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Board storage

Sunday 29th saw an additional work party to do some work for board storage between the containers, many thanks to John Williams, Mick Janman, Kevin Nisbet, Cameron Morrison, David Peek, Jeff Wood & Peter Davis for their efforts in mixing and pouring a lot of concrete.
Dave

Weekend 21/22 Jan 2012

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January saw 6 windsurfers turn up each day, launching from the main beach both days saw the wind swing round making what was good direction then hard work to get back. However on both days saw 30knot speeds, Saturday by Dave Crowhurst and Sunday by Ian Foulds, a positively fast start to the year.

First outing of 2012

Saturday 7th January saw 5 windsurfers turn up for a sail, no chance of launching from the main beach due to the mess there, so the mid point launching area was used, with the wind direction this was the best point anyway to give a good run. A good day was had even though it was a little cold on the hands

Weymouth Speed Week October 2011

The week started with sunshine, but missing any decent wind with only 8 knots even my kit wasn't big enough! Monday however brought good wind and a port course was set along the beach. So starting with a 7.6m sail and 115 board and taking ages to get back to the start after each run I put some decent runs in of 25.94kts ave. over 500m. I then changed down to a 6.4 and 94 board, again some decent runs ave 27.04kts. My best of the day being a run of 27.73kts, (somewhat off the pace as the fastest of the day was 36knots!!). This was the best day of the week, even if it did mean a trip in the rescue boat after a bump on the head and a good bit of blood down the face!!
Tuesday with less wind saw a starboard course set that was difficult to get to the start line, not feeling too great I only did 4 runs during the day on the 7.6 sail and 115 board, with an average of 24.76kts and a fastest run of 24.93kts.
Wednesday, still not feeling right, but in what were lighter winds I rigged the 9.8 and formula board, this very quickly became a handful in the strengthening and shifting winds along the starboard course, calling it a day after 5 runs ave 21.51kts, fastest 23.3kts.
Thursday no winds so I didn't sail, good opportunity for a bit of relaxing and doing some overdue kit maintenance.
Friday was once again lighter winds forecast, strengthening later, well later never came so it was 9.8 and formula kit again all day, again a port run along the shore. 10 runs completed, along with 5 half runs where it was impossible to keep the board planing through the course, and even harder to get back to the start line, ave 21.56kts and fastest run of 22.76kts.
Overall it was a good week albeit frustrating at times, especially not feeling well, however I was pleased that the sailing that I did do was pretty consistent.
Dave C

Weekend July 16/17 2011

Early start on the Saturday as Arthur had to leave late morning for a concert, wind was a bit up and down but 7.5 meter sails and big boards saw some decent runs.
Sunday stared with strong winds which were forecast to drop, so 7.5 m again which was quite a handful at times but generally gave great sailing in the ever shifting winds. Once again Jason topped his best speed, now up to 26.4 knots and Dave put up several good speeds, the fastest being 29.2 kts. With the wind dropping it was time to convert another sailor to the boards with Ben having a go at windsurfing and showing good balance for a first time out.

Kit container

Saturday 23rd saw Mick Janman, Peter Davis (the talkative one!!), John Williams and Dave Crowhurst turn up to sort out the container. Dave and his son colin had finished off the power and lighting to the container so that there is now light. A grand job was done which now sees the end of the continer fully racked for storage of windsurfing kit and clear lines painted on the floor for a keep clear area as the place was a trip hazard nightmare.
Thanks to all for their efforts, now it's time to really go to town on clearing out the unclaimed equipment.
Unidentified sails have been put on the pile of club sails for anyone to use. Also if any of the equipment shown below belongs to you, get in touch and identify it or it will be removed, all equipment in the container MUST be clearly marked and storage fees paid.
Dave

Weekend June 18/19 2011

Very good windy day on Sat when it blew well for 6.4 - 7.5 sails, with some lighter airs which just required a bigger board to keep planing, but only Mick Reeks and Dave out.
Sunday stared slowly but a few people arrived and got out, again the wind came through in fits and starts so either bobbing along or fully powered up and fighting for control. Great weekend.
Jason increased his top speed to 26.2 knots and at one point decided to take up flying, straight towards the bank, maybe that was when he got his top speed, Hee Hee!!!

Tips and Tasters June 4th & 5th

Have to say that Saturday was a really great day with a good turn out of club members, weather was fantastic, if a bit blowy for some, everybody managed to get out on the water (except me) and seemed to enjoy themselves.
Sunday, weather-wise was not so good, little wind, lots of rain and fewer takers, those that did brave the elements, guests of mine, had a great time and would like to thank the club for the opportunity to sail with us, potentially two new members....
I would like to thank the guys for their help and support throughout the weekend (Great to have you back on Sunday Dave) couldn't have managed without you...... "lets do it again
Geoff

Weekend of 28th/29th May

Another windy weekend with 4 out on Saturday for a great session, followed by 9 out on Sunday. Some good speeds were obtained and Jason broke his personal best with 25 knots.

 

30 knots

Finally the 30 knot barrier has been broken, by Mick Reeks on his JP Supersport and 5.7m NP Hellcat, clocking 30.1 knots on his Garmin GPS

Dahab Trip 15-22nd May

Once again a number of members, this year 15, took a trip to Dahab in Egypt for the now regular windsurfing trip. The weather conditions were varied, that is the wind was varied as it was always hot and sunny. This gave everyone from beginner to advanced the opportunity to get out on to the water most days, even some of the long time beginners moved up to improvers this year having been caught out last year by performing tricks they hadn't been taught!!
The varied conditions gave people the opportunity to do other things as well as windsurfing, with the lasers and Dart 15 catamarans being taken out, however I think we left more lasers broken than in working order after our sessions with Mick and Dave both breaking the outhaul pulley at the same gybe mark on one outing, possibly just as well as this meant Mick could assist Jason who took a Dart out single handed in the strengthning winds.
On another day when there was no wind in the afternoon 8 of the group took the bikes & rode to the 'Blue Hole', a famous diving/snorkling spot, for a spot of lunch and then snorkling which was excellent, a round cycle trip of 18 miles which saw a few tired bodies at the end and Clive getting a lift back with a puncture.
By the end of the week sore hands, cut knees and feet and even a bruised ear suggested that there was sufficient wind for everyone.
The Bruno cup this year was a close run thing with a number of people improving and trying out new tricks but in the end it was the newcomer to windsurfing who came good, so Robin took the trophy helped no doubt by telling the outgoing holder that he was trying to catch him in the Laser when he went over at the gybe mark (twice!!) (there you go Mick, a tip...)
Another fantastic holiday with a great group.
Robin Counter, Dave Crowhurst, Peter Davis, Dan Ellis, Phil Fidler, Jason Grafton, Mick Janman, Colin Male, Toby Manktelow, Nick Perriman, Frank Walters, Clive Warner, John Williams, Peter Williams, Bob Wolsenholme.

Free sailing 2nd May

And if the weekend was good, the Bank Holiday Monday was even better..... Although still gusty it was a good bit windier and a good show of faces along the bank, even if a couple of people did have their sensible heads on and didn't go out in the conditions.

Free sailing 30th April / 1st May

Finally with warmer weather and a good bit of wind the numbers of windsurfers along the bank swelled over the weekend, although gusty it was finally time to dust off the smaller kit and get some decent speeds in. Definite need to get more work done on the bank as lack of rigging space with the number of vehicles there.

Tips and Tasters, 4th & 5th June 2011

We will be holding a Windsurfing tips and tasters session over the weekend, please check out the details on the club notice board or on face book.

Tips and Tasters, 11th & 12th September 2010

Windsurfing tips and tasters over the weekend was well attended and well supported by the clubs windsurfers. Saturday was windy and whilst this proved to make things difficult for the inexperienced and new windsurfers, it meant that some good blasting was available for those with more experience, it also ensured that the safety boat was kept well occupied getting people away from the bank.

Sunday was far calmer and there was a larger number of new windsurfers and youngsters on the lake to learn, supported by the experienced windsurfers.

One of the big revelations was the difference that the right kit makes, on that many thanks to Ian for the use of his board, and to Robin for the junior rig.

Messages of thanks came in thick and fast after the event.

My grandaughter, Freya, has asked me to say thank you very much for the taster session she had at the club yesterday. She thoroughly enjoyed it and hopes to do it more. Many thanks, Freya.

Dave, For the web , the tips and taster session run by the boarding division of the club on Sunday the 12th was very much appreciated by all who took part on that day. Many thanks to all who took part and to all those who had the patience to pass on the know how to stand on a piece of fibre glass upright and to make progress up and down the lake. Graham

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for the week end. I enjoyed it a LOT!!! Hope to see you soon. Cheers Claudia

Thank you for the wind surfing tips :) Ross

Just wanted to say thanks very much for last Sunday - our two children both thoroughly enjoyed having a go! You have managed to get our daughter doing something we haven't ie. getting her out on the water in some form or other!! Please keep me posted for any future training sessions. Thanks Sue

Dave, loved it spoke with Ian (brother in law) who gave us the kit he wants to come next time. Robin

2010 09 12 BCSC Tips & Tasters

Tips and Tasters May 29th 2010

Another tips and taster session which went well with a number of different levels turing up and a mix of people from first time on a board to getting onto the plane and into the harness. Whilst the wind did it's best by continually changing in direction and strength everyone did well and enjoyed themselves. A good first outing for some but also a reminder to check kit with 2 broken mast feet during the day. Thanks to Bob, Simon and Dave for the rigging and tips.

Blue Circle Windsurfing' facebook page

Finally the technology is catching up with us and as Clive states "The old bluey boys have been brought into the 21 Century. This technology will confuse some !!!"
Time to join up and join in!

Dahab 2010

Once again a group of members and ex members went away to Dahab in Egypt for a weeks holiday in early May. 19 met up at the airport (well one got there eventually, eh Vic!!), so just as well the plane was late.
The wind blew well for the first few mornings dropping away to very light breeze in the afternoon, then remained variable for the remainder of the week, not the best from the blasting boys, but as a group this meant that everyone had good wind to do what they wanted, so some good progression was made (even if at the prizegiving some of those in the 'beginners' group were noted as not exactly beginners!!). On the non windy days a few got out and did some snorkling either locally or at the famous Blue Hole, or doing some cycling to the local towns. A few good nights out in the local town Masbat, even letting the kids stay out late (well OK they partied, the oldies went to bed!!). Dave got a speed of 33 knots on an Isonic 145 and 7.5 metre Thunderbird.
pictures to follow

11th April 2010

Well, I suppose we got the priorities right, we got the rescue boat out before grabbing cameras to ensure Mick's return to the bank with a broken boom was captured for prosperity.....

Windsurfers launch area

Sat 3rd April saw a very late organsied impromptu work party to carry on the repairs after the promissed wind failed to blow. Thanks to Simon, Bob, Geoff and Matt for responding. Things are looking good.

Sat 27th March saw 15 willing and able bodies turn up for a late organised impromptu work party to do repairs to the windsurfers launch area and shore up the eroding bank. Many thanks to all

Also there but gone before the photo were Kevin, Cameron, Brian & Ian

Wind and Temperatures up at last

Sat 20th March saw the unusual flurry (for this year) of texts flying about asking, anyone out? What time? and as a result 8 turned up to blow away the cobwebs. A very unpredictable wind, but enough to get the yahoo's going on the water again.

First out at the Bluey 2010

Ian, Dave and Jason let the frustrations of not being out all winter get the better and decided the weather was 'acceptable'. So with a good breeze, and sails from 4.2 to 9.8!! off they went to freeze in the 4 degree wind. With Ian and Jason doing launches from the jetty direct onto the boards in their dry suits and pottering about on near the club, Dave blasted up an down to the far corner fully maxed out and getting some good speed for the first day out. But boy was it cold!

Weymouth Speed Week 2009

Brian Warner (Bruno) & Dave Crowhurst took part in the speed week 10th to 16th October at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, unfortunately the wind forecast for the week turned out to be perfectly correct in that Sunday would be the only day with any wind (and I mean ANY!!). A few other members, Geoff and Bev Cooper, Simon Gimbly, Mick Reeks & Bob Wolstenholme all came down and had a sail at the weekend, Phil Fidler came down midweek and not even enough wind for the longboard, still at least it was sunny.
Bruno registered 2 speeds on the 500 metre course, on the Saturday of 6.76 knots & 5.27 knots, reflective of the light winds
Bruno then registered 2 speeds on the Sunday of 21.91 knots & 21.34 knots.
Dave registered 18 runs on the Sunday, ranging from 22.04 knots to 25.67 knots.
Time through the week was spent doing various bits, watching the innovative designs of boats being tried and tested, dragon boat paddle to the harbour wall and back (only 5 miles), paddleboarding, and Bruno spent time doing freestile with a bit of coaching from Ant Baker.
We packed up everything on the Thursday evening, expecting to get away Friday right after the prize giving at midday, only to get to the centre on Friday to a 10 knot wind and people getting their kit together, hard to get your brain in gear to sail when you were just expecting to go home!! Bruno gave it a miss, Dave went out only to find they had set the course WAY upwind, so on a 158 Formula and 9.8 metre sail headed off, only to then catch the fin as the tide was very low. Eventually getting to the course, doing a few runs keeping the adjustable outhaul out to keep the sail powered up (Heath Robinson rules OK (just come and look at it sometime!!)) the wind then dropped and after 4 failed attempts to get plaining before the start line gave up.
3 runs registered between 18.07 and 20.10 knots, considering the winds were a good bit lower than that Dave was quite pleased.
Worst thing of the week is Bruno has lost his yellow hat.......
 

To see all pictures, click on the picture above.

Thanks to Simon and Geoff for the photos

One person we came across at Weymouth was David Tuttlebee who after getting cancer started raising money for Cancer research and rather than doing a different event to raise money decided to do an event in the sport he loves, windsurfing. So what started as an event "SunriseSunset" developed into Windsurfing 4 Cancer Research (W4CR) charity, formed to promote cancer awareness among fellow windsurfers and, through specific projects, raise funds for cancer research, education and support.
More information can be found on the charity website W4CR

Photos 13/09/09

Attached below are photos (both dingy's and windsurfers) uploaded online taken on 13th September 2009.

To see all pictures, click on the picture above.

Tips and Tasters

Dave Crowhurst organised a weekend windsurfing over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
All ages and abilities were catered for and it was particularly good to see some of the younger members of the club trying windsurfing for the first time.
There was a brisk wind on both sailing days which ensured that the rescue boat was kept very busy.
The beginners all managed to get up on the boards and sail for a short time before hitting the water (repeatedly) and, in most cases, having to be towed back to shore.
The intermediate windsurfers were given some useful tips and assistance to help improve their sailing.
It was very good of the experienced windsurfers to give up their time to organise and run the weekend which was greatly enjoyed by everyone.
Vicky Baynard

To Dave and everyone else who helped with the windsurfing
Thank you for the weekend, it was much appreciated. We really enjoyed ourselves even if not many of us could stay on the boards for long.
Once again thank you.
Rebecka David and Cameron

Below are some pictures of those taking part.

To see all pictures, click on the picture above.

Sat 15th August

Finally, a bit of wind at the weekend saw a number of windsurfers get out, even good to see a few dingys out on a Saturday as well. Thanks to Simon for the pictures

To see all images, click on the picture above.

Windsurfers go back to Egypt

This year it was the start of May 2009 that saw a group of members (and ex members) off to Dahab in Egypt for a mainly Windsurfing holiday, with a little bit of Dingy/Catamaran/Snorkling/Cycling, the weather was great again and resulted in some great sailing. Mick Janman came back with the trophy for most improved windsurfer (well & generally fun attitude), amazing for the fact he only gets on a board once a year (so he says!!).
In terms of speed, despite those that think they go quickly, when they are armed with a GPS it tells a different story, so Mick Reeks once again registered the best speed on the holiday, nothing to break records though but 28 knots isn't bad.

To see all images, click on the picture.

Sat 25th April, it must be getting warmer

Despite a wet forecast with light winds, reality was a little different with sun and gusty winds. A good turnout of windsurfers with 14 turning out and a few of the newer faces as well.

To see all images, click on the picture above.

Boys from the Bluey get 'On your bike'

Sunday 19th April saw 6 boys from the Bluey take part in the Gravesend Rotary Club On your Bike 2009 ride.
Split between the 30 & 45 mile all finished and received their coasters for completing the course.
 

To see all images, click on the picture.

Saturday 14th March

Not much wind, but an opportunity to get out... Photo's by Simon.

To see full size images, click on the picture.

Not sure of the dates of the shots, but obviously getting chilly... Thanks to Geoff for the photo's.

To see full size images, click on the picture.

Blasting - Saturday 8th November

Not the strongest of wind, so out came the big boards and sails, even Eddie got on something that doesn't sink immediately! Thanks to Simon for the photo's.

To see full size images, click on the picture.

Mike Fish and Mick Reeks out on 17th August 2008

Windsurfers at various times at BCSC


And because Monique was surprised that her picture of being rescued hadn't appeared.....

To see full size images, click on the picture.

Windsurfers go to Egypt

The start of June 2008 saw a group of members (and ex members) fly off to Dahab in Egypt for a mainly Windsurfing holiday, the weather was great and resulted in some great sailing both on boards and also for those brave enough, on the Darts and Snipes (Dave Jones and Mick Janman will continue to insist that they would've been OK when the club stopped all sailing because it was 'too windy'). John Williams took to the windsurfing and came back with the trophy for most improved windsurfer, something that I'm sure he'll try to keep quiet!
Bruno even got himself in an online article in Boards magazine! Boards Magazine Article
Other trophies earned were Dave Crowhurst, runner up to Bruno, and Mick Reeks who took the 'Rock Hard' trophy for his achievement of over 30 knots!

 

To see full size images, click on the picture.

And although not necessarily at the Lake, here are individuals best recorded.

Here are a few of the speeds registered on the lake, including the kit used
(where known)
Just drop me an email and let me know the details

And although not necessarily at the Lake, here are individuals best recorded.