as a new sport to the already wide portfolio of water-based and beach sports demonstrated at the annual Sandbanks event, PHC is keen to use Windfest as a route to promote safe kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing across Poole’s waters.

Now in its 13th year, Windfest (9th-11th September) will feature a new trophy and prize fund sponsored by Poole Harbour Commissioners to be presented to the best ‘up and coming’ local young windsurfer and sailor who will receive a share of a £1000 fund.

The prize cash will help them towards their goal of becoming a professional. The winning contestants, chosen by a panel of professional judges, will put forward their suggestions as to what they need to improve for the year ahead – this could be anything from a new piece of equipment to professional coaching or dietary, heath or training advice.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners says; “We are pleased to be working with Windfest this year and to support this well established diverse showcase of water and beach sports. It is important that we encourage people to enjoy and use the Harbour safely, especially in this critical period as we fast approach the Olympics in 2012.”

www.windfest.co.uk

Windfest 2010 winners, by Si Crowther

Renowned for its consistent sunshine year on year, the Windfest team are hoping the surf gods will look upon them kindly again for 2011. The annual free watersports and beach festival, held in the second weekend of September at Sandbanks, Poole is due to be another action packed event hosted this year on 9-11 September.

Wowing the crowds last year, the Red Bull Matadors return in 2011 with their three gleaming gravity-defending planes. Tricks and turns with smoke trails and growling engines bring the event to its peak on Sunday afternoon.

Sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen, FCWatersports, and Fruit, the many sports represented include windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding, slacklining, sailing, Frisbee, volleyball, surf ski and sea swimming. Many of these sports will be represented competitively by UK and International professionals and amateurs throughout the weekend and, where possible, free demo or trial sessions will be made available to the visiting public.

With plenty of showing off on the water there is also lots to see and do on dry land. The beach and promenade becomes a showcase of all things relevant to the watersports and beach community, including a Kids Zone to keep the juniors entertained. A dedicated marquee will provide activities, face painting, colouring and even acoustic live music for young families.

UKWA British freestyle returns to showcase some of the UK’s best windsurfers, battling it out to be crowned the champion of this year’s event. The RYA Team 15’s is an opportunity for young people to compete for the South Zone interclub championships, while the ‘Master Blaster’ is fun racing open to anyone who simply wants to have a go!

The usual popular evening events are also ready to go; Friday night’s more formal ‘black tie and board shorts’ charity ball will once again raise money for the Richie Keefe Life and Soul Trust amongst other charities. The Saturday night legendary party will feature the usual selection of live bands, DJ’s, silent disco, and beach bars for the full sandy feet effect.

Gary Willingham, event organiser, says: “As each year goes by we try to up our game and this year is no exception! Windfest has become so established in the annual calendar that we always aim to bring something new to the mix, whilst maintaining its free status making it accessible to all. We’d like to see even more visitors have a go at something this year and perhaps try a sport for the first time or reconnect with an old hobby – there will be lots of free opportunities for them to do so. The hope is they might get hooked!”

Google Windfest for the website and images from past events. The website includes entry forms for competitors and latest news about evening party tickets. Also follow Windfest on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates. Or just click here!

Andy "Bubble" Chambers

On the tour this year we have been watching the development of some fine up and coming freestyle talent like Adam Simms, Will Rogers, Al Bentley and the impressive 14 year old, Oscar Carmichael.

Now comes their long awaited chance to take on the established names like Andy “Bubble” Chambers, Max Rowe, Colin “Whippy Dixon” and Ollie Scott who have just returned from their summer training in Vass.

With the wind forecast looking good for both Saturday and Sunday the action on the water should be fast, furious and exciting for spectators to watch. If you are there on Friday the stars will no doubt also be out tuning kit and practicing their moves ready for the weekend contest.

The Head Judge for this event is the legendary Duncan Coombes and depending on wind direction and conditions he will start competition around 11.00 am on both days, either straight off Sandbanks beach or in Poole Harbour.

More information on the event can be found on the UKWA website, www.ukwindsurfing.com and will be displayed daily on the event noticeboard.

Animal are as always the major sponsor of this event and will be generously providing cash prizes for the pro’s and product prizes for all other fleets.

FC Easter Demo

With the FCWatersports season starting up again after a very cold and windless winter the boys in Poole are kicking things off with a JP / NeilPryde demo over the Easter weekend. They have new 2010 kit for people to take out on the water, and some great deals on ex-demo equipment which will also be available to demo. The venue is to be decided on the day – keep an eye out on Facebook or follow FCWatersports on Twitter for updates. Windy or not it will be a great excuse to catch up and talk windsurfing after a long winter off the water! Or just pop into Fluid Clothing down in Sandbanks to grab yourself some new summer clothing.

Stop Press – the new summer range of Animal Summer Wetsuits will be in by Easter.

]]> http://boards.mpora.com/news/fcwatersports-easter-demo.html/feed 0