Cabrillo Beach - August 5th - August 9th 2013 - Formula

[Josh Shirley]

Got back late last night from Long Beach area.
Participated in US Windsurfing Nationals at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.
I decided that this year I would sit out the slalom racing and focus on the formula.

Rigged a 10m sail every day.

This years pack of racers were very fast and competent.
Each day 2 or 3 heats were held, and a mid-week long distance race.

I have found that after I lose to these guys they will tell me how to be faster.
So I picked up a lot of tips and technique over the week.
Most of the fleet races at least a couple times a month.

The long distance race started at Cabrillo Beach then headed 8 miles downwind to Seal Beach then back up to Cabrillo.
To down wind the course went in and out the 2 shipping channel gates along the break water.
On the ocean side we dealt with gorge size rollers.
In the harbor we had to work around the parked oil tankers, outbound ferries and and fishing tollers.
One of the downwind tacks took what seemed like 20 plus minutes.
I had to jibe just to rest my legs, resulting in 4 guys promptly passing me.
Lots of sea life.

5 days of competing and 5 days of wind.
Next time someone tells me there is no wind in Los Angeles I will call BS.

Good times.