Yesterday saw the final day of White Air 2007 and what a week it’s been! In case you didn’t make it down to catch the last day’s racing, here are the final results.
The winner of the World Cup Windsurfing long distance event was Dan Simpson in the pro men’s category, Xavier Ferlet came first in the masters category, and Liam Round won the junior category of the two mile race. Well done to you all.
In the UK Freestyle Windsurfing Championships, the competitors were judged on their ‘fluidity and performance’, including whether they finish the trick properly. They all put on a great show, displaying a number of tricks including the strangely named spocks, flackers, and willy skippers (don’t ask).
Andy Chambers came first in the pro-mens category, with Simon Hurry second and Colin Dixon taking third place. In the youth category, Richard Jones came first, followed by Sam Neil and Ryan Humphrey. The junior category saw Ben Harwood take first place, Glen Sullivan in second, and Rupert Kilburn in third.
Some of you might’ve ‘had a go’ during the week at the rather strange looking paddle boarding. Well, yesterday saw the Paddle Boarding Challenge, where seven teams of three or four raced from the beach at Yaverland to a buoy just off the shore. All types of competitors took part, mountain boarders, skaters and the RAF Recruiting Team, who managed to win the race.
The kite surfers took to the water in the afternoon and their technical performance was judged by the girlfriends. We were on the beach at the time and watched some great stunts, amazed by how high they fly above the waves. Neil Hilder came in first place, followed by Murray and Chris Burke.
There were five Thundercats races yesterday and of course, the final. Unlike last year when the water was pretty flat, the rougher conditions made for great racing. Taking first place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius, followed by driver Sean Fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in second place. In third was driver Darryn Harrison and navigator Sam Lane.
The Thundercats have been racing throughout the weekend, and the final results saw driver Sean fisher and navigator Brad Bosman in first place. Storming through in second place was driver Mike Hatting and navigator Candice Pretorius. Following in third was driver Scott Wilson and navigator Kevin Elford.
It has been an excellent week for punters and competitors, the weather has been brilliant and the new time of year seemed to work well in attracting more spectators.
All praise to Nigel and the team for the hard work putting everything together and a mention should also be made for the sponsors, Merrell Shoes, The RAF, Corona Beer and Wightlink. [images courtesy of our White Air photographer, Dave from Ventnorgraphic. Visit his site for more photos from the event, all available to purchase]
