no. 33. January 2008
Maui, Hawaiian Islands
Driven by Wind started The Driven by Wind attempt set up by Dave White started this month. Dave is super motivated to make it a great event and is damaging his own chances all the time with his perfectionism. He wants to do everything himself and apart from speeding through the course we saw him knee deep covered in the mud with heavy timing equipment to make sure everything worked as it should. He was still sailing in great style and managed some solid runs ending in an event speed very close to Finian who is the true master up till now. The fist try was at the very first possible sailing day and during this try Dirk Doppenberg, my Dutch Maui Sails team colleague was in great form. I was a little unlucky because I crashed and couldn’t get back on the course while the wind at it’s best. I was stuck in leeward with a sail size that was too small. The second try went a lot better and I managed to do some good peak speeds. For results see: www.drivenbywind.com and www.gps-speedsurfing.com I am sure the speeds set up till now will be bettered substantially by nearly all. Conditions haven’t been perfect to say the least and still some blistering runs could be seen. Some very nice shots made by John Carter can be watched on the Driven by Wind site. They clearly show the challenging conditions. I had the chance to sail the TR-4 5.1 for the first time during a race and it’s clear the new sails rock. Easy on the hands, super soft feel, nice back hand and superb accelleration are the keywords that come to mind. The event is the first to show live GPS speeds and semi live gated (so true course) 500 meter standings based on GPS measurements. We, the GPS crew, support the event with the help of a firm called Championchip. Although we faced some software problems showing live 5x10 second readings all data was stored and the outcome is very positive. We will present our findings to the WSSRC after the event has ended and we are sure our standards will prove to be very high. We are learning with each race and the second try we tested two four Herz devices (measuring four times a second) with very good results. If you are interested to watch us live please watch both websites for updates on the forecasts. Martin van Meurs Photo : Mart Kuperij
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Maui Monthly | Our Experience Your Reward no. 33. January 2008
Maui, Hawaiian Islands
Photo : Mart Kuperij
Photo : Nikaj Droop
Finian Maynard Dave White Martin van Meurs Steve Thorp Dirk Doppenberg Bob cunningham John Kenny Dennis Little Philip Adamidis John Smalley Timo Mullen Pete Cunningham Andrew Brown Farrel Oshea John Benamati Dave Connor Bart Goemans Paul Simmons Minos Efstatdiadis Pete Davis Andrea Baldini Dino Thomopoulos
44.10 43.38 42.47 41.40 41.19 40.74 40.44 40.30 40.14 39.11 39.02 38.71 38.16 38.07 37.81 37.58 37.38 37.04 36.59 36.48 36.21 34.16
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Maui Monthly | Our Experience Your Reward no. 33. January 2008
Maui, Hawaiian Islands
So many things happened in January Who would’ve thought that so many things could happen in so many weird ways to start a new year. We’re excited for the new opportunities that we continue to find in this fast growing business, and if 2007 was one of the best yet, 2008 is going to be even better.
First round of 2009 sample Wave sails This month we received our first round of 2009 sample wavesails from the factory. We have also been fortunate to have good conditions for some sail testing. It’s interesting how you can start with a sail that works really well and still find some way to improve it. The 08 Legend is a great sail and for 2009 our goal was to make it feel even lighter and more responsive on the wave. Phil and I sailed the first sample 5.0. It was working quite well but needed some small adjustments, so it was back to the loft. I recut the sail and took it back on the water the next day. The second test session showed that we were close but the sail still needed a slight luff curve adjustment. Afterwards, it was time for another test session. Good waves with gusty variable winds provided great conditions for testing the sail in a range of conditions. The sail had excellent handling and felt light and responsive. It is always satisfying when design ideas yield the intended results in practice. We systematically go through this process over and over again for all the different sizes and sail lines.
The production of TR-4s is totally in hand and with delivery on time, the month has been pretty enjoyable. My own work has seemed to focus around getting materials in line for the next ‘wave’ of designs and production. This has been really fun as it has been a creative process as well, working with the laminator to come up with some things that are unusual and will raise our material ‘profile’ to match any company in the business. There are light weight materials that are super stable and strong, a new color that we have been trying to formulate for several years unsuccessfully, but with a breakthrough in pigment/dye technology seems to be a go. And there is a common ‘color’ that we have developed a special treatment to deliver flash without reflection. It should be very unique.
This month we also received samples of some new materials that will be used in the 2009 sails. We have some original, new colours, as well as material to improve wavesail durability. The new materials and graphics work great together to give the 2009 sails a fresh, exciting look.
As with the beginning of any new period, we have ideas and suggestions pouring in from the our world of happy sailors who all have little wants and needs. When these find their way to us through the forum or direct contact, it is always challenging to see if we can respond in ways that deliver something that will satisfy those desires. The chafe protection on the batten pockets for example, was suggested on a beach in Holland during a clinic with some race sailors. It took a couple years to find the right material and execute, but the source of the need was on the beach. Expanding communications and our ability to refine the products based on fulfillment of your desires will be a major theme in 2008. Thanks for always taking the time to let us know what it is that makes you happy... or sad. It’s all good.
Aloha, Artur Szpunar
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Maui Monthly | Our Experience Your Reward no. 33. January 2008
Discover the Barbados Island Our Netherlands dealer Arjen de Vries from www.windsurfingrenesse.nl just returned form incredible surf trip. Find out more about Barbados Island. About the Island Language: English, Bajan (local dialect) Currency: dollar, 1US$ = 1.98BDS$ Time Zone: GMT – 4hr Coastline: 97 kilometer (60 miles) Climate Barbados is blessed with a near perfect climate. The island receives 3000 hours of sunshine and up to 1 meter of rain a year and the constant tradewinds help to keep the humidity and heat at bearable levels. The wettest season is from July to November when tropical fronts pass over the region. The wind is lightest at this time of the year. December – June is the driest and windiest period. Hurricanes are not really a risk in, they tend to pass further to the north. In the water you will be fine in just board shorts and a rash vest. Early morning sessions in the winter may call for a shorty.
Maui, Hawaiian Islands
There is excellent surfing all year around. 8 Times world champion Kelly Slater is a regular visitor of the island. Good diving and snorkeling on the west coast. Lots of organized excursions like sailing with the Jolly Roger pirate ship, or going below the surface with Atlantic Submarines. The nightlife on Barbados is the best anywhere in the Caribbean. The Bajans love to party! Try Harbor Lights or Boatyard in Bridgetown. Or the Ship Inn and Mc Brides (famous for its “shake your ass contest” on Sunday nights!) at the St. Lawrance Gap. The Bajans dance like nowhere else in the world! In some night spots you pay a US$ 15 cover charge after which all your drinks are free! The rum is said to be the best rum in the world. Friday night the locals head to the small fishing town of Oistins to the local fish market to start the weekend with a party not to be missed. Watersports Barbados offers world class windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, bodyboarding, skimboarding, diving, snorkling, sailing, kayaking, fishing, big game fishing, waterskiing, parasailing, powerboa tracing, jetskiing etc. etc
Nature and culture: Cruising around the island soaking up the scenery is an enjoyable way of filling the day. You will be captivated not only by the fine-grained sandy white beaches of the west coast but also by the rugged east coast. Stopping at one of the numerous small rumshops and village stores is the best way to meet the friendly local people.
Photo : Chris Welch - www.chriswelchphotos.com
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Maui Monthly | Our Experience Your Reward no. 33. January 2008
Maui, Hawaiian Islands
Photo : Chris Welch - www.chriswelchphotos.com
Barbados belongs to the Windwards Islands, sitting east of the main Caribbean chain and about 350 km (220 mi) north-west of Barbados is called the “little England of the Caribbean” because of its British influence. Nevertheless, the islanders have given their own special twist to the British traditions, changing them with their Caribbean peace of life. Famous for its holiday resorts, clear blue water and white sand beaches and its rum it also has the eastern Caribbean’s most consistent surf. Strong consistent trade winds 18-30 knots make it a great place for windsurfers and kiteboarders alike. Pro windsurfer Brian Talma is born on Barbados. Robby Naish and his kite team shoot their dvd “13 Dazes” on Barbados. Barbados offers something for everyone, from beginner to big wave rider. Barbados was for years the start of the PWA world tour every January. Many pro’s like Nathalie Lelievre, Nathalie Siebel, Josh Stone, Robby Seeger, Bernd Flessner, Matt Prichard and Kelly Moore used to train their skills on Barbados. Barbados has one of the best beach cultures in the world. It offers all the exciting water sports as well as a festive nightlife, music and food plus a guaranteed dynamic interaction between visitors and locals. The ultimate Caribbean feeling, white beaches, turquoise water, wind and waves, pulsating night-life, reggae music, and fun-loving locals! BARBADOS - that’s where the action is! Arjen de Vries - www.windsurfingrenesse.nl WINDSURFING RENESSE - PRO SURF & FASHION SHOP
Expose Yourself We are opening a profile and photos section on our website. Our important MauiSails customers around the World now can be featured in the next MauiSails Team newsletter which reaches over ten thousand readers each month. So we’d love to hear from you, our happy sailors. So send us (media@mauisails.com) your story and a photo with you using your favorite MauiSail. If you want to add more information such as the details below, feel free. Name : Sail # (if you have one) : Nickname : Born : Favorite discipline : Favorite move : Windsurfing since?
Nationality : Local beach : Dream spot : Favorite MauiSail : Hobbies (besides windsurfing) : Website : Why do you windsurf? www.mauisails.com | 0