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CCWA CURRENTS July 2000
What follows is an edited version of our newsletter "CURRENTS".  To get the full printed version, just join the club using the membership form below, and get the complete newsletter delivered to your mailbox every month.  Send submissions to the newsletter to LooseClu@prodigy.net.

Commodore's Notes:  Sick Leave  by Chester Hulme
   Well there I was.  Spending some quality time on the water  over a couple of  weeks time with my wife helping her with her jibe with the able assistance of Chip Biery.  So I took advantage of the time on flat water to practice my short board tack.  Plan was no jibes, tacks only.  Lo and behold I actually started  making some.  I was well on my way towards my secret plan to replace Craig Greenslit at the front of the pack when suddenly I'm off the water for 3-6  weeks.  A little minor surgery, but as I sit on the couch every afternoon and watch the trees start to bend I realized how good a season it has been.  Take advantage while you can.  I expect to be back on the water in 2 or 3 more weeks so the wind is bound to lay down. 
    We have been discussing the possibility of approaching the city/county about the creating launch site/sites on the mainland side of the Laguna Madre, but the other day I was flipping through the channels and watched the city council budget presentations.  It happened that the parks and recreation department was having their presentation.  Bad news!  They are proposing cutting ALL new construction out of the budget so if there is interest in this project we need to get going on it.  Any one interested in chairing a committee on the subject? 
See you on the water.     --   Chester

Ed's Note: Chester's 'minor surgery' went well and he's back home healing (and driving Pam crazy).  I'd hate to see what Chester calls major surgery! 
 

Mark Roundings.....  by  Roy Tansill
2000 U.S.Cellular US Open - Official Results 
     I know many of the club members are not at all interested in racing sailboards but anyone lucky enough to be down at Oleander during the US Cellular Open's Winduro, sponsored by Continental Airlines,  had to like what they saw.  I watched from the announcer's stand and saw the most awsome display of sailing I've ever seen.  The show was between two pro sailors and both were incredible.  From the start Phil McGain got off first and close behind was Kevin Pritchard.  Those two were pretty much running their own match race and it was near perfection.  Their gear was identical: Zajicek boards, fins (that looked as big as centerboards), and Gaastra race sails.  Kevin tried every trick in the book for 63 laps to get ahead of his team mate and friend Phil McGain but the elder McGain was always up to the challange.  The pair must have sailed 10 miles further than the rest of the fleet as Kevin frequently strayed way off course trying to get upwind of Phil and Phil covered every move.  126 tacks at the upwind mark, 252 jibes at the other two marks- all flawlessly executed as the duo stayed within a few board lengths of each other, McGain always in the lead.  It was not until the upwind mark on the 64th lap that Kevin finally wore his senior competitor down enough to slip inside of him and take over the lead which he then held for the final 7 laps as the two finished in close proximity with Micha Buzainis in third.  Anyone who's ever even uphauled a trainer sail on a beginner board could appreciate that show, and even the most ardent anti racer can only wish they could sail that well for that long.  I personally wish 'old man' McGain had been able to hang on for those last few laps but his role in that duel is now one of my fondest memories of the sport we all enjoy. 
     The scheduled final Whataburger of the year, Whataburger VI was followed by a makeup of Whataburger IV over the June 10-11 weekend.  I'm sure Chester is rather happy to see the season end, he was out there for every race his free time permitted and so were the hard core crew of racers.  No one was able to catch Craig Greenslit again this season but there were several new faces joining in the competition this year and the experience paid off for them at the Open.  Club members Dave Corpus and Dave Cothran came along way in a short time both sailed well in the Open and Dave Corpus has a new Gulf Tech boom to show for it- he took first in the US Cellular Open's Sports Fleet.  Top local finisher in the ProWomens Fleet, Jennifer Racette, donated her prize money  back into the pot for next year's ProWomen's Division.  Alan Bernau, was awarded the Sportsmanship award and became a crowd favorite with his insane pumping exhbition that won the team relay for his crew.   I first met Alan when I began sailing the Chesapeake--he's a major player in Mid Atlantic area windsurfing and very deserving of his award.
The U.S.Cellular US Open final results are on the U.S.Cellular US Open page.

Editor's Puffs:   by Roy Tansill
     Have you noticed several of the 'regular' folks have not been out on the water lately? Craig Greenslit has been down in the Carribean participating in several races down South and Nick and Barbara Antrobus are off on another jaunt about the country.  On a less pleasant visit, our Commodore, Chester Hulme, came through serious surgery (on 06/23) in good shape but it will take awhile before he gets back out on board. 
     We found a few good deals for most everyone this month.  That inflatable life jccket should be of intrest to the folks who like their water deep and if you carry an uphaul, the Easy Uphaul might mean the difference between slogging in or swimming.
     I've finally gotten the new car and my board trailer to interact, sort of a beauty and beast duo,  but at least I can get all my gear to the beach once again.  That has made it possible to try out a pair of those FootSaver foot straps.  I've given them a few test runs mostly in winds which require far smaller boards than the 281 but testing demands such sacrefices.  To date I've put a lot of strain on them and they have not released.  I have yet to get really launched (and don't plan to...ever!) but its just a matter of time and hopefully I'll walk away from the next one with more to tell you about those footstraps.
 

Easy-Uphaul Deal  for Currents Readers 
Uphauls have been improved and now can be quicker and easier than waterstarts.
     I spent several Saturdays watching the Whataburger races this season and saw a number of Easy-Uphauls on the racers' rigs.  Easy-Uphaul always seemed like a misnomer to me- kind of like Military Intelligence.  I asked a few of those who had them what they thought about the product and everyone had similar comments. 'the quickest way to get back up when the sail falls away from you', 'much easier to clear the sail from the water', 'saves energy', much easier on my back'  and remember these are folks sailing in Corpus Christi Bay's infamous chop.  Beth Powell, who has an Easy-Uphaul on all the rental rigs at Banana River Windsurfing Resort, in Coaco Beach, Florida says, "Everyone who tries one wants to buy one." With an Easy-Uphaul no strength is required to uphaul a large sail.  The force of lifting the sail off the water is accomplished by body weight and leaning movement. The sailor "hooks-in" the uphaul (just like a harness line). Then when the sail comes up, the Easy-Uphaul falls off the hook by itself.  Conserving energy is a big plus for older windsurfers, and second is eliminating back strain.  For windsurfers the Easy-Uphaul is a major safety device because when the sailor is tired and the wind and waves pick up unexpectedly,  or drop off to near nothing, the Easy-Uphaul will always allow you to uphaul the sail.  All the racers on the US Team use the Easy-Uphaul. Check out their web site for more information. Now the deal: 
     Oliver at Cline Street Sailboards will give everyone who reads this article in the newsletter $10.00 off on an introductory Easy-Uphaul. That is one introductory Easy-Uphaul per sailor. The Easy-Uphaul retails for $32, so that will be $22.00.  There is nowhere else where you can buy the Easy-Uphaul for this reduced price.
 

Bird's Eye View:
Wind Peaks
 April, May, & June '00 
By  Randy Roper 
   Greetings from Bird! WOW, is it ever going to stop blowin'?  I can count on one hand the number of non-planing wind days we have had since May.  We have been blessed with strong and steady thermals almost every day this month.  Not to mention most of the mornings have been accompanied by a South wind near 15.  Who could ask for anything more? 
     I have so much to tell you I hardly know where to start.  First, Worldwinds has purchased a radar gun for the purpose of bringing back the Bird Island speed trials.  Since one of the greatest thrills of Bird is to go out overpowered and crank up the speed on the downwind leg just inches from the shallows, its time to find out who really is the fastest on the beach.  So, every Saturday at 3:00 pm (wind permitting) one of our staff members will be out on the water clocking the sailors.  The fastest sailor every week will receive a new Worldwinds speedster t-shirt along with their name and speed posted on our bulletin board and our website.  This event is free to all Bird Island sailors.  Keep in mind that we probably won't know everybody by name for a while, so if you see we are gunning you, give us some help on letting us know your name until we get to know everyone better.
     Next, I believe it is in the best interest of Worldwinds to take on a business partner.  With my primary residence being San Antonio, Worldwinds will run more efficiently with someone local who has a vested interest in the success of the business.  Enter Don Jackson, a family man who has been sailing the Carribean for the past five years, has recently relocated to Corpus Christi and has decided to join the Worldwinds team.  Don and I have the same vision for Worldwinds and share the same strategic plan for its success.  He is an architect and a construction contractor and a heck of a nice guy.  So come out and meet him- you will surely like him.  His son Matt, a rigmaster at Worldwinds, has worked at Sailboard Vacations in Aruba and is a terrific sailor.  He will be going back to school in August but will definitely be around quite a bit. 
     In addition to the Jacksons, Charlie Weakly is here for the summer and has recently completed his US Sailing instructor course.  He is attending UT Austin and is an honor student in the college of engineering.  He will be instructing a number of our beginner classes along with being one of our rigmasters.  Unfortunately, he too will be leaving to go back to school in August. 
     Don and I want you to know that we are committed to keeping Worldwinds open year around.  During the slow seasons we will probably go to weekends only, but be rest assured, Worldwinds will remain on the beach at Bird all year long. 
     Last, but certainly not least, I would like to say fairwell to my good friend Vicki Duncan.  She is SOLELY responsible for making Worldwinds a success, and she will be dearly missed.  I have tried my hardest to get her to stay on, but she is done.  Vicki, thank you for everything.  I hope God will keep you and bless you with great wind all the days of your life.  Our prayers go with you now and forever.  Goodbye my friend. 

Randy Roper 
Worldwinds


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CURRANTS... Letters to the Editor
Fine Inflation 
     Nancy, Pete and I were run off of Corpus Christi beach on June 4th---the threat being a $3000 fine but NO ONE knew what the law actually was. After three weeks of investigating, Barbra at the Mayor's Office tracked down what is actually in print and is sending it to me. It comes via Parks and Wildlife from a little know clause that makes it a $500 fine for anything resembling a vessel, motor or otherwise to come within 50 feet of a swimmer anytime, anywhere. On the Bay it is enforced by the Marina Patrol pretty much from Spring Break til after Bayfest. 
     If you go down to the old catamaran launch, you're probably safe from the swimmers, as that is a very inhospitable piece of earth. Did some time there, and you have to have a 4-wheel drive to even get close to the water.  None the less, when the wind is hard out of the south, some good fun can be had there. Unless you like flat water, of course. 
See ya on the water - - - - - - -Hal 
WHATABURGER  2000   THE SERIES
The Whataburger awards ceremony will be at the Navy Regatta.
Volunteers Wanted:  The club sponsored events, both races and fun events, need people to help out on and before the events.  This is particularly true for the US Open.  One year, the CCWA was a sponsor and had a booth at the Open; but we didn't have sufficient help to man the booth throughout the event.  We don't want that to happen again!  Similarly, other events suffered because of a lack of help.  How about volunteering your help this year?  Just phone an event coordinator and offer some help.
Corpus Christi Windsurfing Association Membership Application

Name:______________________________________Phone: (       )______________

Family membership, list names of family members:_____________________________________

____________________________________E-mail Add:_________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________State:_________________Zip__________

Please enclose $20 for individual; $30 for family (1 year membership)

Mail To: CCWA,  PO Box 81453, Corpus Christi, TX  78468
Annual memberships are from Jan. through Dec.  Members Joining after Oct. are credited for the next year.


 
Used Gear: Classified ads are free to members, non-members:  $5.00
Please submit the ads by the 25th of the month.
Mail ads to: LooseClu@prodigy.net
Mistral Slalom,  '96 model, 7.6 m, 90.5" (230 cm.) boom, 16'10" (515 cm) luff. Good cond. RAF sail.  Mistral Monolite, '96 model, 5.8 m, 75" (190 cm.) boom, 15' 9" (480 cm) luff. Good cond. RAF sail.  O'Brien 3 cam, '90 model,  6.8 m,  87" (221 cm) boom, 15' 6" (470 cm.) luff, Fair cond. 
All above sails no repairs, none needed. $35 each. OBO. 
Custom 9+ m.,  94 model, 96" (244 cm) boom, 17' 4" (528 cm) luff, Good cond. $50 OBO. Aitken , Year ?, 105" (266 cm.) long  x 22" (57 cm.) wide,  rounded rails, PE shell, near-indestructible board for monster chop, surf-banging.  Good cond. $45 OBO.  Contact Don at:kiteski@earthlink.net

'99 29inch STARBOARD Course Race, excellent cond $750,'99 8.8 Gaastra F1 Total Flow, including the correct mast $395,Kites: 7.0 + 5.0 Quadrifoil, 4-line with bars, like new, $850 & $675 Contact: Dieter at (361) 949-1501

Bic Hip Hop with pointer fin $125. Call Nautical Nancy at (361) 814-8304

Schwinn Sierra ATB 18 speed a very nice bike $90.  Custom Road bicycle, 15 speed, prime for someone 5'6" or under... make offer.  Sails: AirX quiver 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 $75 each--buy the bunch and I'll throw in a 5.5 which needs repairs for free.  AirX 6.0 grid construction good condition, $110
Call Arleen at (361)949-0232

For more web classifieds, check out the Windsurfing Classifieds at "the other CCWA".

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