RRD had a great weekend at the Lancelin Ocean classic continuing to
pick up placings thoughout the range of events from the giant ocean
marathon to the slalom racing and wave events.
In the ocean marathon held in 18 to 24 knots and a rising swell the
competitors found the going very tough. Gear selection was critical as
the wind normally fills in half way down the 25 km race. With many
sailors going too big on sail choice the sailors needed full
concentration and focus to finish the race in one piece.
Local PWA racer Jesper Orth finished in third place of the Elite
division despite boom failure mid way through the race. He was riding
the X-fire 102.
First Junior home was RRD rider Matthew Gwynne in 24th place overall
riding the X-fire 90. This place would have given him 6th in the open
class, not bad for 15 years old.
Third place Junior was another young RRD rider Felix Spencer in 42
place overall riding an X-fire 80 in his first attempt at the famous
ocean race.
Paul from the Australian importers of RRD, 2ndwind Sailboards, (on
track for his best result ever in the top twenty before line failure
caused his retirement) said the feeling amongst those who raced there
own or borrowed an RRD board, was over whelmingly positive about the
X-fire boards in these tough conditons.
He Said " I felt that up until that point the X-fire 90 was the reason
for such a good race due to the unbelievable control this board offers
in the rough broad reaches. Any board control issues were caused not
by the boards mis-behaving but due to poor sail size selection and
being way too overpowered. Even riders on the larger sizes felt the
same way. The comfort was a key factor as the board's speed's are top
level. The fact that Jesper Orth finished 3rd with serious boom
failure shows how easy the X-fires are to sail. He could so easily
have taken 2nd without the problem and in these tough conditions 1st
wasn't out of reach if the leader makes a mistake."
The Slalom event held on the Sunday was held in very good racing
conditions with some very tight competition.
The slalom was won by RRD rider Jesper Orth.
The wave event was completed in 25 knots of wind after the marathon on
the Saturday with waves pumping from head to half mast high. Just the
right conditions for some great moves and solid rides.
RRD riders also featured in the results with Matthew Gwynne taking 2nd
followed by Felix Spencer in 3rd in the Junior class. Matthew was
riding the RRD HC quad and RRD vogue wave sails while Felix was using
the 75 Cult quad.
Alan Gwynne placed 2nd in the Masters riding the RRD 90 twin and Vogue
wave sails.
An RRD board was given away at the prize giving ceremony. This was a
lucky draw for all the non Elite competitors that entered the
marathon, to reward participation in the race by weekend sailors. It
is these sailors that help make the event so good and bring the number
of entrants to around 200 each year.
This year June Hill of Safety bay won an RRD of her choice after her
first attempt in the race.
So overall a great weekend of racing and a successful result for RRD
and a great start to 2011 windsufing.
Attached is a photo of June Hill recieving her prize from Australian
RRD Importer Jez Hammond.
cheers
Paul
2ndwind sailboards
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