Ka was well represented at the 2009 Calema Midwinters by Team riders Farrah Hall and Alex Morales, Farrah finishing second in the Womans division. Well done Farrah!!!

Here is a report from Rick Randall

CALEMA  Midwinters  2009   gets the job done one more time!……………..By Rick Randall

The first two days of the Midwinters featured light breezes that barely got the Kona and long board racers moving. They managed to get in plenty of races though for the Kona North American Championships. The Formula fleet entertained themselves by talking about the latest fins and sails as usual, as well as breaking out golf clubs, starting up poker games, or turning their boards into a ping pong table!

The high pressure was obviously not just a weather system, but a state of mind! Though the forecast was looking grim on Sunday, a bit of a breeze did begin to build and the long boards took to the water. As the day went on, the wind started to freshen, and hope was seen on the faces of the Formula racers. An announcement was made that the wind was filling in on the course and we heard the ubiquitous “Formula racers, your horn is blown!” on the PA system. A mad rush took place as we readied our biggest sails for what we hoped would not be a slog fest.

Even though it was covered by Gonzalo in his excellent clinic on the first day, not everyone made it to the start of the first race due to our being unprepared. The race went off in light and shifty conditions. Good pressure was starting to come through the course though. The second race saw those who got a clean start, make it around the course planning most of the time. The third race had great wind right from the start. The fleet was really into it now and pushing hard, with one general recall. By the time we had finished the final race, the wind was ripping nicely and many sailors continued sailing in the fresh breeze. The awards were held and the raffle prizes from the sponsors were distributed. As usual the event delivered the goods in the end, and everyone headed home with a feeling of accomplishment.

Thanks to Tinho and Susie, along with all their assistants who made the event a success!