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Speed Trial!!!!!!!!!

Do you want to know how fast you can go? Do you want to take the CWC Scottish Speed Event Trophy?

The event will take place on a Windy Sunday in April or early May send you mobile No to speedevent@clyde.nildram.co.uk and I will text you when the event is happening. #

This system could also be used as a text around service to let all other local sailors know where the wind is, all for the price of a 10p text message.

Ceilidh May 2002

Morag and Rowena from Lochwinnoch organise ceilidhs in the village hall every year. The proceeds from the ceilidh go to charities. Well this spring ball proceeds is being split 50/50 between Clyde windsurfing club and the charity Motor Neurone Disease . CWC has a commitment to provide sandwiches and finger snacks. Tickets go early, I could not get any for last years ceilidh one month before the event so book yours early from the Brown Bull, who also run the bar on the night.

Please support the event and enjoy the night.

At a recent meeting with the managers of Muirshiel the following information was passed on.

First bank holiday on May come and try it activity day. We have been asked if we are interested in providing brief taster sessions.

6 May to 16 June Lochwinnoch Musical Festival- Similar to above we have been offered the opportunity to provide taster sessions.

Rowing Regattaon 25th May and 28th September. No access to the water is allowed on these dates.

Weekend of 16 and 23 June Scottish Canoe Polo Championships.

The club passed on our concerns about dog fouling on the rigging up area, which CSL are already looking into under the new management of Terry Robinson.

A new membership band system is in operation with Castle Semple Loch (CSL). Enclosed with this yea s membership card will be a numbered rubber band, which must be worn on the water. The procedure will be to show your membership card at reception, which will allow CSL staff to advise members of anything they should be aware of. E.g. sailing club competition, water quality problem etc. The member m ust then wear the band on their wrist or ankle. All non-band wearers will be identified by Rangers and put off the loch.

Level 1 Courses

Another six participants have completed their level 1 in September with CWC at the loch. See the photos on the clubs web sites.

Winter report

Brrrrrr! Its freezing. Some of the members have been surfing at Troon/ Barrassie most weekends in January and February with an air temperature of around 9 to 13 degrees C. Hard Core!

2002 the year ahead-----

Some thoughts for 2002 are:

Speed event on the loch on a windy April Saturday or Sunday. Barrie and Neil set the format last time but I would imagine it would take the form of sailing between two marks against a stopwatch. To take part in this phone Mike on 01505-843231 wi th your phone number. Mike will then phone back on the morning of the event around 11 am for a 12-30 pm kick off.

(30 knots is going down this year Neil, so you'd better be ready - BIG BAZ)

An introduction to coastal sailing by going to a coastal venue such as Largs, Troon or Barrassie with members that are already sailing there. Phone Mike on the above number to express an interest in this.

World windsurfing championships are at Largs in August.

CWC member Peter Bird will be competing. Everyone at the club wishes Pete every success in the championships.

Stolen

From Castle Semple Loch boat yard October 2001 one Mariner 3.5 hp engine, mainly blue with a white band around the engine, white ish prop If you think you may have spotted the engine please inform Paul Tatner.

Found

One mast foot at Lochwinnoch from October last year. It has BOGLE marked on it. It has a special pin for the mast foot with two notches instead of the normal one. Contact Mike on 01505-843231.

Web site

Our web site designer Barrie is looking for board reports for the site. If you have purchased a new board and have tried it out a few times drop Barrie a quick or drop off a note to any committee member who will pass it on. Come on all you wide style board purchasers dish up the good and bad points as you see it.

UK Beach Report

The west coast beaches faired rather badly in the year 2000. E.g. Troon was 16 out of 55 with a score of 5.5 out of 10. Compare this with Fraserburgh and Aberdour who had 10 out of 10. For the full picture look up Friends of the Earth web site http://www.foe-sco tland.org.uk/nation/beaches2.html

High Tide or Low Tide at Barrassie Have a look at http://www.easytide.com and save yourself a 400-yard hike with 30 kg of gear.

Also do you own a board and just love it or hate it?

Write to us and tell us what you like/dislike about it and we can put it on our website for all to see! I am looking for a nice freestyle/freeride board around 130-140l any recommendations?

Its been another successful year for C.W.C.

Thanks to Alister and his team of instructors, more people have taken to the water. Mike, Anna, and I have managed to pass the level 2 powerboat course (the standard is obviously not very high!) The 2 away weekends were great fun and actually well attended by club members, hopefully next year even more of you will realise what you'r missing out on, and make the party even bigger. Someone please remind me next year not to get so drunk that I nagged Alister into singing for us.-Sorry Alister,-you were great!

Finally, don't forget the 1st Wednesday of every month is C.W.C'S pub night in the Brown Bull, Lochwinnoch, at 8pm.

Diary of a Windsurfers mum. No.2.

This year I have been forced to sleep in the car surrounded by sails, on several occasions, pitch a tent on concrete, in muddy fields, and in all sorts of weather conditions usually wet and windy, and all because some idiot invented windsurfing, and Pete, my son, decided he should be good at it. At last my happy camping days are over- the Bird mobile has arrived. We now have a Mercedes Sprinter van, customised to sleep four in comfort, and take all the kit. The best bit is, that, apart from Pete achieving a great result in Rome 1st-16 junior, 5 th overall, and 1st Brit,- after driving to Rome for the Youth and Masters World Championship there were lots of nooks and crannies for stowing lots and lots of bottles of wine! Pity the World Championship is in Largs next year.

Club Meet at St. Mary\rquote s Loch

Yes, another excellent get together at St. Mary' s Loch, I reckon there was around fourteen CWC members with partners, spouses, sheep etc. at the venue. The following article is by a new member who joined CWC after taking part in one of the level 1 courses at Castle Semple Loch. Over to you Roy! Ed.

St Mary\rquote s Loch \endash CWC Virgin's first racing meet The weekend started so well for me, after that long and pleasant winding road between Moffat and the Tibbie Shields, I started rigging up my tent, I should have known that this wasn't going to bode well, when I had to run after my tent, when it got blown away. This was then followed by quite a few beers and then brandy in Alister's caravan, I was just impressed that I made it back to my tent. Even by my standards I had a lie in, popped my head out of the tent at 10:00, the weather looked promising, the wind seemed to be a steady offshore coming from behind the clubhouse, nothing to worry about, that was the first mistake. After breakfast I rigged up my 5.5 sail, well I'm not very good, so what the hell. Went out for quick potter on the water, and all seemed well, that was the second mistake. After the morning pre-race briefing I set off with everybody thinking that I'd get to the race area, that was my third and final mistake, the winds picked and from all directions. After about an hour long struggle and getting nowhere near the race site, I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and tried to sail back to the club house. Trouble is I got stuck in the middle of the loch with absolutely no idea ho w I was going to get back, that's when I decided to wave for rescue. Getting my sail on the rescue boat was an interesting experience, following a grovelling apology to the rescue guy, I paddled back to shore and safety. At this stage I was feeling quite embarrassed at having been rescued, but I felt so much better at the sight of other windsurfers who were clearly much better than myself being rescued, its good to know it wasn't just me struggling with the St Mary\rquote s loch winds. The rest of the day was spent marvelling at the really good windsurfers making what appeared light work of this dodgy wind, I on the other hand simply didn't have the bottle to get out on the water for the rest of that day, here endeth day one. Well I can't end day one without commenting on the evening's entertainment provided courtesy of Mr McGill, the dude can sing!!!!, followed by relentless efforts to make everybody buy the fundraising CD, helped greatly by Alister's new groupie, she sold 6 CDs at the last count I think. Day two myself and new club member Neil decided against racing, but instead sailed about close to shore, trouble was that wind in that location wasn't up to much, but at least I got to sail for a bit, a massive improvement on the previous day. The moral of this tale of woe, I need more practice at Loch Winnoch. Roy- still a CWC race virgin

Level 1 Courses

Another six participants have completed their level 1 in September with CWC at the loch.

October Brown Bull Pub

Nine windsurfing equivalent of a Littlewood's catalogue. Club member Alan Falconer was making us all jealous as he was heading for El Tur on the Red Sea, for 30 deg C and Force 5 winds, the next day. This guy has definitely got his act together. Hopefully I can coax Alan into a little write up as El Tur is a relatively new resort as far as windsurfing is concerned.

Introductions

In this newsletter are pictures of the CWC spice girls. Presenting Alister McGill as "posh!"(no Vango Force 10 for this man), Robert Grieves as "Scary" and David McKay as "sporty". Neil MacKay ran away before we could get the last spice. On the subject of pictures if you see a dodgy little guy sitting on a canoe or windsurfer and pointing a camera at you in the middle of Castle Semple Loch the deal is that you have to pull off your best trick or gybe round him. All the time give it your best facial. Don't be shy there is no charge and you can get the picture emailed to you if you want. Go for it!

September Conditions

Yes, there has been more decent surfing since the end of August compared to the previous three months. The good conditions have mainly been on the west coast due to the SW to NW wind direction. Keep an eye out for anything from N through E to S for a cracking day at Castle Semple Loch. There have been a few good days in October but most of the winds have been blustery.

Stolen

From Castle Semple Loch boat yard one Mariner 3.5 hp engine, mainly blue with a white band around the engine, white ish prop. If you think you may have spotted the engine please inform Paul Tatner.}

Email change of address The newsletter editor Mike McIntosh\rquote s email address has changed to elaine.mcintosh@talk21.com

If any member is still receiving snail mail (post) and now have access to email please inform Mike McIntosh to save the club money on stamps, envelopes, photocopying and the world' s trees. E

Mail from a CWC course participant-Ed. Hi, My name is Neil and I am a new member of the CWC. I completed the CWC\~RYA level 1 training on 4/5th August' 01.Many thanks to Alister McGill armed with his team of intrepid instructors for introducing me to the sport. I so much enjoyed the experience,that I now the owner of new a Fanatic Viper Board + 5.5 Sail, and have beenon the water whenever I can just waiting for that moment when I can plane. You may have already seen my dog and I on Alisters Web Page, taken at the RYA1 training.(I'm on the left of the picture) You will often find me at Lochwinnoch either Friday afternoon or and Monday morning. Feel free to come and give me some tips! Anyhow, attached are a few photo's of the RYA level 1 training that took place on 15/16th September' 01. Happy Windsurfing.Feel free to contact me. My number is 07719 289764, E Best Regards, Neil.

Next Years Venues

As you are probably now all aware the club calendar meets are at Lochwinnoch roundabout May and St. Mary's in September. Do any of the members have any other suggestions? Other possibilities are Tighnabruich and Macrahainish. Any comments? Would you go to any of these locations? The actual dates and venues are set at the AGM, which is normally around March but more information next year.

Brown Bull pub meeting on Wed. 4th. July and Wed. 1st August. The Brown Bull, High Street, Lochwinnoch at 8pm. For real ale, wine and Rombouts coffee.

First Club Trip at Loch Lomond 19th /20th May

The best event in the annual calendar made a welcome return this year. A great opportunity for all members, their families and friends to enjoy some not too serious windsurfing, a little socialising and some very serious fires in buckets. (more of this later) This weekend continues to attract a high turnout of old and new faces and a good mix of sailors and non-sailors from both sides of the border. Good breezes on Friday evening were wasted on most arrivals that just wanted a drink and the light winds on Saturday meant 'race you round the Island' was prudently reduced to 'the island and back'.

Andy, one of our English visitors, beat off some serious competition from RYA squad members to win the race. You can spot the squad members because they pump all the way round. The breeze picked up considerably in the late afternoon providing great blasting conditions and contrary to all weather forecasts. Colin was out on the water within 25 minutes of arriving. Paul borrowed a board and didn't come back. (I might have wanted to go out again). Morag and Scott briefly joined us. (and where should the keys have been?) The evening Bar B Q went ahead behind a sheltering wall of cars, ably organised by Neil, who has the honour of being the oldest youth leader to be invited to return to Camp America. You will miss the Scottish summer. (email from website at sandyhillcamp.com)

Anti midge preparations were completely unnecessary (keep in with Alister and Anne Marie because a 36-foot caravan is a lot better than a silly mesh hat.) After a legitimate Bar B Q, we had our usual debate on when is a BAR B Q not a Bar B Q. Camp Management over-ruled us. That's a fire in a bucket. Put it out. I think he was talking to you Jim. We then went into our singsong led by Alister on the guitar, with Jazz singing harmonies. Neil & Andy deferred alcohol for their night sail, (Do not try this at home children.), but I think they made up for it later. 75% rum was involved.

Light winds on Sunday and possibly slightly too much alcohol, (unless you were with young children but don't worry Mike & Elaine, if you do it right they grow up and leave home) led to a slow start on the water on Sunday. The Round the Island Race was held in full and Mark proved that he still has what it takes to win races by romping in ahead of the fleet. We await Kyle's debut with interest. All in all, it was a brilliant weekend with something for every one. Cashel yet again made us all welcome; campers and non-campers. A big thank you to everyone who turned up and to anyone who couldn't manage, we hope to see you next year, Lesley. Wow! Wow! Wow!

The first club trip was like a PWA event and you could hardly see the pebble beach for wall-to-wall sails and boards. There was about fourteen tents one caravan and a few day trippers. There is no doubt by the attendance that the event went down really well and the company was great.

If you have any suggestions for the next trip send them or discuss them with any committee member.

Next Club Trips

1 Elie W/S Festival June 16th/ 17th -great fun, and Guy Cribb will be there, giving lessons at £22-50 per person. The RYA have a detailed information sheet on the event. For more information contact Jane @ RYA Scotland on 0131 317 7388 or email jane@ryascotland.org.uk .

2 St Mary’s Loch near Moffat 1st and 2nd September. Camping on site 100 metres from the Tibbie Shiel Inn. Need more info. Phone a committee member Neil McKay That was probably Neil’s last trip before he embarks on another stint to Camp America (sounds like something out of a marvel comic). The club wishes Neil another successful season and hope he can keep us posted on his activities.

Project Scotland

CWC is a provider of level 1 windsurfing instruction and there are currently six instructors, Susan Forrest, Alister McGill, Mark McGill, Robert Grieves, Paul Tatner and Neil MacKay. Neil will be lost to the USA for the season, which leaves the club with five instructors. There are another five progressing through the steps to level 1.

The four steps are: 1) A recognised and valid First Aid certificate. 2) A Level 2 power-boat course. 3. Level 3 Sailing Ability 4) The level 1 windsurfing instructor course. Unfortunately, three of the above four steps costs a fair bit of money! Why do we need so many instructors! The courses the club runs are two full days over a weekend and require a ratio of 1-2 instructors for 6 students, and a Level 2 Instructor must be on the course at all times. The courses are run quite frequently and the more instructors we have the less it ties up each individual’s weekends. The project (supported by SPORTSCOTLAND) is now in its fourth year (time passes) and many people have started windsurfing through the club's RYA/RTE (recognised teaching establishment).

But where have they gone? - well some have joined, some come from so far away and others you will find at the coast. On reflection, the project has brought a new dimension to the club and growth in membership is forecasted over the next few years. (here's to a bright future) Administration of the project is strictly controlled by the club in accordance with sportscotland guidelines and RTE status. In the current climate there are too many lawyers making a few bob out of litigation and watersports (like any sport) has an element of risk. (but that’s what makes any sport exciting - you could be blinded by a tiddly wink) Sorry lawyers but QC Gordon Jackson from Govan made £290,000 pa off legal aid (mainly about discussing technicalities in a set of rules that they were influential in making in the first place). The club's revenue from the courses, is reinvested in the project and club structure. The club received an initial grant for equipment and wetsuits from sportscotland but as you can imagine this has wear and tear and there is the odd hit for replacement costs.

Due to the vandalism on one of the rescue boats at CSL last year, we are now on the hunt for a club rescue boat - new (if we can attract funding) or 2nd hand. If you spot something suitable, give Alister a phone. (small low sided dory or rib with minimum 10hp engine) If anyone has financial connections or shares with Janneau - Alister has a dream!

Meeting with the Castle Semple Loch Rangers 16th May

Three committee members attended a meeting with the Rangers, which was beneficial to both parties. On the agenda was launching fee/ CWC membership non payment, blue green algae, hire of windsurfing equipment, dog fouling in the rigging area. As of 1st June a new windsurf launch system is in place at Castle Semple as agreed between the rangers and CWC, failure to comply will hurt your pocket.

1 Before getting on the water present your membership card at the reception.

2 Your card will be exchanged for a coloured rubber band ( or the amount of family members for a family membership card) which must be worn on your arm on your wetsuit on the water.

3 If you forget your card, a deposit of 50p or £1-00 as decided by the centre will be taken.

4 If you are not a member a charge of £3-50 will apply (no exceptions and no excuses will be taken)

The rangers will have an up to date list of all members. Therefore the cheque in the post story with no card to support it will not work. The rangers have the powers to deny access or remove from the water non-paying users and these powers will be exercised.

Blue green algae was briefly discussed and the rangers say they are under instructions to close immersion sport hire such as windsurfing if a certain level of algae is exceeded. Hire of windsurfing equipment was raised for the benefit of beginners who had been on the training course, to help them decide whether to invest in their own equipment. The rangers are currently reviewing this situation and may have to offer windsurfing courses in parallel with CWC. CWC welcomed this suggestion and did not view it as a threat to CWC courses.

On the subject of dog fouling in the rigging up area: the rangers are producing signs and are enforcing owners to keep their dogs on a lead, mainly from a safety viewpoint. There is the possibility that a dog running around could knock a child into the water. Owners will be strongly encouraged to bag (sh)it and bin it!

Clyde Muirshiel Park Regional Authority will investigate the web cam situation and the timing is quite good as they are currently rebuilding their site.

Eco Update

It’s official Saltcoats is Scotland’s worst beach and failed to meet mandatory EU standards in seven out of 20 samples and received a score of 1.2 out of a possible 10.

It was followed by Ettrick bay near Rothesay with 3.2 points, Cruden Bay near Peterhead with four points and South Beach in Ayr with 4.2 points.

Ref: FoE on bacteria levels as sampled by SEPA.

Blue Flag beach status was achieved by Elie, St Andrews, Aberdour and Burntisland. Well done Fife.

Show the country the way.

Buying a new windsurfer, how not to do it!

Background: Bron is a mother of three from the South Coast of England the oldest kid has recently become a teenager. Bron’s husband Robert is a very understanding Scotsman who let Bron toddle off to Hurghada for a windsurfing holiday while he held the fort at home with the kids (definitely deserves the father of the year award). Bron is sub 5 foot but is a giant as far as attitude and commitment is concerned. At the time of sending the following email Bron was applying for a job as a writer with windsurf magazine. Hope you enjoy the story. “In Trouble Again” And to add further problems, am in the doghouse at home! Met my buddy at the beach on Friday, no wind, so a cooked breakfast and on to check out Andy Biggs windsurfing shop and ask about Kitesurfing lessons. Blow me ... on a shelf 'out back' of the shop....... a used Starboard wave ..... only got it down to look at..... (Paul by this time is getting very edgy, he didn't want Robert accusing him of being a 'corrupting influence'). Anyway, fell in love with it straight away..... (last years model), almost unmarked, bright green , 72 litres, (three quarters the volume of Carve "tomato") 249 cms long ( ten cms shorter than tomato) and 52 wide. It is so cute , it was begging, " take me home and love me" well women fall for lines like this, so I did ! It weighs next to nothing, will jump really high...... so his name is Frog .

Nightmare on the way home as I envisaged Roberts reaction. Paul had lent me board straps to put Tomato on the car roof, and frog was hiding deep in the boot/footwell area. I knew the neighbours would 'split' on me, so I had this plan to get it in to the house under the cover of the travel blanket. Visualising a dash through the front door, like a suspect 'boardophile' in police custody !! Then hide it in loft. Got home with 20 minutes to spare before picking up the kids from school (just enough time for the plan to work ). Open front door and .... blow .... HE WAS WORKING AT HOME !! Quick shove it back in the car !! Think,think .... leave it in the car and the kids tell on me, 'little darlings', another reason to have stayed a virgin !. If I put it in the garage, Robert would see it before I had a chance to own up. Contemplated friends who had garages to hide him in/ could trust/ on the school run.. ok none . The reason Robert working at home ?.... "bad day at the office, getting nothing done, behind schedule, car problems etc etc" so the VERY WORST DAY to say...."I've just bought another board" and now there is only FIVE MINUTES until school run ......Glance across at my computer wondering if I have an emailed interview date yet and spot a favourite motivator..... Let us never negotiate out of fear, Let us never fear to negotiate. John F Kennedy

OK men on to plan B, unarmed combat !! "Robert if I had done something bad would you prefer me to deceive you or own up?" So... Divorce proceedings start next week...but Frog stays, so far I've only adjusted the foot straps and stroked him but he looks like he'll be a brilliant 'on the waves' and I'm dying of lust !!

Best wishes Bron All at CWC wish freelance writer Bronwen Johnson at Windsurf Magazine every success with the writing career and all those sail tests in tropical climates. Grrrrrrrrrrr!

First Aid Course

Nine members of CWC attended an emergency first aid course in May and even passed. Thanks to Mr Rooney for putting up with us and adding a lot of humour to a serious subject. So don’t drown on the loch or else we will have to administer the kiss of life and Mark McGill’s party piece is breaking the dummy’s neck. You have been warned! So what is all this first aid about?? (Is it just armless fun with a plastic dummy? An excuse for those who are in desperate need for a social life? And who was it who nearly failed because they got there tongue stuck in the dummy?

See Project Scotland above). June Bored’s Magazine On test widestyle, short-boards 112 litres to 191 litres and 8.5 m sails. Technique: Beach start, one handed forward, back and push loops.

STOP PRESS!!

CASTLE SEMPLE LOCH IS FILLING UP!

It’s true the level is slowly but surely rising. The rangers have put a painted level gauge near the jetty. It is now at 0.6 metres but really needs to be about 0.8 metres, one metre if you are a techno phobe. Members have been busy over the last month marking hazards in the loch. The hazards have been marked using orange buoyancy markers mainly with FRAGILE tape wrapped around them. The debris they are marking are things like submerged trees with spiky branches or the fin wreckers, 0.5 metre diameter trees which have been sawn but have embedded in the silt. After having seen the water low I would advise members to stay away from the river mouth as it is strewn with tree debris. One more major burst of rain and Castle Semple Loch will again be the venue in an easterly or north wind.

Showin’ Off – the latest RYA Peter Hart windsurfing video If you’re feeling cocky about your skills, or you’d just like to see some ‘impossible’ stunts to spur you to greater heights on the water, you must see what these super stars can achieve ! Me, I’ve seen them and it’s all trick photography – please let it be trick photography. Peter Hart (the guru instructor – how the hell did you get a job like that anyhow ?) assembles a few buddies i.e. Dave White (thunderbolt), Brian Talma (Irie man), Ant Baker (showman), Peter Volwater (skilled or what?), and the delectably talented Karin Jaggi to show you how a life hedonism can simply make you as ‘happy as a pig in truffles’. If you’ve ever seen a description of a ‘Vulcan’ or a ‘Willy Skipper’ in a magazine and thought that it was someone’s idea of a sick joke (why would you try to plane the board on its front anyway?), then you must see these videos. Suffice to say that they are inspiring – you get to see Peter Hart trying to learn a few new tricks himself, so now you don’t feel so bad. Okay, so what? Remember that ‘feely feeling’, get out on the water.

Try a day out at Largs in a Force 5, N-Westerly (Sat 2nd June), bright sunshine, a deficit of skill, lots of enthusiasm, and what have you got? Your nose in truffles for the day and (in my case) a body that needs a good physiotherapist.

For Sale Fanatic Boa 270 cm 95 litres with two fins. £95 Tushingham 7.5 RBL sail £50, 465 cm two piece mast £25 Tel Mike 01505 843231

Beginners equipment 3.3m Bic210s £100, Sea Bright boom £15, Dolphin Sail 5.6 sq m £20, Mast and mast-foot £15, Typhoon wetsuit 5’10” £25, Gaastra Speed Lite Harness £15, wetsuit boots size 8 £12, harness lines £8. Phone Jean Wishart on 01505 842944

Mistral Explosion 280 cm Contact Susan Forrest

Headlines March 2001

. DIARY OF A WINDSURFERS MUM.No.1.

The racing season is underway, and total lunacy has settled upon the household once again. When I’m not yelling at the kids to pack the trailer or car, the kids are yelling at me, the dog, cats, Wilf, and each other about who has hidden their most vital piece of rope, UJ, board or sail etc. Sounds familiar? I had a short reprieve when the Foot and Mouth cancelled the first two races of the season, not that I would wish F and M on anyone, but it was nice to have an extra couple of lazy weekends. Last weekend was a relatively local event – Llandudno! We had a lovely seaside weekend enjoying torrential rain, freezing cold, hail stones and even a wee bit of snow. Anna only managed one race, and then sensibly retired, due to sore ears and a temperature. Pete, armed with his new adjustable downhaul and outhaul (now allowed on Aloha) redeemed the awful weekend by finishing 1st.

This weekend Pete and I are off to Holland for the first of this years North Sea Cup events. I am actually looking forward to it, having never been to Holland before, I just hope the weather will be kind to me. Unfortunately, Anna, has to stay at home to study for her Highers, and Wilf drew the short (or was it long!) straw, and has to stay at home with her. Watch this space to hear how we got on.

E-mail/ Internet

Sorry folks but from here on in more and more computer jargon.

Virtual windsurfing support Wouldn't a web site where you could check the wind speed and air temperature at Castle Semple be a huge benefit to windsurfers, rowers, canoeists and dinghy sailors. It would save individuals a lot of frustration and expense travelling to an unsuitable venue. We are currently investigating of progressing this idea. To see what is involved check out the web cam at Largs

. Feeling adventurous? Perhaps you’d like to try out some new windsurfing sites, but you’re not sure where to go, or what you’ll find when you get there?

Well, in that case you’ll be interested in Alan Pattison's site at (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/windsurfing/) This is very good and has recently got better with the addition of a link to a map site facility to help you find the locations (quite handy if you need a map image for any other purpose too). Basically, the site lists Scottish windsurfing locations, giving a personal view of their merits and disadvantages for: parking, rigging, facilities, wind directions, inconspicuous hazards, etc. Maybe you could add some additional sites, or extra information, which would probably be gratefully received. Barrie, here’s your big chance to put Langbank on the list (oops, sorry the secret’s out now). I found the site some time ago, but then lost the url, which took me an age to find again. To save you this hassle, its been added to Barrie’s excellent Clyde Windsurfing Club site which I hope you’re all visiting regularly.

Happy surfing! Paul Tatner.

Training Courses

Memberships are now due for Y2001/ training courses 01505 502507 Mike McIntosh: The telephone number on the membership card is wrong it should be 01505- 843231

Training Courses- Level 1-Tell your friends contact Alister McGill on 01505 502507

Access STOP PRESS!

Castle Semple loch car park was opened for windsurfing from 5th May. Zero foot and mouth for early June say the experts. An old sage tells me that May is the windy month at the loch; I must say that every day at 8 am and at 5 pm when I turn the corner at Lochlip road I glance on to the water and also check my trusted tree bend indicator. To date we haven’t missed much, it has been either too cold or not enough for a 10 sq m on a Bic Techno to get going. Okay, lets say foot and mouth is behind us now and not a constraint, then the following events are taking place on Castle Semple Loch:

Scottish Canoe Polo Championships- 30th June/ 1st July

Murray Foundation- 21st July The music festival programmed for 25th to 28th May is going ahead at the football park playing fields and not on the loch as originally planned.

Other venues worth thinking about with no real access problems:

Largs- Good in a SW and NW, shaded by Cumbrae in a westerly (but avoid in an Easterly unless you're sure you know what you're doing).

Barrassie- Good in a W or NW or if it is a ripping SW.

Troon- Good in a S or SW. Local knowledge is required for Troon and Barrassie so catch up with someone who has been before or else it may cost you £40 for a new fin.

Time for a new wetsuit?

Now that the warmer weather has arrived (!?) ….. perhaps not, but its that time when you’re getting the gear together and squeezing back into the old steamer. Maybe it’s a bit tighter than last year, obviously due to a storage problem causing some shrinkage! Perhaps its just got more patches than a tramp’s trousers? Anyhow, if you’re thinking of a replacement wetsuit you might like to check out a new firm in Glasgow, Lomo (Error! Bookmark not defined.) for some bargain deals. I’ve no idea of the quality of these suits, but the prices are most appealing e.g. 5mm chest/back, smooth skin, fine mesh neoprene, titanium lined, 4mm neoprene 2 legs and arms (I guess you could get 3 legs, 2 arms, or any other combination if you have a problem with this – second thoughts, the 2 legs and arms probably refer to full length as opposed to a ‘shortie’), glued and double blind stitched for £75! If its your peripherals that are feeling the chill, then £15 for a semi-dry hood or £9 for neoprene socks may fit the bill? There are kids’ wetsuits for £35. The info on the 5x4mm suit is not on the web as it’s under development - and if you're wondering, I've no financial stakes in the company. Check out the website for a limited range of other products – they are just starting out in business. We could arrange for an inspection night, perhaps on the first Wednesday of the month pub night?? (E.g. June). Let me know if you are interested in this suggestion, by email or phone 01505 347719.

Paul Tatner.

Video Diary Smile and watch the birdie.

If you see a camera or video then go for it! The intention is to produce a club Y2001 video diary. Nope, you won’t be caught with your pants down but you might be caught flying through the air.

Clips and photographs to Mike McIntosh.

Eco update

The UK has again been branded the dirty man of Europe even although Germany and France failed to submit their statistics. This is still not very good for an advanced industrial nation. Consider the local areas that we sail on. The Lochwinnoch sewage treatment plant performs reasonably well with the solids removed from the site by lorry for other means of disposal. The whole equation falls apart in storm flood conditions. Ask any dedicated loch surfer about the slick, the smell and the sanitary waste meandering down the loch. Oh what a pity the treatment plant is not located at the loch exit as the River Calder, the source of Castle Semple Loch is a beautiful river with a pure peat source affected at only a few distinct points with discharges.

Stevenson Sewage Treatment Works has rough screening and then pumped out to sea. This means in a NW Barrassie is the targeted landing spot. Auberry Crescent in Largs is another unlikely source of rough screening (no chemical treatment or processing) therefore beware in a NW especially if you are sailing off Auberry Crescent. I make no apologies for writing about the water quality problems, as it is always better to be aware of the conditions we are exposed to. It may give pressure groups the opportunity to exert influence on the appropriate powers that be. There was a series of water user groups meetings on the potential upgrade of a new plant in Largs. Unfortunately I am not aware of how this is progressing. If any reader has more information on any of the above please contact Mike. Holiday Vaccinations. This is a good time of year to think about you holiday vaccinations. You should all be covered by Diphtheria/Tetanus and Polio, which last for 10 years and form part of our British vaccination schedule.

Also I would recommend you get Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Most countries now recommend these, but even for windsurfing in our often-polluted waters, it makes good sense. The typhoid/hep.A vaccination comes as a combined jag. The typhoid part lasts for 3 years, and the hep A part lasts for a year, -or you can have a booster for this 6-12mths following the initial dose, and this will then give you 10 years immunity. Ask your G.P or Practice nurse for more information.

Members Travels.

April in Italy (Lake Garda) - Did McGill Windsurf?

Get up in the very early morning to catch the wind, cascading down the mountains and increasing in speed when it hits the shores of RIVA - where it can blow at gale force from the top of the lake. 2m sails are the best choice for these conditions! In mid morning, some Italian chap switches it off and all becomes calm - waiting for the south wind which blows at half speed...... mmmm. Late nights, wine, dining, pubs - early morning? - NOT!

Race Events News.

Kippford confirmed –May 6th/7th Sun/Mon. 9am! Start, both days due to tides Keilder May 19th/20th – cancelled, due to F&M.;Scaling Dam confirmed-June2nd/3rd. East Kilbride Sprint June 4th usually starts about 7pm. Elie W/S Festival June 16th/ 17th -great fun, and Guy Cribb will be there, giving lessons.

Brown Bull pub meeting on Wed. 4th. April and Wed. 2nd May The committee turned up but no one else did. What does this mean? No one likes the committee! Wrong venue! Can’t be bothered, you only want to get your board on the loch! Fair enough, any thoughts drop them to Mike. At the 4th April Brown Bull meeting Kate Bird parted with a tenner for a set of harness lines. Admittedly that was after a few wines. Kate is now the new harness lines Beta tester. If they break we all have a laugh. If they don’t we all rush to Alister to part with £10. Subjects discussed are things that every member can get involved with. Subjects such as windsurfing equipment, club away day venues, water quality, web cams and the loch situation amongst others will be discussed.

Next pub meeting Wednesday 6th June at the Brown Bull, High Street, Lochwinnoch at 8pm. For real ale, wine and Rombouts coffee.

Project Scotland

Alister McGill desperately needs money to buy another safety boat. Please forward any fund raising ideas to any of the committee. If you need reasons why the club needs another boat contact Alister.

I was more in favour of asking Pamela Anderson to stand on the bank at Castle Semple Loch in her red swimming costume with colour coordinated buoyancy thingmewijigger to rescue windsurfers in distress, me first! Surfing dates so far in April: 7th April- Largs- SW 6 sq m- 1-hour v.good 2 hrs. up/down.

14th April Barrassie- W 6 sq m- 3 hours cross-shore up/down.

15th April Largs SW 5 sq m but guess 5.0-6.5 sq m 4 hours.

21st April Troon S 6 sq m- 1.5 hours excellent/ hang on!

If you can add to the surf reports please e-mail Mike with date, venue, sail size and time period it was flat out on the plane, and time period it was iffy!

Fitness

Yeah, winters over and you are ready to take on a Force 6 with a 5 sq m. If you find that you are a bit puffed out on the water Scotlinds gym in Lochwinnoch is excellent. I can highly recommend the Friday night 8 p.m. circuits; all ages and abilities are there. The level is Royal Marine standard if Linda is taking them! Pay as you go at £3-50 a session. Contact the gym on 01505 843689.

Boards Magazine

The clubs own Barrie Stewart had a book review published in the May 2001 issue. The book in question is ‘Sam and Sue at the Seaside’, by Louis Fidge. Maybe next year Barrie will have moved on to Biff, Kipper and Chip or even Harry Potter stories. We eagerly await further book reviews from Barrie.

Also in this months magazine: Page 15 ‘UK BRANDEDTHE DIRTY MAN OF EUROPE’.

Page 22 Peter Bird picture

Page 32 SB TECHBITE- fin, straps, mastfoot positions

Page 67 SB TECHBITE- timing the gybe exit

Page 76 Guy Cribb- Neil Pryde Tour- 16/17th June- contact RYA on 0131 3177388

Page 96 Manchester Watersports closing down sale. Everything must go. Tel.0161 839 8988

Selling gear ??? Send your add to Mike McIntosh and e-mail it to us and we'll put it on the web site for FREE!

Wanted

Look out for 2nd hand power boats - 9hp is enough for the loch. (small rib would be the best)contact Alister McGill

Check out Allan Pattison's 'The Scottish Windsurfing Location Guide'

e.mail : windsurfing@ntlworld.com

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/windsurfing

Headlines March 2001

Loch Access

Here we are at the start of another year windsurfing, scrape off the winters mildew from the sails and get outthere. The AGM was held on the 7 th. March at the Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch. There was a larger than normal turnout with some interesting topics discussed, more information in the next issue. There are a few problems at the moment that affect us; the first of which is foot and mouth. As a result Castle Semple Loch and the cycle paths are cordoned off until further notice. When the loch opens again you will find a lot of work has been done in front of the centre and the erosion at the rigging area has been filled in. There are a couple of events at the loch this year that may prevent access on the loch. The first event is a weeklong music festival at the end of May. I believe there is a platform being built on the loch, which the musicians will strut their stuff on. The music will vary from Samba bands to the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In June the Scottish Canoe Polo Championships are being held (similar to five a side football with canoes). More accurate dates will be listed in the next newsletter. The normal Castle Semple Loch per launch fee is £3-50 if you are not a member of C.W.C. compared to the paltry individual membership of £20.00 per year, which clearly demonstrates the value of taking membership.

Water Quality update

Water quality in Castle Semple has been poor for most of the winter, as visitors will have noticed. For much of the time it was thicker than usual - yes, solid's the word! Before the big freeze, during the late summer and autumn, the loch was overgrown with water weed. Although this keeps the algae down, and the water is clearer, it is the absolute devil to windsurf on (i.e. snagged skegs, etc). It will be interesting to see whether algae or water weed will win out this year! In the spring there is unlikely to be much weed present, so get your rubber gear out and yourself onto, or into the water!! Remember; always take a shower after you've been out, as this significantly reduces the chance of picking up a 'bug' from the water (you might also find you'll be able to extend your circle of friends beyond windsurfers - no promises there, though!). It would be interesting to know if members were getting infections (gut, eye, skin, etc) which they thought may be related to a 'turn' on the loch - please spare the gory details - date on the water & symptoms will be sufficient (tatn-bs0@paisley.ac.uk)

First Club Trip of 2001

May 19th. /20th.2001 Cashel Campsite, Loch Lomond. All members and families welcome. Dress code-shorts, T-shirt, shades and skip cap. Oh! And remember to bring your board and bottle. Dont forget a torch for finding your way back to your tent.

Rya News

RYA RYA Scotland News Tit-bits - March 2001 The RYAS AGM is taking place on Saturday 24th March at 11am, in the Sportscotland building at South Gyle, Edinburgh. Everyone is welcome to attend, and this is one of the ways of keeping up with the activities of the organisation, and it's plans. There is a new monthly emailed newsletter from RYAS, if you are interested in receiving a copy, please email RYAS – jane@ryascotland.freeserve.co.uk. This newsletter is not available by snail mail – email only I'm afraid. There are a couple of Instructor Conferences on the horizon - Dinghy Instructors and Powerboat Instructors are at Port Edgar on Sat 21st April, and Dinghy Instructors and Windsurfing Instructors are at Cumbrae on Saturday 28th April. We've decided to combine them this year, as we are trying to a) keep the costs down, and b) we can access more resources this way. Yes, that means that we have 2 Conferences for the Dinghy guys, and only 1 for the others, but we'll see how things pan out, and may change it for next year. It also means that those of you, who hold both or all three qualifications, can kill 2 birds with one stone, as you can attend them both. Invitations will be sent out directly to Instructors. This year we will be introducing Training providers, so if you want any training held in your club, please give me a call at RYAS, and we will set something up. Club based Instructor training grants - there are grants available through RYAS to help with the costs of attending this type of training. All you need to do is contact RYAS with the details of costs, by the end of March, May and August. We do expect that you will commit to your club for a minimum of 2 years, and that the club endorses your application. Child Protection Policy information is now available, by email and snail mail, so if you would like to send yourself to sleep, please get in touch. RYAS will be looking into areas concerning volunteer training this year, as this is the year of the Volunteer, we would welcome any thoughts you may have on how we could help your club to improve things for your volunteers. I am always happy to hear from both individuals and clubs, so please feel free to contact me - Jane Scott - RYAS Development Officer - Tel - 0131 317 7388, Fax – 0131 317 8566, email - jane@ryascotland.freeserve.co.uk.

EVENTS CALENDAR 2001

March 24-25 Bishopton

April 9-13 Easter Camp Cumbrae

May 5-6 Squads Seminar

May 6-7 (Sun/Mon) Kippford

May 5-6 North Sea Cup Holland

May 19-20 North Sea Cup Ostend

May 19-20 Keilder

June 2-3 Scaling Dam

June 4 East Kilbride – Sprint

June 16-17 Elie – Festival of windsurfing

June 23/24 RNCYC (Helensburgh) Volvo junior regional

July 14-15 Derwent

August 25-26 Scottish Championship, date & location to be confirmed

September 1-2 St Mary’s September

15-16 Weymouth – Youth & Master’s

September 22-23 Grimworth

See you all on the water!!