The Gritty Truth - Inverloch Windsurfing...

Greetings All,

Welcome to the sixth edition of The Gritty Truth

Winter has been a hoot. I do not know what the rest of you were thinking

wrapped in blankets in front of cosy fires but myself and a few other insane individu-

als took on Huey and the Inlet with vigor at below 10c in winds from 15 – 50 kts.

Brass Monkeys was run and won. Equipment was broken and ditched in man vs

nature. Frost bite was a common complaint but there was a lot of happy smiles

around as a few brave souls fought the elements and had a ball.

The first AGM was held and everyone returned to the fold plus Cara Fenney who is

out to represent our lovely ladies who are 20% of our membership. Welcome

Cara.

The committee has been hard at work planning a calendar full of fun, frivolity and

teaching. A very important event coming up is the World Disabled Sports Day on

Saturday 3rd of December where we will be taking a few disabled people out on

windsurfers.

The committee has also been working at establishing the club’s long term status by

looking at a Code of Conduct, Public Liability Insurance, Affiliation to a national

sporting body, working with kiting organisations using the Inlet and a member’s

handbook. Lots of robust and strong discussion has been taking place. This is great

to see as it will ensure we have a strong and focus outcome.

We have met with Windsurfing Victoria and Parks Victoria on the changes to the

marine law on Port Phillip Bay. The President of Windsurfing Victoria – Stephen

Coward continues to do a great job here of moving this forward. The outcomes

are looking positive but it is still early days.

The Club is here for members to enjoy so get involved and be part of it

I look forward to catching up with all of you on the water soon

Never let a breeze go begging

Doug Hocken

Old Salty

President

Presidents Report

The Official Newsletter of the Inverloch Windsurfing Club Inc

Issue 2 / 2011 Winter

The Gritty Truth

Calendar of Events

November 27th—

Beginners/Intermediate

clinic

December 3rd—

International Disabled

Sports Day

December 18th—

High Tea on the

High Sea

January 7th & 8th—

JP / NP Caravan of

Horror

Inside this issue:

Brass Monkeys

Fundraising 2

Affiliation 4

Club Member Profile 5

Xcite Ride Sunday 6

Inverloch Speed

Invitational 7

Lord Howe Island 9

KA Sails

Sail Repairs 12

WINNER of 2011 Brass Monkey!

Running over Winter, Brass Monkeys is open to members of the Southerly Busters Speed Sailing

Team.

The winner is announced at the end of winter every year, with the formula for calculating the

ratio as follows

PEAK SPEED (in KNOTS) minus AIR TEMP (in ‘C) divided by PEAK WIND SPEED (in KNOTS)

This year, each member played an “away” game and had to sail at a location at least 100 kilome-

tres from the Inlet.

An average of the members “away” ratio and their best local ratio would determine the final re-

sult

Brass Monkeys Scoreboard- 18/08/2011

1st Dan Poynton 2nd Drift 3rd Madventure

4th Old Salty 5th Sav 6th B3

Great effort guys and I hear Simon is already plotting to wrestle the title back in 2012!

Congratulations to Dan Poynton

Club Fund Raising

Ritchies’ IGA

Ritchies’ Community Benefit Card Program

Ritchies' Community Benefit Card Program donates a percentage of the money spent by our members to Inverloch Windsurfing

Club. Would you like Ritchies’ to donate money to us, every time you shop with Ritchies’? Just email me for a pre registered card and

start spending.

You can choose to have a key tag to place upon your key ring or you might prefer the convenience of a Plastic Card to place in

your wallet or purse. You might prefer one of each. Every time you shop you will be asked by one of Ritchies friendly cashiers to

present your Community Benefit Card!

Your card will be scanned at the register, which will automatically allocate 0.5% of the money you spend to your nominated organi-

zation, as long as they are achieving the minimum of $2,000 spent each month.

There are also hundreds of weekly specials that have extra discounts for Ritchies Community Benefit Cardholders. These ‘CB’

specials are clearly marked with red shelf tickets bearing the Community Benefit logo.

Help yourself to savings and help IWC out as you spend.

The Gritty Truth

Last year’s winner Simon

“Moondo” Chambers handing over

the Monkey and trophy to “BMC

2012” Dan Poynton

Rash Vest

This year we are taking orders for long

sleeve rash vests made from premium

Italian Lycra/Nylon that has UV50+ sun

protection and flatlock stiching. Make a

fashion statement on the water this sea-

son and support the club

Club Stickers

Bumper Sticker - Free

Medium Sail sticker $5

Large Sail Sticker $7.50

Club T Shirts We still have a few available at $25 each Sunscreen Products Factor 30 plus sunscreen 100 ml $6.00

After Sun Care Product 125 ml $6.00 Lip Balm 13.5 gm $6.00 Zinc Cream 13.5 gm $7.00

The Gritty Truth

Affiliation and Membership The Club has been successfully operating for the past 3 years, and during this time, we have seen significant growth in both our member-

ship and our position in the Gippsland community. The increase in numbers and the fantastic working relationship with local council and

business entities has come about as a result of the direction the club has been moving in, and the work we have put into the events we

have run. This growth has seen our committee pursue its goal of becoming an established and mature club, while continuing our opera-

tions with a clear focus on the development of the sport, particularly within Gippsland but more broadly within Victoria. Earlier this year

the committee decided to survey our members to get an understanding of what you saw as the important issues that we, as a committee

needed to tackle.

You, the club members strongly advocated that the club should affiliate with a State organisation. The committee requested submissions

from Windsurfing Victoria (WV) and Yachting Victoria (YV) as “due diligence” in the process of deciding what organisation would be bet-

ter suited for the club. We were not alone in researching the best outcomes for affiliation. In our research, we became aware of Bayside

Sailboarders in Queensland who had recently gone down the same path. Their rationale and method of affiliation has given us some direc-

tion in our next steps forward. The committee’s preference was to affiliate with WV, but we feel at this point in time, that it is in our

clubs best interests to affiliate with YV. Please see the following table outlining the major benefits in both proposals.

A major factor in the committee’s decision is the fact that we were not able to locate WV in the Register of State Sporting Associations.

Recognition on the State Register is significantly important. Our committee over the past six months has looked into applying for a num-

ber of grants that would be of great benefit to our membership, including Club Uniform Grants, Local Council Community Grants and

other Sport Development Grants. A requirement for all of these grants is for the organization to be affiliated with a recognized SSA. YV,

being a recognized agency, provides us with the opportunity of significant financial assistance which will further our club’s growth, and as-

sist with the broader development of the sport.

The committee has written to WV outlining why we had decided to proceed with YV’s proposal and that we would give them every op-

portunity to re-submit a proposal in 2012.

The committee sees affiliation with YV as providing major benefits to you our members and as such has decided to charge a membership

fee of $35 per annum effective 1st May 2012. There will be two forms of membership, SOCIAL and FULL.

SOCIAL membership entitles the club member access to our website, facebook page, presidents emails, The Gritty Truth , club merchan-

dise at discounted rates entry to club events at $10 per event unless otherwise stated

FULL membership will entitle club members all of the benefits of social membership plus free entry to club events and 24/7 personal acci-

dent insurance as per the YV insurance policy.

Windsurfing Victoria Affiliation Yachting Victoria Affiliation

Financial cost $2200 p/a

Access to AWA Sail Numbers

Small fee for IWC members to participate in WV

events

Event Public Liability insurance

IWC provided opportunity to list events with WV

in order for its events to qualify for Public Liability Insur-

ance

No Voting rights, unless a member has also pur-

chased a WV membership

WV is not a registered State Sporting Association,

and as such does not receive Australian Sports Commis-

Financial cost $600-$1200 p/a (to be finalized)

24/7 Personal accident insurance to value of

$75,000

No Public Liability Insurance, but IWC is able to

purchase this itself to cover club events

Full voting rights

Registered State Sporting Association with develop-

ment funding available

Established pathway, if required and wanted,

through to Olympic RSX class racing.

Gritty Truth Member Profile John Rohrsheim How did you get into windsurfing?

I did a bit of dinghy sailing growing up and then a high school friend of mine’s family got into windsurfing. They

were generous enough to take me out and lend me some gear while I learned how to sail. Great memories – ten-

nis shoes and chest harness on a Tyronsea 370 (very popular boards at the time).

Describe the first time you planed.

Was at Clayton (Murray Mouth in South Australia) and I had worked my way upwind to get out of the bay near the

caravan park. After a wobbly tack I pointed back to where I’d come and heading downwind I started to plane. Af-

ter railing the board and having a giant stack I learnt to raise the centerboard when heading off downwind and got

totally hooked on the sport.

Best session?

Tough question – Coronation Beach, Greek Islands, Canary Islands… My best sail has to be a day at Sandy Point in

2009. It was the Tuesday following speed fortnight and I was sitting in the office at about 10am getting really an-

noyed that the wind was finally blowing today when I was back at work. I had a meeting scheduled later in the day

so I picked up the phone and rang the guy I was meeting and said ‘Any chance we can talk now?’ Luckily he said yes

and so I had the meeting and then raced to the train, got home and jumped in the car (luckily still full of gear) and

then drove to Sandy Pt. There were only 3 other guys there and the conditions were spot on – 25 knots SW and

low tide. I quicky rigged up and had an absolutely brilliant sail falling just shy of breaking my PB speeds.

Crisis moment, have you ever wanted to give it up?

Usual crisis moments are wind/conditions related. I have a solution though. Buy lots of gear and a car big enough

to fit it all in and then take everything you own with you to avoid disappointment. I see Old Salty seems to have

learnt this lesson.

What plans do you have for your future as a windsurfer?

I’m still really keen to raise my speed sailing PBs in all categories. I’d love to be the first to crack 40 knots on the

inlet (that ought to fire Kato up). That said I’m also keen to do spend a bit of time in the waves – I had a really fun

SUP sail in the waves just recently. My most important plans are to take my 3 young girls for rides and hopefully

get them interested in windsurfing one day. Some of these plans may have to wait a little while as we are heading

to Canada soon for a couple of years. So maybe add ice sailing to that list!!

What attracted you to IWC?

My wife’s family holiday at Phillip Island quite often and so I’d done a bit of sailing at Inverloch as it was the closest

bit of flat water for speed. When I heard of IWC I jumped at the chance to join in as I saw it as a fun environment

for my girls to

give windsurfing

a try in the fu-

ture.

The Gritty Truth

Xcite Ride Sunday


Dotted on windsurfing’s history calendar are some epic events over the years such as Big Saturday when Spotty did 50.1 2 sec

peak at Sandy Point. Well another has been created and will be known by many as Xcite Ride Sunday 9th October 2011.

To understand the creation of this day one must go back 12 months to a point when Luke from SHQ and Doug where much

younger men. They sat and discussed fin options for Doug’s Xcite Ride 2009 120 ltr. At the time Luke answered what he

thought was a simple question but ended up having far greater ramifications. “What do you think the top speed of the Xcite

ride would be?, 30 kts?” Doug asked. Luke mused for a long moment not realising he was sending Doug on a course that

would change history. “Nup not 30 kts” was the answer. From this point on the earth was shaken a few degrees off its axis as

Doug decided to take up the challenge.

Doug went into intense training focusing on the task at hand. He told a select few of his buds the challenge at hand and what

he was going to do to achieve it. A training regime was worked out with the greatest sports medicine/fitness staff from around

the world known to Doug and he immersed himself fully into this campaign to achieve the Holy Grail. As much as time per-

mitted Doug would drive the 1 ½hrs to Inverloch for these intense sessions of eating a sausage roll and drinking a large strong

latte. Doug could see the benefit of this program as his times radically improved and edged closer to the Grail of 30 kts. He

realised his day of reckoning would soon arrive. At night he would dream of the magic 30 appearing on the screen of his GPS,

he wrote on his board 30 kts is achievable and every time he walked to the water’s edge he would ponder is today the day.

Doug sought tips and advice from Spotty, Kato and Red, experienced hands at doing the impossible. They all shook their heads

in disbelief as the challenge was told. They all agreed it would be a tough task for Doug to achieve and he often wondered why

they Teeheed and sniggered so as they walked away.

The day of reckoning arrived, the Inverloch Windsurfing Club’s season opener. The day before, with the usual training run of

Sausage roll and strong latte Doug’s training buds suggested with 5 kts of wind Doug should take a Wally out and practice the

feel of going high speed down the Speed Strip in preparation for Xcite Ride Sunday. This was done over and over again with a

“Going Broad” at the bottom of the run and Doug was pleased with his efforts as an extremely fast speed of 10.1 kts was

achieved. Sunday dawned with a howling wind of 20 kts but the wrong direction. Doug was focused as a cat trying to peel a

banana. He knew today was the day that would change history. He retired to the Bakery and continued his training. As mid-

day arrived he arose from his chair, carefully picked up his belongings and walked out. People turned and watched and Doug

knew what they were thinking – What the hell is Xcite ride Sunday!

Doug arrived at the Angling Club to a mad scene as windsurfers were running about changing down board and sail sizes saying

the change had come through SW and the tide was dropping so the speed strip was coming up. They all commented that

Doug was mad and was headed to doom as he pulled out his trusty Xcite Ride 120 from the van and armed it with a KA Kon-

cept 5.8 mtr and C3 venom 36cm fin. Too big where the cries that Doug ignored as he rigged and tuned his weapon. Armed

and dangerous Doug now knew he needed to focus. He pictured Spotty the day of Big Sunday when he went out and did the

50.1 kt run. Doug strode to the water’s edge with that focus and challenged the wind to punish him today. He waited patient-

ly for the next squall to hit and as people watched a bolt of light hit the water and the clouds parted as Doug climbed aboard

his rocket and steered for the edge of the sand bank. Timing was important as he hooked into the harness line and kicked in

his feet to the straps, decked his blade and pointed the nose of the board to hell. As he rocketed past other windsurfers they

all cheered as they understood how they were standing in history. As Doug was hurtling down the speed strip on his trusty

Xcite ride he realised he had one other plan to execute – Go Broad where the words of Kato echoing in his ears. As he raced

for the end of the strip gliding across the smooth water he went deep and broad. The water was not smooth as he cut an arc

but even as the waves grabbed at Doug’s board he could feel the acceleration and realised Xcite Ride Sunday was now etched

into the history books. As Doug dismounted he glanced down at his GPS screen to see the numbers 30.35 kts burn into his

memory forever and he bowed his head and gave thanks.

To Luke at SHQ, it happened and I hope to continue to repeat it. Right conditions, right mindset and even I could do it!

Thanks for the challenge and the fun it created.

It is a 'speed' that doesn't really seem to be particularly significant by modern day standards, when we are mostly

concerned by the 50 knot barrier. Whilst the world speed record has fallen many times in this modern era of

GPS speed sailing. There is one record that has stood proud, laughing at those trying to challenge it's superiority.

Until now, that is... but more on this later.

This year's Inverloch Speed Invitational was particularly successful, with winds at excellent angles to the speed

course, sand bars and tides cooperating: it was the perfect set up.

IWC events are famed for wild and wacky inventions as well as brib-

ery and corruption of judges. But this was a SPEED event. Speed sail-

ing is like an obsession.

Early on Saturday morning the registered combatants gathered at

registration eyeing each other off and sussing out the competition.

Once it came to rigging and fine tuning of craft it was evident that this

was a serious competition. Fins, and sails were chosen meticulously

for the gusty conditions and it was evident very early that correct

choice of gear for the conditions at hand would be pivotal to overall

standings & results at the end of the day. For some, how they thought

they might break the record I will never know. Still good on them for

trying and putting their lives in the hands of the unknown, as they sort of sped down the speed course with grit-

ted teeth.

The Combatants & Competition

Being the first year of this event, hopes were high but expectations realistic and we were very pleased with a

great turnout. 14 registered participants, not only was windsurfing supremo Craig 'Spotty' Spottiswood present,

but former world record holder Craig 'Kato' Hollins was on hand to offer very much needed advice on how to

go fast. (It is harder than you think you know!). A special mention must also go to West Australian Darryl Grif-

Inverloch Speed Invitational - Event Wrap

The Gritty Truth

fiths for making the trip over for his first ever IWC event. Also present, a great turn out from the

Southerly Busters, the Connewarre Cremasters and another Pit Crew member John Rohrsheim

also made a showing.

The competition was hot on the water with

just 3 knots separating the field, in fact 0.29

kts was the difference between first and

third!!! With the changing tide's current

running at 5-6kts in places a sound strategy

was required to make the most of the con-

ditions on hand.

“Enough already”, I hear you say. Just tell us

the results!!!

Well the conditions as I mentioned earlier

were gusty... wind gusts from 0-5 knots.

Results

1st John Rohrsheim (7.80 knots 5 x 10 average, Gear: 8.5 Koncept and Starboard SUP)

2nd Dan Poynton (7.64 knots 5 x 10 average, Gear Windsurfer One Design)

3rd Craig Spottiswood (7.51 knots 5 x 10 average, Gear 8.5 Koncept and Starboard SUP)

Nearest the Pin winner

Brett Denning: Nominated speed 5.5kts, recorded speed 5.31 kts. Difference: 0.19kts.

And what of the record I mentioned earlier, while yet to be ratified, I am very confident that we

have got this record. Without a doubt this must be the slowest time ever required to win a speed

sailing event, 7.8kts. While we are on the topic another significant event that surely is a first...

Spotty using an 8.5 Koncept, beaten by a windsurfer one design.

In summary a fantastic event that we will definitely run again next year. Many thanks to Dom at

the ITA for his support and the provision of prize money for the event. Our thanks also extend to

the other event sponsors, RPS, SHQ & Ocean Peak for the plethora of prizes that meant, unlike in

Vegas, here at Inverloch everyone leaves a winner, and as always thanks to Jodi – Whitecaps Pho-

tography, for coming down and being our photographer.

For those that complained about my guarantee of wind on the event poster... there was wind, just

not much of it.

Dan

Inverloch Speed Invitational - Event Wrap continued


The dream of every Victorian come these wet, wintry months is to leave the rain-driven

misery behind and be magically transported to a place of warmth, sunshine and the odd cold

beer. A place where shorts are the norm, not the exception; where one can relax away

from the tedium of the usual workday and most importantly go windsurfing.

Well, my dream came true this year, as the tribe and myself jetted off to Lord Howe Island

for 8 days of adventure. Now, we’d heard about Lord Howe before from friends, but it

wasn’t until I discovered there was a “new” windsurfing centre that my interest was truly

peaked and the booking was made. Check out the windsports website at

www.lordhowewindsports.com.au for a complete run down on what’s on offer.

A quick morning flight to Sydney, followed by a 90 minutes trip in a Dash 8 turboprop - the

cause of much excitement for Harry, our 10 year old, whose only flying experiences have

been in the big planes- saw us arriving around 2.30pm LHI (as the locals refer to the place)

time. Meeting us at the small terminal was Gaye, our host, who promptly drove us off to

the Somerset Apartments, where we were to set up camp for the week.

While everything on the island is normally pretty laid-back, our Friday afternoon arrival had

all of the friendly locals advising us to rush down to the bike hire, as it’s closed on Saturday

and the one thing everybody needs on the island is a pushie. At around $50 a week it was a

great way to get around the island, and gave all the kids a chance to escape from parental

oversight and find their own fun. There are very few cars on the island and with a speed

limit of 25kmh, so it was as safe as houses for the bikies. In fact, at times on a downhill run

the bikes were passing the cars!

Saturday morning I met up with Andrew at to “unlock” the windsurfing shed. Coming from

the bush myself, I was very impressed to see that the shed had a similar security regime to

ours at home – under no circumstances do you ever close a padlock, as one day you might

not find the key. There is a distinct air of innocence around the island when it comes to

security, and the windsports shed is no exception. Suffice to say we had the “key” to the

shed for the entire week.

Tim, Tas and Lauren run the windsurfing operation on LHI, and they have done a great job

fitting out the rustic and original 100 year old beach shed. Located just 25 metres from the

water’s edge at high tide, the shed is perfectly positioned and very well equipped. The three

also run the ProDive operation over the warmer months.

With only four of us windsurfing, we had a choice of around 18 JP

boards and a similar number of NP sails. The only item missing was

perhaps a kids rig and board, but Tas noted that would be something

to look into in the future. In our case, we took over our own kids rig,

for Harry, and he just jumped on a 120 Excite Ride. The kit is in very

good condition and I believe is only in its second season of use.

The lagoon itself is around eleven kilometres in length, and about a

kilometre wide from beach to reef - a windsurfing dream run, assum-

ing the wind is coming from the right direction. On the Tuesday be-

fore we our arrival, the airport had been closed to all flights for a sol-

id two days due to high winds, so we were optimistic there might just be enough wind to

Winter Wind at Lord Howe Island

The Gritty Truth

Sue and Harry sailing in

light windFigure 2 - Mt

Lidgbird and Mt Gower in

the background

http://www.lordhowewindsports.com.au

get even my fat bum planing.

For the first few days the wind was a NW, coming around the northern end of the island be-

fore hitting the water. This meant a gust-driven experience, with a lack of consistency. Once

out towards the outer wind line, and on a run, however, the sailing was sensational even with a

gentle wave rolling in from the back of Blackburn Island in the middle of the lagoon.

The more the wind swung to the west, the more consistent the sailing became. By day 3, Tas

had returned from the mainland, where he and wife Lauren had just taken delivery of their first

child. After welcoming him to the “slow lane of life” we went out for a sail, and had a great

time. Of course, his time was somewhat curtailed by nappy duties, but he somehow managed

to get out most days even if only for a short time.

As our week drew to an end the wind swung around to the south

west and the with the wind blowing a consistent 25 knots the sailing

was a real hoot. We had pretty much managed to sail every day bar

one so it was great value for money.

Water temperature was sitting between 18 and 20 degrees for the

entirety of our stay, so I must say that was like a bath compared to

my last sail at Inverloch a month ago. What’s even more impressive

is the clarity of the water, which made for fantastic snorkelling in our downtime

Kiting on the island

Our 16year old son, Jeremy, had launched his kite on day 2, but the wind was not quite strong

enough. Within 10 minutes of his kite being spotted, a local rocked up on his motor scooter

asking, “what’s going on?” and promptly invited Jeremy to kite with the island crew the next

day. Dave’s approach epitomised the friendly and easy going nature of the islanders.

Dave, Jeremy’s new kite buddy and scooter demon, is a local fisherman, and as well as running

fishing charters, operates a fantastic seafood restaurant called Greenbacks with wife Glenys -

but more on that later. Along with Jack Shick, private mountain guide, and Christo, one of the

local rangers, they are the core of a small group of kiters on Lord Howe. While not wishing to

promote the “dark side” of wind sports, the island is an amazing location for kitesurfing. Check

out the following link to see some spectacular footage of kiting on the island. http://

vimeo.com/24150713

What to do:

There is no shortage of activities on the island. While you can “vegg out”, if that’s your prefer-

ence, there are just heaps of alternatives.

Windsurfing to your heart’s content with a great selection of kit. Being able to just walk

back up the beach and change kit depending on conditions just makes sailing all the

more enjoyable

Kitesurfing – contact Dave via Greenback’s on www.fishlordhowe.com.au

After hand feedling 3 kg king fish in the shallows at Ned’s Beach head out for a snorkel with

turtles, moray’s, Galapagos sharks and a wealth of other sealife.

Bush walks abound. From the 8 hour challenge that is Mt Gower



Mt Lidgbird and Mt

Gower in the back-

ground

http://vimeo.com/24150713

http://vimeo.com/24150713

http://www.fishlordhowe.com.au

(guide is compulsory so make sure you recruit Jack Schick) to shorter cliff top walks there is

plenty to choose from.

Pedal around the island and check out the surf at Blinky’s beach.

Get out on a fishing charter with Dave at Greenbacks

Fresh Fish Cooking Masterclass at Greenback’s every Friday afternoon

go diving with Tas and the team at ProDive.

Getting There:

Quick flight to Sydney then 90 minutes aboard a QantasLink flight and

you are on the island. Over the windy months there is usually only one

flight to the island per day.

Best Time of year:

While I have no doubt that LHI would be a stunning place to holiday over summer the windy time is

winter. According to locals June to September are the best months for consistent winds.

Places to Stay:

There is a range of places to stay. We stayed at Somerset Apartments which is located within a 3

minute bike ride of shops and 4 minutes from the windsports shed. While only a couple of places on

the island would be considered 5 star luxury most places to stay are very comfortable. At the end of

the day there is so much to do on the island you’re only spending a small amount of time in your

apartment anyway. Check out the following sites for accommodation options:

www.lordhoweisland.info

Where to eat:

Every night of the week there is a venue with something on. What we found most quaint was aside

from booking early in the day was that your accommodation would drive you to your restaurant and

it was the restaurant’s job to get you home again. If only restaurants here on the mainland were as

civilised. Some of the places we ate at -

The Golf Club – terrific fish and steak dishes with great choice of salads

The Bowls Club – honest fare without being spectacular

Greenbacks – without a doubt this was our favourite. Glenys is a marvellous cook and the fish

pie was to die for. Oh and so were the desserts much to the chagrin of my waistline.

Humpty Micks – just down the road from Somerset. Compulsory beer stop at the end of each

day made it a very popular destination.

Thompson’s General Store - daily ritual was the Mt Gower burger at lunchtime, an old fashioned

burger with the lot, mmmmmm…..

You can also self cater with several general store options on the island

The Final wrap… don’t go to Lord Howe if you’re look-

ing for 30 degree temperatures like in Port Douglas or

Cairns but if you’re looking for a holiday that has some-

thing for the whole family - every day then Lord Howe

must be top of the list. With 3 of our 4 kids in tow for

this trip I can happily say “we’ll be back” for more adven-

ture. A very special place for a family holiday – oh and

great wind and cold beer to top it off!


The Gritty Truth

Harry picking a

board in the

windsports shed

Harry's first dry start, perfect conditions in the morning for kids

http://www.lordhoweisland.info

Editor: Doug Hocken

Advertising : Mick Green

Layout and Publishing :

Louise Hocken

HTTP : //

WWW . INVER LOCH

WINDSURF . ORG . AU

KA SAILS


Just put my knee through my favourite sail. What do you do?

Trash it and buy a new one – damned expensive or get it repaired? Recently I have had an interesting

experience in getting my sail repaired. I had used this business twice before without an issue for replace-

ment of parts of a panel but this one was a foot panel made out of x-ply.

When I picked up the sail the repairer told me he had replaced the x-ply with ” two layers of dacron that

would be equally as good if not better” The price was cheap and I did not question it until I rig it for the

first time. The sail did not look right or have the same power. I took the sail back to the retailer where I

originally purchased it and they took one look at it and shredded it with a pair of scissors and offered me a

great deal on a replacement sail. Had another sail repaired by a recommended Windsurfing Sail repairer

and they replaced torn monofilm with new monofilm and the sail came back to me with all the batterns

removed. Why I asked – “because windsurf sails are made under tension and must be repaired under

tension”

Lesson learnt – Ask Questions

What material are you going to use to repair the sail with?

Do you repair the sail under tension?

If they cannot answer these questions correctly – you are wasting your money!

Sail Repairs

You really need a new sail!...Go on you deserve it!

KA has launched a new website for its' Australian

customers, and they haven't forgotten about the

IWC!

In keeping with their strong support of the Club, KA

is offering 10% off the website price listed at http://

www.aus.kasail.com/

This offer is for all 2011 and earlier stock.

Discounts also apply to the new 2012 range....see

Mick for more info.

The Club generates a small income from these pur-

chases, and all revenue raised goes back into Club

purchases (such as beginner rigs and boards). So

think of your new sail purchase as a community ser-

vice!

In order to take advantage of this fantastic offer,

please contact Mick- 0412 828 748 or email

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

The Gritty Truth - Inverloch Windsurfing...

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