Saturday 17th November – windsurf **** The Dip - Felixstowe– sunny.

F2 Xantos with Tushingham Lightning 8.5 and 44 fins.

23.69 knot max., 22.05 knot ave ., 11.87 knot hour, 19.07  knot mile, 42.30 km., 12.76 knot alpha.

Got back late last night after three days looking after the lovely Grandson Arlo in Surrey with the weekend forecast looking good, 11 degrees, sunshine with a 20 knot easterly:) It didn’t look overly promising first thing but the wind did build enough to hitch the trailer and head to The Dip arriving first around midday with a few kiters out and the tide low. The sea looked good fairly flat with the East wind marginal so I rigged my big freeride kit as David Coles and two Swains (Mark and Nick) arrived. With company I could actually use my winter wetsuit as I had someone to zip me up! To be honest I could have done with another knot of wind but it was sunny and I was toasty in my suit even though the hands suffered a little but I put my gloves on which improved things. I went off broad down the coast to see if I could make it to Landguard but with it being a fraction light I only did two mile runs as was a fraction under especially on the beat back. I beat up to kite beach in front of the golf club and the sea was really smooth being sheltered by the shingle bar. The two Swains were now out but particularly Mark was under but David Coles disappeared down to Landguard on his foiling set-up, 7.8 on his formula board. There were a couple of kiters in the flat water on the River Deben so when Andy Marshall headed up the river I followed and had a couple of runs in flat water but needed more wind but I did see a seal. Then one more long run down the coast which is great fun sailing right into the bright sunshine:) So a good couple of hours in a lovely sunny day with tomorrow looking the shame but hopefully a fraction windier before the temperature drops next week:( The only downside is I have knackered my elbow at the moment which is making things difficult!

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