KA Sail Caloundra Wind & Surf Speed Challenge

Gestalt said...

just got back from burrum. what a great time i had. congrats to everyone that was involved and hope to see you all again next year. it's such an impressive place. 34 competitors on the water blasting down the bank was an impressive site.

cheers also to the sponsors and all of the locals and local businesses that got behind the event. i'll have a full wrap up posted in the next few days once i sort the data and photos out. hopefully the local media will start to show some of the outcomes also. both channel 7 and 9 said they would most likely have their coverage on tonights news. there were a few interviews done and a lot of time spent out on the course shooting footage. i'll try and get copies for viewing.

Hi also to the 3 hervey bay guys,

hopefully next year you guys can once again do the drive from hervey bay up to burrum heads to join in officially.

i wanted to say that i was a little dissapointed to see the posts made on this forum. i felt everything was fully dealt with on the day.

just to clear things up further. i had numerous complaints from competitors regards your sailing on saturday. the issue was that sailing back to the top of the course within 3-4m of those coming down the course was making competitors and organisers very concerned. (as i politely pointed out when i called you in off the course.) i'd also like to point out that at no point did i ask the 3 of you to leave the area, but i did ask that you abide by the same conditions as everyone else.

the particular situation of getting back to the top of the course was dealt with in detail at the briefing along with the expected weather conditions, the extent of the course and what to do if in trouble on the course along with other items.

for the record, i also reminded "competitors" during the event about how to get back to the top of the course and how to leave enough room for those coming down the course.

Again, I reiterated these rules at the briefing on day 2 as these rules are there to protect all sailors.

further more, we also had 2 rescue craft on course, 2-3 spotters with binoculars, contact with MSQ and sign on and sign off procedures, plus we did a full sweep of the course at days end.

unfortunately your posts make it sound as if the event was dissorganised and full of arrogant people. that is so far from the truth.

the event was also a great social event. everyone i spoke with had a great time and made new friends. myself included!

as you guys came to the area in the full knowledge that we were holding a speed competition and sailed within the area that MSQ had given approval to and alongside legitimate competitors, i hope next time you join in the fun officially or at least approach an official to see what the deal is.

coming on seabreeze and complaining isn't really constructive, it only has the potential to hurt the event and spoil it for everyone. i ask that you remember i have never organised a single event to sets out to exclude people. in fact i strive to achieve exactly the opposite.

i also ask if we can just leave it all at that and i really hope you guys do come along next year and join the event. there's plenty for all.