Windsurfers set to swamp Island
THE WINDSURFING world is heading to Hayling this weekend for one of the sport's biggest meetings.
Thousands are expected to descend on Beachlands tomorrow for a weekend of racing and exhibitions.
Some of the biggest stars of the windsurfing world are due to fly into the UK to take part in the National Windsurfing Festival 2010 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.
The festival will provide not only great entertainment for fans but also a major boost for the island's tourism industry which is at the same time catering for sailors taking part in the Laser World Championship.
Gemma Glover, from the Langstone Hotel, said: "We've had quite a few people staying here throughout the week leading up to the festival for training courses.
"From our perspective it's brilliant to have these events locally, a lot of people are staying here and we hope we are giving them a nice time."
More than 300 competitors will take to the water making it the largest windsurfing event in the UK.
The racing is for both professionals and amateurs and one of the highlights is a night windsurf on Saturday (September 4) which takes place under floodlights, at 9.15pm.
The event is being sponsored by Havant Borough Council.
Council sports development officer Kyle Hanna said: "We are delighted to support this prestigious event and are delighted that many local residents come down to experience the unique atmosphere and enjoy a fantastic weekend of exciting racing.
"The council is committed to helping this prestigious event to grow and become even more successful.
"And what better place to hold the National Windsurfing Festival than on Hayling Island, where of course windsurfing was born."
The festival is based around The Inn on the Beach restaurant where the main party will be held on Saturday night.
As well as racing there will be windsurfing clinics from the likes of Boujmaa Guilloul, from Morocco.
The first race is 10.30am on Saturday. The event finishes with a prizegiving ceremony at 3pm on Sunday.
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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
