Monday, 21 March 2011 20:48
ROUND 1 of the 2011 IRISH SLALOM SERIES
Irish National Windsurf Racing Championships
Bantry Bay, Co. Cork
9th - 10th April 2011.
Sponsored by:
Fundraising for the local BANTRY HOSPICE, a very worthy local cause.
EVENT ORGANISER (EO)
Pearse Geaney is the event organiser. Contact email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
BANTRY BACKGROUND
Bantry Bay is located approximately 60 minutes from Cork city, 45 minutes from Clonakilty, 25 minutes from Skibbereen and 90 minutes from Kinsale. Bantry is a deep water harbour, with Whiddy Island positioned in the centre of the bay. The town is a popular holiday location, incredibly scenic, with Glengarriff approximately 20 minutes drive away. The town is famous for its production of mussels (a must try during your visit), and the Whiddy Island oil terminal disaster in 1979 (google this if you have a minute...very interesting and as a competitor at this event you are likely to see the oil terminal remains).
There are lots of restaurants in Bantry, lots of pubs, shopping for all tastes and lots of accomodation. On the Friday morning before the event there is a open air market held on the town square...worth a haggle! For sight seeing, drive to Glengarriff, while the longer trip to Bere Island or Sheep's Head is also very enjoyable. Garnish Island in Glengariff harbour can be accessed by boats from Glengarriff harbour.
Geting there...
From Cork city, use the South Link Dual Carraigeway to get to the Bandon Road Roundabout.
Drive to Bandon via Halfway and Innishannon. Note: Roadworks are planned, so follow diversions to Bandon if they are in place.
Drive to Dunmanway via Enniskeane and Ballineen.
From Dunmanway, drive to Bantry via Drimoleague.
As you approach the outskirts of Bantry town, the Westlodge Hotel is on the right hand side. The road leading to the beach is approximately 50m before the Hotel entrance, on the left. Follow signs. Please do not speed. Bantry is 5 minutes drive past the Westlodge Hotel.
THE EVENT LOCATION
The event will be held at the Bantry Airfield, or locally known as the "Bantry Beaches". Windsurfing is regular from the public car park end (Westerly end) of the airfield. August 2010, saw the first windsurfing event to be held in Bantry Bay...only problem was the wind failed to materialise above our wind minimums, which meant only fun racing was to be enjoyed.
Bantry airfield is a privately owned stretch of land and therefore we must respect the wishes of the land owner. The EO has worked hard to secure this location, and we feel that all restrcitions are manageable. It is an amazing oppertunity to showcase Irish windsurfing at its best, to support a small country town and to help the town open up an amazing natural resource.
These are the restrictions...
1) ABSOLUTELY NO DRIVING OR PRESENCE OF ANY KIND ON THE RUNWAY. This is an active airfield that takes both regular and emergency landings. Failure to comply will result in expulsion.
2) On entry to the airfield, we will be using the Beach Road...this will be signposted. Surface is stones, hard compacted, and fairly even (...feels like you're off roading to get to the event site!). This will take all vehicles.
3) The walkway road is only for walkers, public and the event emergency vehicle. No exceptions. DO NOT DRIVE on the walking road.
4) Entry to the event site is through a locked gate (to prevent public from driving on the airfield, etc.). Competitors must arrive to the gate between 08:30 and 09:30 on both mornings of the event. You may get locked out.
5) The gate will not be opened during the day, unless there is an emergency.
6) All cars must leave the event site between 16:00 and 18:00.
7) No camping / sleeping in cars at the event site. You can camp / sleep at the public car park end of the event site. There are no facilities.
8) Parking area will be indicated...please comply.
It might seem a bit restrictive, but rest assured, it is for the good of the event and the location. The Irish Slalom Series was warmly welcomed last year, and are most welcome again in 2011.
THE RACING
Some notes for the racers...
Bantry has Jellyfish. There are generally 2 types...
The Purple Jellyfsh are harmless...no tentacles, no sting...can be picked up easily.
The Orange Jellyfish have a nettle sting from their tentacles. You can pick them up by holding the jelly end...don't grab the tentacles! If you do get stung, vinegar is useful to ease the sensation. The sensation fades after 30 minutes approx. They cannot sting through a wetsuit. Don't let them stop you from windsurfing...forget about them, and they will not bother you.
The Western end of the airfield beach has large slippy stones (football sized, which makes launching difficult. The Eastern end, where the event will be held, has small stones. There are 2 no. large concrete obstacles...we suggest you familiarise yourself with them. A pair of boots is not mandatory, but advised. Also rigging is in long grass...bring a pair or wellies or high sailing boots to stop your shoes getting soaked through.
Other obstructions include fishing lines...we have requested the local fishermen to remove them. If you see one, slow down and sail downwind of it to avoid htting the floating rope that is upwind of it.
A large grass rigging area (long soft grass) will be sectioned off for our use. It is ideal. From car park to rigging area to launch is max. 30m.
We will have rescue boats in the water.
The racing will be upwind or downwind of the event site, dependent on the daily conditions.
There will be a Gold and Silver fleet. No bronze fleet at this event. For fleet definitions, please read the updated sailing instructions for 2011. The aim will be to run both fleets on the same course.
IWA membership is mandatory...without it, you cannot race. You can join on the day of the event...takes 5 minutes.
If you have never raced before...you are especially welcome! This will be an excellent location to take your plunge into racing. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy it...if you can plane in 15 knots of wind, and can try a gybe, you are good enough to have a go in the Silver fleet! To make it easier for you, please tell us it's your first time, and we'll pair you off with a Gold Fleet sailor who can guide you through on how to setup and how to know what is happening at any time during the event.
THE ENTERTAINMENT (...and the FOOD!)
There is a super friendly atmosphere at the Irish Slalom Series events, and what better way to relive the days racing, than by us all gathering at "the local" for a bite to eat and a few drinks. As per 2010, Stephen Williams has put together the Saturday evenings entertainment. Saturday night festivities will held at Ma Murphy's pub / beer garden in the centre of Bantry town...2010 was simply fantastic...food, crack, people..what a great party!
Tickets are €20 per person for food. Tickets must be purchased on Saturday morning. Lots of great food being prepared...you won't be hungry after it! After chef expenses, your food ticket payment will be donated to the local Bantry Hospice.
"The Fish Kitchen" in Bantry town centre are supporting the event both in terms of helping us to organise and by putting on a meal deal! Please do call in...located in front of Ma Murphy's in the town.
Cullen Allen of CULLY & SULLY has this year again stepped up to provide soup and sandwhiches for the racers and event crew on Saturday and Sunday. Check out the Cully & Sully van on the beach!
And finally....last year, the party was pink, had face painting and baloons. For April 2011, it's the return of the flowery shirts, but don't forget your sunglasses...
The competition was fierce! L-R: Steve Williams, Maurice Owens, Fintan Day
ACCOMODATION LIST (thanks to IR66)
West Lodge Hotel deal....quote Irish Windsurfing Comp for deal rate...35euro per night including breakfast... 15euro cheaper than last year per night!!! - 027 50360 - http://www.westlodgehotel.ie/
Maritime Hotel - 027 54700 ...tell them you're part of Windsurfing Comp and see what they can do as a result!
Harbour View Hostel - located in the centre of Bantry town - 027 51140
Dromcloc House B&B - 027 50030
Note: Very close to the event site and less than 8 mins to town. Nice couple, beatiful b&b
http://www.dromclochouse.com/index.html
Doire Liath B&B - 027 50223
http://www.bantrybedandbreakfasts.com/index.html
Note: Located in town and about 10mins to the event site
ANYTHING ELSE...
Need photo supplies, batteries, cameras, etc? Please visit Bantry Photo Centre in the centre of the town. They are supporitng the event.
CHOCOLATE! We have a new sponsor...Katie's Real Chocolate...free entry pack when you enter the event! Yum!
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS - we need help with flags, racing marks, beach cleans, event reports, security, first aid...if you can help or be available to help, then please email Pearse at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All help much appreciated..you won't miss any racing we promise, but the more hands on deck, mean we all get going and get tidied up quicker.
Please respect the land owner wishes, maintain the area clean and comply with the parking area. Last year, it went off perfectly! Bantry is a super friendly town...please mingle / talk to the public as they walk through the event site. If you are asked for an interview, please do so! There will be camera's at the event, both still's cams and video cams...you could be famous!
Above all else...enjoy the event!
It's a super oppertunity to showcase Irish Windsurfing
and to help Bantry realise its full potential as a competitive venue!
Comments
We need help in certain areas for the weekend. If you're available and want to, please email me at shop
MOST IMPORTANT - We need co-pilots for the rescue boats. You'll be assisting the pilot of the boat in taking results, rescue and setting the course. Wet and gear gear needed. Need 2 people in total for this.
We need someone to man the gates on Saturday morning...easy, let the windsurfers in, keep the public out of the airfield. You won't miss the racing, just need an hour of your time.
Look forward to seeing you all in Bantry.
Regards,
Pearse
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