Registered participants for the annual Resolution Downwind Dash have been glued to weather forecasts in the hope for a promising change to the predicted fluky south westerly. The windsurfing Nationals commenced on the 21st January at 17:00 in a light breeze off the Cape Sports Centre in the Langebaan Lagoon, and the high of 17kts at 17:00 today will mean they will get in some sailing later this afternoon.

The status of the forecasts for Langebaan for Saturday 23rd is as such;

14:00 12kts

17:00 14kts

20:00 11kts

Given the size of the expected fleet of 400 participants and their varying range of skill level, the race director, safety crew, professional sailors, the sponsors and local schools have discussed the forecast and decided to postpone the race to the holdover weekend, as advertised for the 6/7th Feb 2010. The Resolution Downwind Dash is both a professional and a family event, and the organisers as well as the sponsors, want to see all the participants cruise in to Saldanha after the 20km course, and not struggle with light, and maybe non-existent wind, especially in the Saldanha area.

The pre-registration party at Lagoon Sports as well as the prize giving and after party, will be postponed along with the race.

Note that the same process of notification will be followed based on the wind forecast for the weekend of the 6th/7th February 2010.

Given the forecast and consultation with various local weather experts, the status of the predicted wind for Saturday 23rd Jan is not convincing enough to make a final decision with regards to the execution of the race. In order for the event to take place there needs to be an average wind speed no less than 12kts both at the start in Langebaan and at the finish in Saldanha.

In the event of the weather forecast worsening by tomorrow, the event will be postponed until the holdover weekend, the 6th/7th Feb. All the associated gatherings, pre-registration, braais and live entertainment will be postponed, along with the race.

However, we are optimitsic about the potential improvement in the wind speed, given the gale force wind we are experiencing in Cape Town at the moment. A final call will be made on the 22nd Jan at 12:00.

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<!–[endif]–> Winning the dash is about the achievement. It’s the sense of satisfaction and the honour of having your plaque on the legendary wheel trophy, alongside some of the world’s finest sailors. Matt Swart is a well known local hero who has won the event five times. The dash favours the local sailor, and offers a great challenge to anyone up for the adventure of exploring the Langebaan lagoon.

There are a host of brands and sponsors who are working closely together with the Saldanha Beach Sailing Club to continue to grow the event over the coming years. Red Bull has continued their involvement with prize money, energy centre at the finish of the race, jet ski’s and mobile PA and entertainer “stretch”.  An addition to the prize line up is Bulksms, who have generously sponsored a new purse of R5000 for the first lady and man to complete the race on windsurfing wave-sailing equipment.

The event will be held on the first day of sufficient wind on either the 23/24 January 2010 or the holdover weekend 6/7 February 2010.  A preliminary notice of confirmation of the race will be sent out on the 21st January at 12:00 with final confirmation on the 22nd January depending on wind forecasts.

A pre-registration gathering will be hosted by Lagoon Sports on Langebaan main beach on Friday the 22nd.  If you pre-register online, you can collect your goodie bag and competition vest here. If you have not yet entered you will be able to register here from 17:00 to 20:00. Malcolm Mc Gregor, the founder and race director, will be available for a question and answer session from 20:00. Any queries regarding the start sequence, false starts, rider communications etc can be raised here. Cabrinha and Liquid Force will be present at the gathering, and all those who attend will stand the chance of winning great prizes in a lucky draw. There will be a spit braai and refreshments available.

Late registration and collection of competition vests will take place at the usual location on main beach from 11:00am on the morning of the race. Please note that given the limited entries available it is advisable to secure your spot in the race online prior to race day. To date we have over 100 paid and confirmed participants.

The first possible start will be at 14:00. Note that the wind requirement is a minimum of 12kts and a maximum of 30kts for safety and rescue purposes.

The annual prize giving happens at the Club Mykonos taverna, where riders and their family are invited to enjoy a fish braai and live entertainment from Nungarin and top DJ, Dino Moran.

If you have not yet arranged transport and accommodation, please make enquiries through GUST magazine.

Commonly asked questions:

Q: When will we know if the event is postponsed to the holdover weekend?

A: 21 Jan 12:00

Q: How will we get back to Langebaan after the race?

A: There are two busses to take you and your equipment back to Langebaan

Q: What’s happening at Lagoon Sports on Friday eve?

A: A whole host of prizes, giveaways, demos, food and refreshments, late registration + Q&A with Race Director Malcolm Mc Gregor.

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORMS HERE