Ok folks it's time to crank up the local speedsailing scene at West Kirby.

2008 sees the start of the British GPS Speedsurfing Contest.

Sponsored by UltraSport and the GPS SpeedSurfing Website.

Loads of prizes up for grabs, end of year prize draw, _base_d on a draw from all tracks posted, and not _base_d on the fastest speeds achieved.

The competition runs from the 1st of January to 31st of December 2008, for any sailable UK waters.

In light of the redevelopment plans for the marina area, it would be great to have a solid representation from all our local sailors, be you into wave, freeride, slalom or speed - it maters not. The greater the turnout at West Kirby - must bode well for the lake / facilities and it's future, especially as West Kirby is one of the best spots in the UK dare I say world!

Prerequisites:

This is a fun event _base_d on having a good time windsurfing as fast as you can with ya mates.

Windsurfing gear - anything goes
A PC or Mac with internet access - minimal computing knowledge required
GPS Track Software - free (choice of GPS Action Replay, RealSpeed, GPS Results)
GPS Device - preferably Navi GT11 with Aquapac - £60 or thereabouts
GPS Speedsurfing site registration - free
British GPS Speed Contest sub_script_ion - free

_link_ to all the info. (Simon Hinkley is heading up the event.)

http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/gps.asp?mnu=events&smnu=info&val=30

http://ukwindsurfing.com/information/speed

http://www.speed-sailor.net/

All the best
Howie

Hi Howard, can any GPS be used as I have a Navman M300 unit and on registering on one of the sites there is no option for this model ?? I guess it may be down to not being able to _link_ it up to a computer maybe ???Do you have to _link_ it for instance ?
Cheers mate for any other info you can find out.
Andy

Hi Andy - arrgggh damm Dell mouse just lost my reply to you twice, so much for the last hour of typing!!

In summary, yes it is essential to have a GPS device that can connect to a pc via USB.
The GT11 is now that standard piece of kit to use. Since Jan 2008 speeds are now measured using doppler replacing the trackpoint method, this can only be done with the GT11.

Rest assured though, any investment made in purchasing GT11 with Aquapac for full water proof protection, will be the standard for many years to come.

With regards to setting up the GPS / Software etc, I, like all the Wk speedies will only be too happy to help / advise.

cheers
H

Does that mean the Fortrex is no longer eligible?

Cheers for the info Howard, hopre your well by the way !!? Next question then , who makes it & is the software MAC compatable ??

Morning chaps,

@Andy, I'm surviving mate, the commute from Anglesey to Knutsford everyday is more tiring in Winter, but spring is just around the corner. I trust that you are well too!

The GT11 is made by Locosys and is easily sourced via the internet, although I got mine via storagedepot, who at present are out of stock until March 30th. The GT11 can be sourced via the GPS-Speedsurfing website, I am sure Dylan de Jonge can provide. Don't forget the Aquapac though. The units are waterproof, within a limited use, which probably will not include hitting the water a 30kts plus. Best to be safe than sorry.

I'll double check on the mac issue, pretty sure that all three GPS Track Analysis software packages are compatible.

@Ken, extract from the events page on the GPS-SS site:

"The official GPS unit of the British GPS Speed Challenge is the GT-11 Trip Tracker by LOCOSYS Technology. But Garmin units such as the Fourtrex 201 and Gecko are still acceptable."

I'm not quite sure as to why the Garmin units are still allowed, the new standard for 2008 and on, is the GT11 with speeds calculated using the doppler method, which only the GT11 can provide.

I shall enquire.

Cheers
H