With the wind nw (dead offshore) I had no choice but go out on the raceboard and rigged 8.5 as I was not sure of the windstrengh out to sea.I love longboard cruising and offshore winds make it possible to reach for miles along the coast !!! I sailed to the lighthouse on Orford Island - approx 9 miles armed with spare harness lines,uj,drink,snacks,mobile phone,camera and 2 gps's !!! It's great to be out with only the odd fishing boat and yacht for company !!! The sea was much too choppy for really fast runs but I found som flatter water in Bawdsey Bay on the way back although the wind could have been abit stronger - a top day on the water and I had it all to myself !!! I was even offered a cup of tea from a yacht moored in the R.Deben !!! Adam G. I am glad you enjoyed your day out on the raceboard - retro windsurfing is the way forward :)