Downings RIPS

A record 124 competitors took part in this year’s Downings/RNLI Slalom windsurfing event. Those who arrived by Friday lunchtime we’re treated to a great cruising session right across the bay to Marble Strand & back. Although Saturday didn’t really deliver wind there was some good fun racing and a chance to shower early to get ready for the dinner’n’disco in aid of the RNLI. The forecast for Sunday proved accurate and we spent the rest of the day rigging down to cope with the ever improving conditions. I personally moved gradually from my JP Supersport 127/7.5 Pryde V8/46cm fin to a 42cm fin with loads of downhaul. Then the 6.5 V8 matched with the same board & finally with the JP Supersport 109 !! A well run and memorable event with great emphasis placed on encouraging the juniors ... this is how much fun a windsurfing competition can be. Congratulations to Nick Fletcher and Gartan OEC and to all their helpers.
My personal recommendation for accommodation and great food in Downings has to be the Beach Hotel www.beachhotel.ie . Mairead & Charlie couldn’t be more helpful and windsurfers are always welcome.

Thanks to Stephen Williams for the pictures. More here: http://picasaweb.google.com/stevewIR66/Downings2009#
www.surfdock.ie