Dear Rowers
The SLSA GB Masters Surfboat Championships
2005 took place at Saunton Sands - Nth Devon on 10th September. The
weather was somewhat changeable, with a mixture of warm sun and heavy
downpours which sent everyone running for cover. (At one point the beach
sprint area was completely washed away). The surf was disappointingly small
but clean ~ 1 to 2 foot. The surfboat races were unfortunately omitted from
the program but crews where promised they would be scheduled in at around 2pm.
Once again the Surfboat crews were kept
waiting around all day but eventually got underway as the last event of the
day. By this time it was low tide, no spectators, and the presentation
ceremony had already started.
As expected the entry was far less than we
would normally achieve at UKSRL events. Entry criteria and London's Great
River Race preventing crews attending.
In the Women's Masters Event there was
only one entry: Portreath. This crew completed the course as a warm down to
all the other events and were duly awarded 1st place. SLSA GB Women's
Masters Surfboat Championship 2005: 1st Portreath.
In the Men's, the
start line up consisted of: Portreath, Saunton and Porthtowan. In the first
race, the row out to the cans saw Porthtowan just ahead of Portreath.
But then because of the poorly laid cans, Porthtowan found themselves well
ahead by some distance and won the first race easily. After a quick lane
change they were off again. Once again Porthtowan got into an early lead and
were able to hold on to it to the finish. After 2 races with the same result,
crews conceded and the third race was canceled. Thanks to Doreen Lawrence
~ 1 official who is supportive of SurfBoats!
Overall winners of the SLSA GB Men's
Masters Surfboat Championship 2005 where: 1st Porthtowan, 2nd Portreath, 3rd
Saunton.
Such poor organisation (we even had to bring our own
cans and finish flags again) for so little recognition, it's no wonder crews
are abandoning S.L.S.A Events. I feel a little disappointed that an otherwise superb season has ended in
this the way. I would appeal to SLSA officials to work with the UKSRL to try
to develop Surfboat racing instead of trying to put people off.
rgds
Home About Us
Photos Events
Notices Info'
Join
Links