First attempt at a session on the eastern course.

Unfortunately the wind wasn't playing ball today and it felt difficult to get any decent speeds. We waited two hours for enough wind to launch and apart from the odd 25-30 knot gust it didn't really kick in until the eastern course was underwater at noon.

Sailing back felt really tough as the wind was gusting 35-40 knots and I was all out of energy. Once back at the beach it was regularly gusting over 40 knots. It often seems to arrive late!

Positives: It was good to be on the water, nice to put a face to a name (David Willows), great to try out the Evo V (super-awesome) and good practice for the next windy day!

All left scratching our heads a bit cos it was so slow, felt like we were sailing against a strong tide. Wind started nuking just after we packed up, still a nice day on the water in the sunshine with the Evo5 crew!

Finally back on the speed board after a year and great to try out the new sails (awesome). Unfortunately the wind was slow to fill in but we got a few runs until the tide really turned against the wind. Not quite the day everyone expected but still good fun and a nice tuning session. Good to catch up with Ian, Mike, Jim and David. As per usual the wind was nuking as soon as the tide came in...haha

The mother of all cockups.  A victim of my own over enthusiasm. Gave 110% effort with 3.40 morning alarm and rigging in the dark...the plan didn't work as the wind didn't play ball, dropping for the time the tide was right.  Spent 2 hours waiting in the cold and when the wind did arrive it wasn't great...my kit was too small and was sailing into the tide.  Was like sailing in treacle!  When the wind was best I realised my bag that was 500m upwind was about to get eaten by the tide so I bailed for the day.  Would probably have got some good speeds on 7.0 & 51 speed but  my hopes were higher...The problem with Southend, you can't change kit...and the dog shit...even had a dog piss on my board.

We learn all the time in this game