Youth Windsurfing:
The Techno 293 Class and Team 15 News
Techno 293 class rigs: The Tushingham TK-68 & TK-78
The Techno 293 has replaced the Aloha as the new international junior & youth racing board and is now the official trainer and feeder for the Olympic class. Whilst the board is a one design, the rig is 'open' with competitors free to choose any rig from the official class approved list. There are two rig sizes; 6.8m for under 14's and 7.8m for racers under 16 years. The rig requirements are fairly broad, the biggest constraint being a class imposed price limit.
Here is the summary of the 2006 Techno 293 Class rules for the rig:
- RIG: must be available at retail, including local taxes for 700 Euros or £500 Sterling
- SAIL: max. 6 battens & 2 cams, no larger than 6.8m
- MAST: must be less than 100% carbon
- BOOM: must be aluminium
7.8m Rig. As above but no larger than 7.8m
Sail registration for 2006 is now complete, a list of approved rigs can be viewed on the class website: techno293.org The list does, of course, include the two Tushingham rigs.
The Techno 293 has the support of the International Windsurfing Association and its member classes Raceboard (IRC) Formula (IFWC) and Funboard (IFCA). Furthermore it is recognised as the 'first step' on the Olympic pathway - supporting the RS-X Olympic class. In the UK alone it is estimated that over 200 youths compete, with greater numbers still in France, Germany and Italy.
The situation in the UK is slightly different because the RYA have decided that all their training and supported squads will use a one design rig selected from the approved list, after trials by their own racers and coaches. This move is designed to provide a level playing field for all young UK sailors, avoiding an expensive 'arms race' and allowing the youngsters to concentrate on the more important aspects of their own performance in their formative years.
We are delighted to announce that the RYA have chosen the Tushingham TK-68 and 78 to be the UK One Design rig for the next few years. More information about the new Youth and Junior pathways can be foung on the UKWA website: http://ukwindsurfing.com/news/2005/1201_rya-youth-and-junior-pathway-announced/
Tushingham TK-68 and TK-78 rigs
Ken Black has spent a long time developing these rigs specifically for use on a Techno 293, with extensive testing in varying wind strengths, even asking our mast manufacturer to produce a special 460 IMCS 23 mast to enhance the pumping and match the characteristics of the board. Both rigs are tuneable, catering for adjustable downhaul and outhaul systems to maximise both wind-range and upwind/downwind performance.
The rules are so simple that most manufacturers have just registered an existing cambered/non cambered sail from their 2006 collection which fits within the rules. However, consider that the Techno 293 will be raced predominantly by smaller sailors in non-planing conditions. Therefore, a standard off-the-shelf 6.5-6.8m sail will be too flat, with a foil that is too open and rigid. We saw a clear need for these new designs, aimed at powering lighter sailors on relatively heavy boards, from 5 to 25 knots.
Specifications & Prices
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| Rig | Supplied Mast | Luff Length | Supplied Boom | Boom Length | Battens | Cams | Rig Price |
| TK-68 | 60% Carbon 460/IMCS 23 | 462cm | HPL Taper 185-235cm | 214cm | 6 | 2 | €700 £500 |
| TK-78 | 75% Carbon 460/IMCS 25 | 485cm | HPL Taper 185-235cm | 225cm | 7 | 2 | €700 £500 |
Placing an order
Both rigs are now in production, with initial deliveries due in to our UK warehouse in the coming months. The rigs and their components must be ordered through a dealer or distributor:
UK Customers: contact your retailer (to find your nearest dealer click here)
Non-UK Customers: contact your national distributor (click here for details)
If your country does not have Tushingham distribution please e-mail windsurfing@tushingham.com and we will try to find the best solution to help you obtain a rig.
We are very confident that the TK68 and TK78 will be the most competitive rig for racing on the Techno 293 in 2006. Demand will be high so contact your dealer quickly to avoid delays in supply!
Techno Class Racing & T-15 News
Not only do we produce the fantastic TK racing sails, we're also Gold Sponsors of Team 15 - the RYA's brilliant initiative for windsurfers under 15 years old and this is our news section dedicated to these areas. If you race in the Techno 293 class or as part of Team 15, send your stories, results and pictures by e-mail to windsurfing@tushingham.com and the best will be posted right here for all to see. Event reports, sailor profiles, club news, location reports and basically anything else that's interesting and related to Techno 293 racing and T-15 windsurfing are welcome.
Tushingham are Gold Sponsors of Team 15 - the RYA's brilliant initiative for windsurfers under 15 years old and this is our dedicated T-15 news page. If you are part of the scheme and have a good story plus digital picture from your club then e-mail it to windsurfing@tushingham.com and the best will be posted right here for all to see. Event reports, sailor profiles, club news, location reports and basically anything else that's interesting and related to T-15 windsurfing are welcome.18/10/06 Tushingham Supports Regional Windsurfing in Norfolk
On Saturday 9th September the award-winning Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre in Norwich hosted the final RYA Team 15 (T15) inter-club windsurfing event for the Eastern Region, supported by Tushingham and the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts.
Teams from across the region did battle on a wonderfully sunny and breezy day, and generated plenty of spectators, from parents to those simply visiting the neighbouring Country Park. The media also made an appearance, doing a photo-shoot for a full-page "Rising Stars" feature on youth windsurfing in the local Eastern Daily Press.
The locals, Norwich Force 8th produced the biggest team, with 10 competitors, along with another good showing from Alton Water Wipeouts. All the other regulars turned up, with Team Jonti, Lakeside Loafers and Wentworth Warriors producing a fantastic spectacle of racing on the water.
Ian Hayward from Alton, looked after the 3.5m and 4.5m fleets, whilst Graham Colam, Regional Team 15 Co-ordinator, took on the 5.5m and 6.8m fleets as well as pulling the whole event (and series) together. Paul Hoey and the crew from Whitlingham provided day-round support and safety boat cover, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. All the fleets also benefited from some coaching, improving techniques from mark-rounding to start sequences. Overall, through the 2006 season we've seen a dramatic improvement in performance from all the teams and the growing numbers taking part are really showing the youth potential from the Eastern Region is worth keeping a close eye on.
Prize-giving took place under the graceful canopy of the new centre. The 3.5m fleet saw newcomer, Bryony Bennett-Lloyd, taking first place, with Connor Jones second and Kate Vavasour (also a newcomer) third. Alton Water Wipeouts dominated the 4.5m class, winning all three prizes, with Tristan Hughes taking first, Joanna Harley second and Rebecca Calder third. There was a close battle between first and second place in the 5.5s, eventually being won by James Tweedle from Team Jonti and Hunt Collings from Force Eighth taking silver. Carl Spence-Jones, arrived late but sailed well to gain 3rd overall. 13 year-old Tom Bennett-Lloyd pulled out the stops to win the 6.8m fleet whilst David Watts held on to 2nd place with Thomas Harley in3rd. Liam Taylor maintained his lead on the 6.8 Technos, and Charlie Sissons took 2nd. Overall, Alton Water Wipeouts won the day, and indeed the series and will now go on to represent the Region at the Champions' Cup at Rutland in October. Norwich Force Eighth were second team on the day and for the series as was the case for Lakeside Loafers in third place, Team Jonti fourth and finally Tallington in fifth.
Everyone went away tired but pleased as punch after superb day's sailing. Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre proved to be a fantastic venue for T15 racing, both for the competitors and spectators. The sport continues to grow in the region and the profile given at this event will promote things further especially with the backing of Tushingham and a solid basis of clubs, coaches and training programmes.
27/07/06 Oxford Zoomers Untouchable!
Oxford Zoomers windsurfing team are on cloud nine after beating other teams from the south at the second round of the Team15 windsurfing competition. The Zoomers bulldozed their way through some testing competition on Saturday 22nd July at Queen Mary Sailing Club in Staines including home team and current champions the notorious Queen Mary Skimmers.
The weekend event was a local heat of the national Team15 initiative set up by the RYA, which seeks to capture the imagination of a whole new generation of water sports and sailing enthusiasts. Regional winners qualify to compete in the T15 Champions Cup where the best of the country compete against each other to be awarded the title ‘National Champion’. RYA windsurfing coaches and talent spotters will have the opportunity to select sailors which have ‘Olympic’ talent at the event with the view of feeding Skandia Team GBR, Brittan’s gold medal winning Olympic sailing team in light of London 2012.
The Zoomers, who are sponsored by Tushingham Sails, add this weekend’s victory to their win last month at round one and look to have a good chance of going all the way representing the at the Champions Cup. Team manager, Richard Beardsley , comments “I’m really pleased with the team this year; they deserve to start winning events now after some good performances in last years competition. The sailors have really stepped up their game which has resulted in some great results. Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going over the next two rounds, we’d be over the moon to compete at the Champions Cup”
Queen Mary Reservoir was a fantastic setting but the weekend thunderstorms certainly made for an interesting event. Conditions started with total flat calm waters but it soon escalated to force 4-5 gusts as the thunder storms passed through. It then dropped right back down again to flat calm in the afternoon as if nothing had ever happened. The sailors were forced to employ some quick thinking to use the wind to their maximum advantage making for some exciting moves.
Determined Megan Hotston-Moore from Beckley, now in her second year of T15, put in some consistently good performances in the 3.5m fleet. Megan, who is 13, came second in her first race and first in the following two winning her self and the Zoomers a well deserved fleet victory. The Hotston-Moores fielded a second competitor older brother Sam who was determined to out do his sister in the 5.5m class but missed out narrowly bringing home a third place, a brilliant result for the family.
Some hard winter training paid off for French youngster Elodie Guest. She won every race of the day in the 4.5m fleet bringing home a well deserved win for the Zoomers. As with the Hotston-Moore family there was brother-sister rivalry here too with Elodies older brother Chris keen not to let his younger sister out do him but unfortunately for the boys Chris could not quite clinch a first in his 6.8m class but took home a not to be sniffed at second place – girl power rules!
In the 5.5m class Zoomers resident super star Matt Burrows upheld his impressive un-beaten record winning all three races of the event. In one of the races Matt was last off the line but still managed to get to the front of the fleet and win the race convincingly demonstrating just how skilful he is. The home team Queen Mary Skimmers only managed to pick up a win in the 6.8m techno class, especially disappointing result on home turf for the defending champions.
Overall event victory was awarded to the Oxford Zoomers placing them top of the leader board by an increasing point margin edging them ever closer to becoming regional champions for the first time ever. The next round is to be held at Calshot Activity Centre in Southampton on Saturday 5th August. One more win and the Zoomers are certain to be regional champions!
27/06/06 Caring for your Tushingham TK 68 and 78 Rig
The Tushingham TK rigs are recognised under the Techno 293 International Class Racing Rules. In the UK the rigs have been nominated by the RYA as the ‘one design’ rig for squad selection and trials. Tushingham Sails have designed a high performance rig that will suit a wide range of sailor size and ability. Particular attention was paid to providing the performance necessary for UK representatives to win on the world stage.
The rig comprises of three components:
1.The Tushingham 6.8m / 7.8m Sail: These sails are specially designed to maximise the performance of the Techno board in the widest of wind ranges. Therefore the sail is constructed of materials that are strong and lightweight, with extra reinforcements in areas of need.
2. The Tushingham mast: The masts are made by the Worlds leading carbon mast manufacturer, equipping sailors at the cutting edge of all race disciplines. The high carbon content allows the rig to be lightweight, with a fast reflex response period that vastly improves the performance and handling of the sail.
3. The Aeron/HPL boom: The boom is of the highest specification built of T8 alloy, ultra strong. The reduced diameter grip reduces the strain on the forearm muscles particularly for younger sailors with a smaller grip.
Adjustable outhaul.
If or when you start competing at a higher level of competition the sail will need to be trimmed on the water. The system allowing you to do this is called THE ADJUSTABLE OUTHAUL. It contains a pulley, cleat and rope. This is available from most windsurfing retailers.
Care
The TK rigs are engineered to perform at the highest levels of racing. To achieve the best possible performance and longevity from your rig it needs to be treated with a high level of care, as would any other piece of high quality, technical sports equipment. e.g. tennis rackets, mountain bikes.
The simple steps outlined below will help you to maximise the performance and lifespan of your rig.
General
Sail setting
Some sailors are using extreme rig settings in the belief that this will improve pumping and light wind performance. We’re talking about the practice of setting the sail with very little downhaul and no outhaul with the result that the sail is extremely full and rounded in the mast area. This may feel powerful but it is not correct and will not give the best performance. A sail needs a good airflow across the windward and leeward sides to work. By setting the sail overfull at the front, the airflow over the leeward side will be compromised. Furthermore, this extreme setting will place undue strain on the rig components and could lead to failure and/or premature wear. Please see the comments about individual rig components below:-
The Mast:
Ø High carbon masts need to be handled carefully – try to use a mast bag for transport and storage.
Ø Dropping the mast onto a hard surface can damage the internal structure of the composite material, this is called carbon concussion. After such a knock there may be no visible damage but it may well have created a weak-spot that may lead to subsequent failure. Don’t do it!
Ø The TK mast is a sophisticated piece of composite engineering. Its construction has been proven over many years experience in the high performance windsurfing market. It may well be a far more technical product than what has been used to date by an emerging young racer. Treat it with respect, exercise reasonable care together with common sense and it will give excellent performance and long service.
The Sail Battens:
Ø Because of the constant extreme flexing and the stresses involved, it must be accepted that battens will have a finite lifespan, much less than the other rig components. A useful analogy is the need to periodically replace the brake blocks on a mountain bike used in harsh conditions. Replacement battens are available at modest cost through Tushingham dealers.
Ø Sailors need to check the two cammed battens periodically and replace them if there is any sign that the tip is starting to fracture.
Ø It’s a good idea to wrap a length of duct tape along the forward section of the batten. This will make removal easier in the event of unexpected breakage and will prevent damage to the sail.
The Sail:
Ø Prolonged exposure to UV light will weaken the monofilm and ultimately cause it to become brittle and crack – Don’t leave your sail frying on the beach all day. Heat is also bad for carbon masts which don’t reflect sunlight well.
Ø Only rig up when you are ready to go sailing and between sessions try to get the sail in the shade, in a rig bag, under a tarpaulin or even standing on it’s edge, in order to reduce exposure to harmful UV.
Ø Always roll your sail carefully and store it in the sail bag. If you need to store the sail on end, then make sure that it rests on the luff tube.
Ø Take care to avoid abrasion damage or any contact that may puncture the sail fabric. Re-enforce any part of the sail that is rubbing on the boom or outhaul cleats by applying some clear self adhesive film (the type of film that is used for stickers) Repair any small cuts or nicks in the same way. Make sure the part of the sail needing attention is clean and dry before repairing and free from salt.
Ø If you can hose the sail with fresh water before de-rigging to remove any sand or salt, this will preserve the sail’s appearance and through sail visibility.
The Boom:
Ø Try to protect the boom wrap (High density EVA foamgrip) from abrasion by placing the rig on soft surfaces. The boom wrap is not tough (in order to keep it soft and grippy) and if it gets scuffed up, there is a greater chance of you developing blisters after prolonged sailing.
Rigging:
Ø Avoid rigging up on concrete or other hard surfaces as this will wear the sail materials and stitching. If you can’t find a suitable soft surface to rig on then you should try to use a tarpaulin (around £5 from Wickes) to protect your sail.
Ø When un rolling the sail and sleeving the mast, handle the sail with care to ensure that the sail does not flap around as this can lead to creasing.
Ø Before sleeving the mast, make sure that it is clean and free of any grit. Similarly, check the luff tube to make sure that there’s no sand in it. This helps to avoid cam wear on the mast. A common cause of grit in the luff tube when sailing on the sea, is dropping your sail in the churned up sandy water that you invariably get close in to the shore – do everything you can to avoid dropping your sail here during launching or recovery. If you do get sand in the luff tube then hosing water through from the head of the sail will clear it.
Ø When sleeving the mast, take care to ensure that the mast joint remains tight and that there is no gap between the top and bottom sections. Check by running your finger down the luff tube after sleeving. To be absolutely certain that the mast stays connected properly you can wrap a bit of electrical tape around the joint.
Ø Set up the whole rig in one go – this helps to balance the loads in the sail and reduce pressure on the battens. i.e. it’s not good to leave a sail rigged without the boom in place and some outhaul tension.
Ø Take care not to overtighten the boom clamp as it can crush the mast sufficiently to break the carbon composite, causing the mast to snap when loaded. If you do find that the boom is slipping try glueing a small piece of thin/soft rubber or foam (thin neoprene, pro grip or bike inner tube is good) to the inside of the boom clamp with impact adhesive.
Ø Do not flick the cams on your rig unless there is proper tension on the downhaul and outhaul.
Ø Make sure to use sufficient downhaul tension, especially in lighter winds. You need to achieve a balance between keeping the lower leech reasonably firm to assist pumping, while at the same time creating an efficient foil that the wind can flow over and create lift. Baggy sails are not usually fast and will reduce the lifespan of your battens.
Ø Do not overighten the screw adjusters on the battens – you only need sufficient tension to remove any vertical creases that show along the length of the batten.
Sailing:
Ø The TK masts are tough, but any mast can be broken in waves – even a very small shore-break. Do everything you can to keep the mast out of the water when launching and recovering.
Ø Assuming that you’ve released your outhaul to go downwind. Before you gybe, make sure to pull the outhaul back on as this helps to reduce stress on the battens as the cams flick round.
Ø Always try to pull your outhaul back on before dropping your rig into the water while resting between races, as once again this helps reduce the stress on your battens.
Ø On the shore between sessions ease the downhaul and outhaul slightly, but do not release the outhaul completely as this places a lot of strain on the battens.
De-rigging:
Ø Don’t leave your sail rigged overnight . Even if the sail is de-tensioned, there are still significant loads on the battens that will reduce their lifespan . Furthermore, the practice of stacking rigs together to prevent them from being blown around during the night quite often leads to other damage.
Ø Try to hose off any sand or salt from the sail before de-rigging as this will help to keep your sail looking good by minimising any cosmetic scratches that can occur when the sail is rolled. If you don’t have a hose, try to let the sail dry in a shady place and then remove any sand with a soft hand brush before packing away.
Ø Try to hose off your boom after sailing in salt water – make sure to remove the extension and rinse out the boom arms. A little squirt of silicon lube or WD40 will then keep everything running smoothly.
Ø When you are unsleeving your mast do everything you can to keep the sail on the ground and not flapping around. In windy/exposed conditions it is helpful to leave some of the mast inside the sleeve as you start to roll the sail. A partner can then pull it out gradually as you continue to roll the sail up.
More Information? Here are some key CONTACTS:
In the UK the RYA/UKWA have set up a support group called the TSG. (Techno Support Group). They hope to answer any questions you have on matters regarding the equipment and the operations of the class. The contact details are: technosupport@ukwindsurfing.com
Updated equipment details (like tuning tips) can be found on both the UKWA site and the Tushingham Website. The UKWA also have a very active intenet forum – check out: www.ukwindsurfing.com
Be sure to view the Tushingham ‘Rig it Right’ DVD with Peter Hart for a good grounding in rigging and sail care together with basic tuning.
27/06/06 Pugneys race report from Coquet
The weekend started off on Friday night with some us camping at the local campsite in Wansbeck and the rest of the team joining us on Saturday, when we all descended on Duridge Bay for a spot of windsurfing (in between the football and the sea mist that very rapidly came upon us). Whilst the big boys were in watching the match we commandeered some of their sails which are much bigger than we are used to, with my brother, myself & Abi taking out a 7.5m!
After a very filling bar-b-q and log fire with toasted marshmallows courtesy of Kate, Matt’s mum and bacon sarnies Sunday morning the team were eager to get to the Bay for the race. We all followed my mum up and parked by the front, with the weather looking pretty good for the day, with sunshine, warmth and light breeze (a bit different to when we stopped at Covenham). This event saw yet again a full team from us the Pirates (plus extra supporters), a full team from Covenham, ,plus Halifax Hurricanes, Coquet Crushers (home team) and Surfstore Allstars). We registered, set up kit and listened ready for the first race. It started off with a combination of the 5.5m & 6.8m fleet (a mega 21 of us) racing a windward course leg which tested some of us. We had Josh in the 6.8m and Chloe, Matt (a move up from the 4.5m for this event), Nick & Abi in the 5.5m.
In the 4.5m fleet they had to do 2 laps round a crosswind figure-of-8 course. Joe who took out a 4.5m sail (instead of the 4.0m which earnt him a 3rd at the 1st event) bettered his consistent third placings from event 1 and took the lead, which he maintained, for the duration of the race. Ellis, Mark and Ryan (who all over the course of the day came 3rd at some point which made all of their days) were constantly chasing his tail, with Hannah (from Covenham) keeping them all in check with consistent 2nd places.
The 3.5m fleet raced across the lake and back, were set a challenge yet again by chasing the Covenham Cyclones. Luke came in 3rd followed closely by Emma in 4th (who christened her brand new Tushingham Dino rig). They were followed closely by Tom (who, along with Joel, Jacob & Nicola only started windsurfing towards the end of last year), Joel, Jacob, Nicola, Kathryn & Kai.
The next few races for the 5.5 and 6.8’s saw a variety of results between the competitors with Nick bringing home a 3rd place in one of the races. In the 4.5’s Joe and Hannah (Cyclones) took another first and second in race 2 with Mark in 4th. In the 3.5m fleet Luke gained his first 2nd place in the event. With the weather holding out it was decided to fit in another couple of races before lunch. The wind began to speed up slightly with a hint of a sea breeze on its way with the positions in the 3.5 & 4.5 fleets staying pretty much the same with Joe holding on to his consistent firsts with Ellis, Ryan and Mark vying for the following positions; and with Emma gained on her 2 4th places to get a 3rd.
During lunch the course was rearranged as the sea breeze was beginning to get stronger. The 6.8 & 5.5 fleets were now split to sail a cross-wind figure-of-8 course and a down-wind slalom course for the 4.5m (which proved a bit of a challneg in the up wind leg of the course, especially when the wind dropped and the direction changed). This resulted in a fair bit of pumping for us in order for us to finish. Again the places between Chloe, Matt, Abi & Nick (who came a great 3rd straight after lunch) continually changing. Josh, not using his Techno this time came in with a brilliant 2nd place after lunch. Chloe took the first Techno prize and a special mention for Abigail who finished a creditable 6th in race 6.
Joe in the 4.5m fleet showed no sign of letting up took another couple of firsts to take 1st place overall ahead of Hannah (Cyclones) in 2nd. Mark yet again took the first Techno prize, with Ellis and Ryan following in 5th & 6th places. A closely fought finish for 3rd place resulted in Luke just beating team mate Emma by 1 point. Followed by Tom, Joel, Jacob, Nicola, Kathryn and Kai.
Once again unfortunately the Covenham Cyclones took the Team prize just ahead of us, Pugneys Pirates. The next event will be held by us at Pugneys Country Park on July 16th with all welcome. Once again thanks to the host club, Coquet, Geoff and team who supplied us with VERY VERY cold drinking water and courtesy of one of the mums some delicious food. Thanks to Dave for organizing the event and all the parents for transporting us and the other teams for taking part.
By Chloe & Joe Bennett
18/05/06 Great Event for Pugneys!
Chloe Bennett reports on an excellent first event of the season for the Pugneys Team 15 team...
On Sunday 14th May, the T15 North Zone had their first event of the 2006 season. It was hosted by Covenham at their sailing club at Covenham Reservoir. The day was just right for windsurfing with good wind and no rain!!! (which held off from the night before). This was Pugneys first ever event and we were blessed with a full team of 15. To that we would like to say thank you to all the parents that transported us there (and those that camped out the previous 2 nights in the wet and the cold so that we could have a pre-event get together also called a bit of team building come socialising come have lots of fun on the camp site!).
Anyway the day kicked off at 11am with teams from Covenham (a full team), Coquet (a lone sailor), North Lincs, Halifax (another lone sailor), us (Pugneys) and Surfstore (another lobe sailor). The 3.5m & 4.5m sailing down one end of the reservoir and the 5.5m & 6.8m sailing down the other. The 3.5m had a course that consisting of sailing round a marker (with Christmas tree but minus presents on board). In this fleet we had some of our new sailors: Nicola, Luke, Tom, Joel plus Kathryn, Emma and Kai who are old hands. These sailors gave it there all even when things got tough and wind changed and board collided they kept going. Joel at one point jumping into rescue another sailor, Nicola who let a fellow team mate Emma get her sail up and go passed when they got knocked by another competitor and Luke who had an emergency trip to the hospital with a sprained arm (yet returned back to cheer on his fellow team mates). They all kept smiling and even after 6 races wanted to carry on for a 7th. With Nicola picking up the coaches award for always smiling the day ended well for the 3.5 fleet.
In the 4.5m fleet we had Ellis, Mark, Ryan as new competitors and Joe and Matthew who have been sailing for a few numbers of years. Completing a figure of 8 course this was a new for Joe and Matthew, who moved up a fleet size. The two of them, kept the fleet going with a steady pace, by staying at the front, with the other 3 following close behind. Yet again through team-manship Ellis who saw a fellow team mate struggling after being hit in the back of the neck by a rig, gave up his place and stayed with his team mate until the safety boat arrived. This fleet finished with Joe gaining a 3rd and Mark with a 1st in the 4.5m Techno.
In the 5.5m fleet, were all old hands Nick, Chloe & Abbi. This was their first season in the larger fleet and despite steady winds they did very well. Nick picked up a 1st in the 5.5m Techno. All members sailed well even though they were racing at the same time as the large 6.8m fleet which was somewhat intimidating with all large sails flying passed, but help keeping us going. In the 6.8m fleet, Josh our lone sailor who picked up a 3rd. Well done.
We would like to say thank you to Covenham who yet again put on a good show and came first (once more) in the team places and nearly swiped the board with the individual places. To David and John for refereeing the event. To all the team who took part. To the coaches for helping all winter and the parents who without this it would not be possible. And to our sponsors Tushingham and Starboard for their support. Looking forward to the next event at Coquet on 11th June.
25/04/06 IMPORTANT: TK CAM MODIFICATION
TK RIGS: Changing the camber inducers
The following simple modification will significantly reduce the cam-wear on the mast that some sailors have been experiencing with their TK rigs.
· With the sail loose and not rigged, use the screw adjuster to de-tension the top camber induced batten (above the boom). Then cut and discard the thin webbing ribbon that holds the cam in position on the front of the batten pocket. This can be accessed through the boom cut-out area of the sleeve.
· Remove the top cam and DISCARD it.
· Note - The replacement top cam will have been radiused along the top and bottom edges, use a half round file to modify the existing lower cam so it looks like the replacement top cam. It does not need to be removed from the luff sleeve to perform this operation.
· Locate the replacement top cam onto the inboard edges of the batten pocket, making sure that the extended edge is facing upwards.
· Re-apply modest batten tension to both the top camber-induced batten. Do not over-tighten; just apply enough to remove vertical wrinkles by the batten pocket.
· Re-rig the sail in the normal way
· It is possible for the cams to rock slightly when the downhaul is adjusted. This can bring the top or bottom cam edges into contact with the mast. To prevent any possible damage to the mast it is essential that the top and bottom edges of the cam are radiused as detailed above.
SAIL CARE:
Please ensure that before every sailing session the luff tube and cams are free of sand or grit, which can lead to premature wear on the mast. Rinse the inside of the sleeve with fresh water when possible.
12/04/06 Techno Camp
The Biggest Windsurfing Racing Camp Ever!!
On a sunny breezy Monday morning on Hayling Island 54 junior techno sailors came together from all over the UK to create the biggest gathering of windsurf sailors on the same kit for a race training camp ever! This wasn’t any normal camp either; apart from being the biggest it also had the youngest group of windsurfers that we had seen, and boasted a considerable increased in standard compared to the last 3 years. This was also boosted by the attendance of the Techno National squad, which included the 2005 Techno World Champion Ali Masters. Also the decision was made to run a qualification series to select a team to attend the French Nationals, which would take place in May.
So with good wind forecast and 10 top quality coaches the scene was set for an excellent 3 day camp. With 10-12 knots blowing in the harbour all 54 sailors (armed with their new one design equipment) hit the water to work on their speed and starts. After a long day on the water and two very exciting qualification races completed they tucked into top quality food provide by Hayling Island Sailing Club. But this wasn’t the end of a very busy day as the topic for the evening was fitness for windsurfing, with sessions run including circuits, rowing, core stability, fitness guidelines and stretching. All very important aspects of becoming a world class windsurfer!
Tuesday saw another sunny breezy day with some really good action on the water, including the youngest sailor Oli Bradley-Baker doing waterstarts in the middle of the harbour at only 9 years old!!!!! Well Done Oli. Also our fast forward expert Ally Yates got out there and showed them how master those foot straps and which was the start of a super successful session.The afternoon brought windier conditions and some really close and exciting racing took place. Some of the highlights were: -
- Chaos at the start! What tide?
- Redmond Scales beating Ali Masters in Race 3 who is still in top form.
- Jacob Brubert from the East Zone coming back through the fleet to take the leader but losing out by just getting beaten to the line by Ali Masters.
- Sailors as young as 9 years old getting round a national size race course. Great Effort.
After another long day the sailors just had time to bandage up their open blisters and get ready for another full evening of fitness.
The Final Day, Wednesday, brought lighter winds and the sun was still shining!! The groups just had time for a quick session to get themselves hyped and ready for the last two races. This was their final chance to put everything they had learnt into practice.
Race 5 kicked off with slightly less chaos (must have learnt something then) with the usual suspects leading the way. We saw another battle at the front with the top 3 changing places at least 3 times, but again Ali came through to take the win from Jacob and Redmond. In race 6 the wind was shifting all over the place which opened it up for Alex Trickle to lead the way. But again the top 3 fought there way through the fleet, with Ali taking the win followed by Jacob and Alex.
The racing highlighted the difference in approach between the national squad sailors and the zone squad, and will no doubt have given the sailors plenty of things to work on prior to commencing the racing season.
With 6 races completed the results looked like this: -
Techno 7.8 1st Ali Masters 5
2nd Jacob Brubert 11
3rd Redmond Scales 12
1st Girl Avril Gibbons 34
Techno 6.8 1st Sam Sills 21 2nd Izzy Hamilton 43 3rd Matt Brown 50 1st Girl Izzy Hamilton 43
The RYA would like to congratulate the following sailors who have been selected to represent RYA Team GBR at the French nationals. They are Ali Masters, Sam Sills, Avril Gibbons, Izzy Hamilton and Dave Woods.
A finally big thanks to shore parents (Nick These, Lesley Milton and Fiona and Paul Forster Davis), Hayling Island Sailing Club and all 10 coaches.
Oli Woodcock RYA BIC Techno 293OD National Coach
21/02/06 HOW TO FIT THE HPL BOOM!!!
TK Tips - We've had a few comments tht the HPL boom supplied with the TK rigs is a bit fiddly to connect to the mast. With the correct technique though, it's a breeze. So here's "How to attach (and remove) the HPL Taper Boom" by Ali Masters
To Attach:
i) Start with the sail starboard side facing up (luff tube on the right as you look up the sail) and minimal luff tension.
You could start with the sail port side facing up, but you would then need to ‘pull up’ rather than ‘push down’ in the action described below.
Tushingham recommends that you use the plastic protector supplied with the TK masts. (the sail and mast protector are not shown in the following photo’s in order to try to make the movements clearer)
ii) Place the boom clamp over the mast, pushing any loose material from the cut-out in the luff tube to one side, so that the mast rests against the two lugs on the sprung jaws section.
Note: It is important to make sure that the clamp lever is closed in order to create the maximum space for the mast to engage against the lugs on the jaws (picture 2)
3. Hold the mast firmly (well away from the clamp mechanism), then smoothly push down on the boom arm so that the lugs on the sprung jaws are stretched open (picture 3). Maintain the continuous, firm downward pressure until the jaws snap round the mast (picture 4). If the mast slips off the lugs, re-set to the start position and repeat.
VERY IMPORTANT: Never ever try to open the sprung jaws with your fingers – they can bite! You must use the mast to stretch the jaws open.
4. Re-open the lever. Attach the inhaul rope and then tighten up the clamp (picture 5). Done - It’s really that easy!
To Remove:
1. Open the lever and disconnect the inhaul rope (picture 6).
2. Place one hand on the mast and the other on the upper boom arm – both about 60cm away from the boom clamp. In a single continuous movement swing the boom end towards the bottom of the sail (picture 7). As you do this the sprung jaws will twist open and snap off the mast. Easy!
All of the above is much simpler to do rather than to read about and I’m sure that once you’ve tried it once then you won’t have any problems. If you’re still not sure then please feel free to ask me or my dad at any of the training or racing events and we’ll try to help you out.
Happy sailing,
Ali
07/02/06 Hythe Hotshots live up to their name!
Team coach Mark Brooks reports on outstanding success last season:
Hythe’s windsurfing heroes ’Hythe Hotshots’ return triumphant from the British ‘Team 15’ Champions Cup. After winning the South East of England regional inter-club championships earlier in the year, Hythe’s elite team of windsurfers travelled to Rutland Water to compete against the best windsurfing teams from England and Scotland. During the Royal Yachting Association’s first national ‘Team 15’ Champions’ Cup event, one hundred of the best junior (under 15) windsurfers completed nine races over two days to find the best team in the country. With the first six places to count and Andrew Petts, one of Hythe’s seven strong team, having to fly out to Cyprus at 5.00am on the Sunday morning, every race was to going to count. A freshening breeze on the first day saw row after row of competitors starting from the shoreline, this favoured Hythe’s sailors whose skills in quick beach starting are regularly challenged by the rough seas. By the end of the first day and six races Hythe Hotshots had taken the competition by storm, clinching 1st position overall, with places in the top three of every fleet. Andrew Petts could leave his team mates knowing he had contributed significantly to their convincing lead, providing an important 3rd position in the toughest 6.6m fleet.
If more than three races (with 3 discards) were run on Sunday, Andrew’s contribution to the team’s success would have been whittled away and the team’s chances greatly diminished. However poor weather on the morning of the second day gave Hythe the break they were looking for. Strong winds eventually blew away the mist leaving time for just 3 races. Sam Latham and William Lama were the first to take advantage, by continuing to dominate the 5.5m fleet, taking 1st and 2nd place in every race. Claudia Carney went from strength to strength, excelling in the stronger winds to finish 3rd girl in the 6.6m fleet. Jack Brooks, twice National Champion at the age of 11, produced a breathtaking performance throughout, leaving the entire fleet of 23 sailors over 200m behind in the final long distance race. The Stuart Hards and Sam Conroy, the newest team members, were to provide the greatest excitement as the battled with each other over nine races dominating the front of the 3.5m fleet, finishing on equal points with the number of 1st places determining Stuart’s 2nd and Sam’s 3rd place overall.
I was extremely impressed by the determination shown by each individual member to give their best performance for the team on the day. To compete against the best teams selected from the nine zones throughout Great Britain was wonderful opportunity for the club. To have won so convincingly was a credit to everyone and to the contribution made by other Hythe team members who were unable to make the event due to prior commitments. “I have been amazed at the team’s progress throughout the year. The Royal Yachting Association’s Team 15 initiative has attracted hundreds of new youngsters into the sport of windsurfing every year over the past four years. This was the first national event to find the best club in the country. I am enormously proud of their achievement and the prestige their talents have brought to Hythe and Saltwood sailing Club.
Find out more about Team 15 at http://www.team15.org.uk
21/07/05 - DINO RIGS
High - performance kids kit - AVAILABLE NOW!!!
The Tushingham Dino continues to be extremely popular at Team 15 clubs all around the country. The sail is produced to the high standards of all the "adult" Tushingham models with excellent fittings and build quality. When combined with the light Dino mast and kids boom the complete rig is absolutely brilliant for youngsters in light winds right up to full planing conditions.
Unlike many "budget" kids rigs, the Dino has been designed with a wide wind range in mind: designer Ken Black has made every model tuneable through downhaul and outhaul. When the wind increases pull on more tension: the sail twists off in the gusts and just keeps working!
More info on the Dino can be found here.
12/04/06 Techno Camp
21/02/06 HOW TO FIT THE HPL BOOM!!!
07/02/06 Hythe Hotshots live up to their name!
21/07/05 - DINO RIGS