Thursday 12th  June  – Windsurf **** River Orwell at Levington –  sunny.

Foil – 18.47  knot max, 17.68 knot ave., 10.40  knot hour, 15.46 knot mile, 46.20 km., 13.21 knot alpha.

Starboard Freeride 150 and a Evolution Freeride foil with a Tushingham Storm 6.5.

The plan today was to head down to The Manor fairly early to make the most of the onshore breeze before high tide which was around one but on arriving at Squiz Lane at 8.30 it was not overly breezy and there was a good shore dump rolling in, as I have broken several foils and a board I decided it was not worth the risk launching so I erred on the side of caution, heading over to Levington. I stopped at home first to tell Mag my plan and arrange for her to cycle over with lunch for 12.30, alos she messaged Ian with my change of venue and he joined me on the water later in the morning! Arriving at the marina just after nine in lovely sunshine with the tide already high enough to launch easily! I set-up my foil board but with the wind in the east it is difficult to judge it’s strength due to the trees in the bay? It didn’t look overly windy so I took a chance with my 6.5 which proved good for most of the session! I wore my shortie for the first time this year as the temperature was in excess of 20 degrees and I was fine, helped by the fact I managed to keep out of the water! Launching around 10 the wind was a little patchy near the marina so I headed down river so I could do long runs down to Felixstowe docks in super smooth water, just me and a few yachts plus an avocet which flow in front of me! Todays speeds were a little disappointing perhaps it was not as windy as it looked at times on the water? There were lulls down to the docks but I could often keep the board flying by bearing off, the highlight of the session was doing a couple of close fly pasts of the old wooden barge, The Victor sailing up from Iswich which was full of customers enjoying the experience and I managed to get a big cheers and lots of waves:) I was joined on the water by two wingers, Ian and another Stephen both out on 5m wings enjoying some nice conditions down river. I had been out well over two hours and was surprised tto have sailed nearly 30 miles and came ashore at 12.30 just in time as Mag arrived on her bike, she is a star! I had a quick shower before returning to the van for a top lunch before packing up and heading for home via a quick stop at Lidl where I dozed off in the car park! Top day again and tomorrow is Maeva day so we are looking forward to going somewhere for a picnic!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=stephen.squirrell.1&set=a.10231730794025501

PS – my collection of Marc Bolan and T. Rex records/memorabilia are going to auction on June 18th, if you are interested please check out the link below:)

https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/1e164c2624f28fd3d30c23d3bcfa3856/0af8d24542e81eb9357e7ef448a6646f/memorabilia-and-collectables-auction/?currentPage=4