OHOPE BEACH SAND SAILORS
Thursday 21st September 2006
Day One in France - How Passionate are the French about Sand Sailing?
It is 3.30am on the first night / morning and I have only had two hours sleep in the last 24 hours. I should be tired and sleeping well after my long flight 30 hour plus from New Zealand. (60 hours travel time to get here) However I find myself sitting here thinking How Passionate the French are about Sand Sailing!
I did not know what this sport means to the French until I got here. In 5 hours time, myself and other overseas guests will have breakfast with the vice presidents and some of the race officials of the French Sand Sailing Federations. Today I got to see respect and the passion these people have for their sport and their elected club officials.
The effort that all of these people have put in organizing this international regatta and getting sailors here from all around the world is amazing. I can only wish them good weather to assist in a great result to help thank them for all of this hard work they have done to date.
OK kiwis I know you want hard core Facts.
Venue;
Amazing, amazing, amazing. And that is all I have to say about that!
See more details as regatta unfolds.
Language;
French and many others which I am unable to understand any of.
All the sailor over here today speak a little English and I have had no problem being understood and getting assistance, thank you everyone for there efforts to date. (A Special thanks to Sylvie Senlisto. She took the afternoon off work and picked me up and droving me one hour down form Calais through the beautiful country side and to this event and introducing me to everyone, Many thanks)
Beach Cross Section;
Soft then hard then craters - 100 paces
Soft then hard then craters - 100 paces
Soft then hard then craters - 100 paces
Soft then hard then craters - 100 paces
Soft then hard then craters - 100 paces
Yes that is right; you could hold 5 regattas on the beach in the same area. Or sail on a non crater section and have a 500 pace wide beach, (5 times wider than 90 mile) The high rises apartment buildings on the beach are blips out at the water.
Beach Length;
West to the river, 3km
East dont know how many yet - many, many miles. 5kms is the plan
My Chartered Class5;
26 Wheel, aluminum disk, local slick tires 2,25.
Yott with single under front pipe suspension on rubber mount.
Small 16 tread front wheel with disk cover.
Elliptical Head sail, heavy cloth
Mast (to be found yet)
Seat large and strong, fore and aft adjustable with hand break.
With a couple of Kiwi modifications she should be fast enough ;)
Pubs, clubs and restaurants;
Everywhere!
Know Faces to date.
Dennis, Mary and the whole USA SASSAS team including Nord.
Roland from England.
Plenty new friends from around the worlds, went to bed 1pm local time here at the Hippotel Hotel and talking land yacht shop all night at there bar. Stay tuned for many new names from many stories of new countries from around the world.
I had better get another 2hrs sleep and get ready for day two.
Plan Breakfast 8.30am, then buy supplies somewhere. Repair / adjust yacht and go for a test sail late tonight.
nz777(at)ohope.co.nz signing out. Please do not email me anything but txt while I am away. $30 a day to check emails and send back these reports. Many thanks.
Until tomorrow
Au Revoir
Graham Roberts
F267
French Sailing Team
