Any plans to get the speed traps out on Saturday? Looks like its's S.Westerly F8 on the Icelandic forecast, could be a chance for some potentially near world record times, maybe the masters of speed should be invited.

Ever noticed how the wind comes up when WindyJohn leaves the country ?



Anyway Not-so-Windy John is in Dahab, Egypt at the mo' (presumably doing a lot of snorkling...etc) so I assume the speed gear will be locked safely away for the weekend.



Ern.

gutted, i've been painting my boards black and sanding down my fins in preparation.



even so, going to get a bit of wk action on saturday i think. brill brill.



Does anyone have any tips for the construction of a weight jacket. I've got this old coat that i wouldn't mind sacrificing and some concrete in the garage that i could mix up. Digging out my old 7m racer for those f8s. potatoes + pasta + fat.

Quote: Does anyone have any tips for the construction of a weight jacket. I've got this old coat that i wouldn't mind sacrificing and some concrete in the garage that i could mix up.



Aaahhh - water, yes - concrete, nooo !!!!



As far as I know proper weight jackets are available from some sailing shops (as in dinghy sailing etc) and they have pockets like flaps which hold water when you emerge from the water. This means you are the same 'weight' in the water and don't sink.....

You could do worse than a good size 'camelback' style backpack ? - same principle, it'll weigh you down on the board but not in the water - if you use fruit juice you can drink it if the wind drops (yes I realise it'll just be in your stomach instead of your back....) so drink 5 gallons before you go out AND wear a weight jacket !

This will also help keep you warm after a few hours. (you work it out )



Of course mechanical advantage says that a weight helmet is even more effective, or even better Ernie could sit on your shoulders



On a serious note they can be dangerous in terms of getting out of the water in event of injury and muscle/body strain - that's a lot of extra weight your body isn't used to carrying so take care !



PS by the way - don't sand your board and fin down too fine as you'll create drag according to 'boundary _layer_ theory' - the finish should be matt, serious (nutty) sailors use wet and dry sandpaper but I can't remember the grade - I think 1200 rings a bell but it's been a while. you can tell the right result when if you wet the surface a wet film remains over the whole area and the water doesn't 'bead' and run off.

If I remember there was also an idea of having dents in the board as this helped create this boundary _layer_ of water. Not sure if it was shite or not though.

The 'dents' theory is supposed to be the same principle as a golf ball - i don't think it ever took off in the watersports field and I certainly won't be doing it to my board.



Dr Gonzo - what's going on with painting yer boards black - never heard of that one before - or is it just more 'ninja'.