British CR:X Kite Race Series kicks off at Seafarers Sailing Club, Hill Head

by Jack Ridel 28 Apr 2018 07:56 BST 21-22 April 2018

2018 British CR:X Kite Race Series © Adrian Dulake

The first ever British CR:X Kite Race has been completed at Seafarers Sailing Club, Hill Head. Weekend #1 of the British CR:X Kite Race series started in style at a fantastic venue with great action on the water.

Light wind and thick fog on Saturday morning gave the 20 competitors a chance to go over the new one design kite race equipment. This unique set up allows racers of all standards to compete on a level paying field and has the advantage of being convertible meaning the same board can be configured as a TwinTip or Foil. As the wind built competitors took to the water to ride CR:X in the foil configuration. A convention windward/leeward course was set and by the afternoon hard fought, matched racing was taking place with fast action in just 8knts of wind. Three races were completed with Russell Farrington just taking the overall win ahead of Tom Buggy. Adam Farrington and Ian Savage battled it out for the next podium finish with Adam securing 3rd at the last race.

With a good forecast predicted for Sunday all the competitors set about converting the boards from Foil to TwinTip mode before a much welcomed evening meal at the host sailing club.

The forecast was for strong on shore winds by 11am so a briefing was held at 9am and all competitors were suited, kites pumped and ready to race by 10 for KiteCross action. The expected on shore wind did not fill in so the on shore figure of 8 course was changed to a cross shore down wind slalom with jumps. By lunch time the wind had built enough for the U17's to race. Adam Farrington won his first race with a cracking start and a critical mistake by Stan Hart gave Adam his second 1st. This meant that both Stan and Jasmin Wallis had a 2nd and 3rd each, so it was down to the last race to secure the final rankings. The last race was tense as the competitors lined up on the starting line. Stan showed his Youth Olympic class by dominating the final race and securing a win giving him a 2nd overall ranking.

2018 British CR:X Kite Race Series - photo © Adrian Dulake

All the competitors then helped pack away the equipment prior to the prize giving at Seafarers Sailing Club.

"We are so grateful to all the competitors who came to Hill Head and are blow away by the talent we have witnessed on the water. I would also like to thank Seafarers Sailing club for their help, support and hospitality. The first race weekend was a real success and we are excited about welcoming everyone back at the next race in Poole!" Jack Ridel – Chairman British CR:X Class Association

"It was a real pleasure and great fun for Seafarers Sailing Club to host a successful regatta for this new and dynamic sport. We wish the CR:X team all the best for taking kite racing forward and hope to remain involved in the future". Philip Warwick – Commodore – Seafarers Sailing Club

Weekend #2 – Poole is just round the corner and is expected to deliver more fantastic racing. Entry is now open at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2018-british-crx-race-series-weekend-2-poole-tickets-44938690834