The 1st Club Vass Women’s Windsurfing Clinic is well under way. The 20 girls are being treated to dedicated female tuition from guest instructor Lucy Horwood, the British National Champion 2002 and well known international racer, and Club Vass’s very own Becky Ellis and Jo Scott. Here’s how they’ve been getting on so far in what looks like becoming a regular event.
Day 1
Having never been to Vass before I was very excited about the trip, even the 5am start from Brighton didn’t bother me!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since the club is in a windy spot and for teaching windsurfing it is not familiar with the Formula boards and massive sails so I took mine for people to look at. Having lugged all my kit through the airport (with no trolley) I arrived at Vassiliki with Becky Ellis (Becs) as my personal chauffeur who picked me up from the airport – other girls were not so privileged and had to do the hour long journey on a coach!!!!!!!!!!! (I get very travel sick and I don’t think I would have coped).
“What a beautiful place” “isn’t it a fantastic place” was a about all I could say as I had a tour of the town before heading to the centre. I was given a fab room overlooking the bay and met everyone for a welcome drink (the first of many)!!! All the 20 girls looked very excited as we sipped wine and gazed at the wonderful view!!!!!!!
Day 1 was a 10am meet. Having introduced themselves and told us their aims and expectations for the week we hit water. None of that faffing around on the beach talking “shop” we just went for it. Becs had an interesting warm up technique making us all clap hands, stand on one foot, jump on the spot along with some unexplainable stretches – ALL WHILE SAILING ALONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone had a great sail and felt all warmed up and ready for the action in the afternoon. Lunch was next on the agenda where a lovely well deserved Greek salad was in order!!!!!!!!!!. The afternoon session started on the simulator working on harness stuff and straps. Unfortunately the Vass wind didn’t blow hard in the afternoon so it was beach starting for all. Jo took the beginner group and by the end of the day, all the ladies were sailing, turning and beach starting – good job Jo!!!!!!!!!!!
Day 2
was a slightly later start which was great for me as I had a couple of drinks in the famous Zeus bar where Becs and her brother Tom kept me till rather late!!!!!!!!!!
No wind in the morning (which is usual and expected) so a cruise round perfecting the tacks and gybes was the agenda for the morning. Lunch was delicious as usual and then I briefed the gang about racing and headed out to do a little upwind downwind race !!!!!!!!!! WICKED. Unfortunately when we got out the wind was onshore and slightly wavier then the morning and the gang wanted to just sail and practice all the learnt things!!!!!!!!!!!! We are saving the racing for tomorrow morning.
The plan for tonight is a girlie drink in the cocktail bar, followed by a group dinner which I can’t wait for,
So till tomorrow, pray for some wind for us,
Goodbye
Lucy
