Windsurfers return to spiritual home
THE largest windsurfing event in the UK returned to its spiritual home of Hayling at the weekend.
Thousands of the sport's fans descended on Beachlands over the two days to witness a spectacle of racing and exhibitions at the National Windsurfing Festival 2010.
Some of the biggest stars of the windsurfing world, such as Morocco's Boujmaa Guilloul, flew into the UK to take part in the festival, which has become a firmly established highlight of the windsurfing calendar.
The sport is said to have been invented on the island by resident Peter Chilvers in 1958.
Festival organiser Alan Cross said the event would not be so successful if it did not have the backing of the entire windsurfing community in the UK, from the professional sailors to the free-riders – those who windsurf as a hobby.
He said: "I just have to steer the ship, so to speak. The festival has got this great community atmosphere about it.
"People come down here who aren't competing, though they may have in the past, and for them it's become a social gathering.
"It's been really, really good. The conditions have been perfect, we've had 340 competitors, and we've had thousands of spectators come on down.
"We've had everybody taking part – the youngest sailor is about eight-years-old and the oldest is in his 70s. But that's what it's all about."
The event closed at 3pm on Sunday with a prizegiving ceremony. Havant Borough Council again offered sponsorship in support of the annual event.
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Weather for Hayling
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
