This year's Wally (Windsurfer One Design) nationals are looking pretty damn good. So far, it looks like about 60 sailors have indicated to the class that they are coming. They're coming from Fiji (the legendary Scotty O'Connor), they're coming from WA (Muzza from Esperance). They're coming from the last Olympics (Jessica Crisp and Yngling/Laser sailor-turned-One Design fanatic Krystal Weir) and from the beginner's squads in Sydney.
Word is we could have sailors from Tassy and Olympians from the UK and Norway to join those who are already booked in from Queensland, the ACT, Victoria and WA. It looks like we could have 6 Olympians and a whole bunch of world champs, but the main angle is just about having fun.
The regatta will be held at Port Stephens over January 23 to 26. There are classes for under 13s, under 15s all the way up to over 55s, and a Silver Fleet for the less experienced sailors. If we get enough entries there'll be a sub-class for the original "Classic" Windsurfers with daggerboards and pinhead sails.
The Wally is going great guns in Sydney, with training or racing each day of the week. All up we're getting up to 50+ sailors out over a typical week, and they include lots of new kids. Other One Designs can be found at Parkdale (Melbourne), Wollongong (juniors); Hobart; and Yarrawonga (Juniors).
So if anyone's looking for simple, cheap, no hassle fun with great racing for all ages and standards, get back on your Wally- and bring your kids!
For more info on the nationals grab a brochure at [html]
http://www.lbws.com.au/images/stories/festival/onedesignNationals.pdf[/html]
There's also cut-price rates at the rather nice Salamander Shores hotel just behind the club.
PS - Wallies can't jump (well), but they can still move. The pic was taken at the finish line as Jess Crisp chased national slalom champ Mike Nelson at the last NSW Interclub. Jess caught Mike, but wiped out in a gust 4 feet from the line and ended up finishing 15 seconds later - not bad for an event sailed in 25 knots plus! Overall, in the mixed fleet of Wallies, Raceboards and Slalom boards it looks like Wallies finished 2nd and 3rd on a day when winds gusted 40+. Pic Bud Townsing.
And a gentle carve when it was lighter. Pic Pat Coleman
