Cabrinha Race Series

[steve]

CABRINHA ANNOUNCES THE CABRINHA RACE SERIES

Cabrinha Kitesurfing is pleased to announce it has joined forces with the St. Francis Yacht Club of San Francisco, and Kite Wind Surf of Alameda, Calif. (sponsor), to present the Cabrinha Race Series.

Read more and see some pics at:

http://www.teamcoyote.net/2006Coyote/Ca ... eries.html

steve

[Jeff Ruoss]

There was a great turn out last Thursday, April 27, 2006, for the first race of The Cabrinha Race Series, sponsored by Kite wind Surf, and hosed by the St. Francis Yacht Club (SFYC). Registration closed early in the afternoon when the maximum of 30 kiteboarders were signed up.



SFYC board was on the race deck to properly kick off the opening day of the new Cabrinha Race Series and many club members were on hand to watch the spectacular kite races.

The conditions Thursday afternoon were exceptionally challenging with very light winds, a strong and building flood on the inside, in front of the SFYC, and substantial ebb in the middle. Because of the light winds the course was shortened with the upwind mark just outside of Anita Rock. The currents in combination with the light winds made not only made the start of the race very difficult but the finish as well. Some kiters crossed the start line only to find themselves below again due to the flood. And a nearly impossible finish due to the increasing flood current.

Only 4 kiters officially finished the race: Anthony Chavez, the 2005 Champion, followed by a strong showing from improved and focused Niels Herbold, Sandy Parker of Kiítopia (female) taking 3rd place, and Pro-kiter Sky Solbach, finishing 4th using a surfboard in the light winds. In accordance with the racing rules, the race was "called" 15 min after the 1st finisher...unfortunately for me; I was still trying to make the line when the completion gun sounded.

Challenging conditions and great competition are going to make this a very memorable series. Iím happy to be part of it and looking forward to a great season!

[Greg]

Dear Kite Racers,
Jeffs summory of the first race was pretty exacting but dont worrie they wont all be next to impossable! Currently the series is full but dont think that means you wont get a shot at a slot on any given night, often several slots will open due to no-shows... So please, if you'd like to race show up and sign in (EARLY) the day of the race and get ready to race becouse you might just get a shot. Also many people are needed to help with the races so you wont be a third wheel, volunteer for race committe!
God-Speed!!!
Greg

[~emily.]

And the forcast is pretty good!

Sign up early. Or just come down to to watch the fun from Crissy or from the Race Deck at SFYC!

another great show, have fun & good luck to the racers!!

cheers!

[steve]

And, the wind forecst looks good.....15-20 and possibly a litle more!
Come join in on the fun and be apart of history
steve

[Greg]

I thought I was histroy, the way my legs were burning... And I wasnt even holding the same tack as someone like Ant...I have no idea how Adam Coch did on his surf board?? My strapless board was kinda nerve wracking....
A harsh day of racing! Extremly competitive racing!! This thing is gettiing pretty serous!!!
L.M.G.

[OliverG]

LMG, you placed 13 in all three, I think I got 16 and 24 and a DNF. The conditions were not so great, ranging from very strong and gusty to shifty, holey and light. One Crissy local confided in me that throughout an entire season, he'll score maybe 3-5 days of truly epic kiting. Most of the other time, it's just a real b&*ch. Another noted the normal condtions to be detrimental to kiting progression. Who wants to push the envelope and crash kites there? Those Crissy guys are so tough!

[Greg]

Ollie,
Thanks for my scores, I thought I was somewhere in the middle. The problem for me was mostly leg strength. By the end I was jibing and walking right off my board. By the end of the third race I was totally SPENT!! ( Well, I also got a little head start of you guys with my twenty minute swim before the first race....)
What I learned was I need to do more training (real training) and riding anthing strapless is extra tuff when your O.P. riding Crissy voodo chop(Dugh!!). Also its kinda important to get to the skippers meeting...(I was swimming right about then)
Oh well, Live and learn,
L.M.G.

[cedralpass]

I have never been to the club. Is it open to public to watch the race? Or is there a good spot on Crissy Field.

I need to root for L.M.G. for all his tips on the alameda beach last year!

geoff

[andyandmarlys]

I am loving the racing experience.... Feel pretty good on the upwind legs, going downwind though is the most challenging part for me.... First heat I was just getting a feel of everything..... second race went relatively well, and the third race was great until my harness webbing ripped in two..... Definately interesting conditions..... Big winds with a huge ebb on the outside, and flakey gusty holey winds with a flood on the inside.... Super tricky conditions, but it sure makes the race interesteing...