The Cambridge “Springfield” windsurfing event
kicked off with the usual bang and a night of
partying at Churchill College. Congrats to Imperial
College who were so keen to arrive they turned up
before the Cambridge crew. Put student windsurfers
together in a room with a charity fashion show and
sell them wine at £3.20 a bottle and you can
imagine the carnage that ensued.
Despite all odds, everyone turned up at Grafham
Water and was rigged and ready to go by eleven.
Unpacking kit in the snow has to be one of those
things you don’t do too often (yet alone 2 weekends
in a row!). Respect to beginners who spent far more
time in the water than the advanced fleet.
No more touching the buoys meant a break for the
traditional slalom and in with the GPS units, kindly
provided by Navman Sport tools. Scores were
based on individual best speeds only. Top speeds
were being hit all day despite dubious wind
conditions. Top sailor in the Techno speed
challenge was Crispy(Cam) with 19knts, with Dylan
Watt(Soton) and Ed(Cam) in joint second. Joanna
took third overall and first lady. The home built
Techno hydrofoil overtook the rest, but unfortunately
wasn’t caught on GPS.
General frivolity continued with curry and a party at
Jesus College. The Simpson’s theme prompted the
generous adornment of yellow face paint, blue hair
dye and green glow sticks. It wasn’t long before the
face paint had been redistributed and everyone was
covered in glowing goo. No one can remember who
won the boat race (although I’m sure it was
Imperial), but I think we can assume that a good
time was had by all.
Punting on Sunday morning was of course
compulsory. Sheepish looks from those who
remember the previous nights activities and
hangovers all round. Bridge jumping on your first
punting trip is a must and in true windsurfing style
it was done naked. Tom from Nottingham – you
have a nice bum.
Bacon was needed before anyone could face the
reservoir in the afternoon and the water was
braved by those too hardcore to submit to the
Saturday top speeds. Awesome prizes were
dished out by event sponsors Riks windsurfing
and everyone went home happy!
