Big Downwinder 2011 happened!

Well we postponed and postponed but FINALLY the Big Downwinder happened last Sat… it was well worth the wait ! The 2011 Downwinder was a huge success again. Below is the officlal press release which gives a bit of a summary, and attached are some good photos … and then at the end a scan of some of the media coverage.. we got 2 front page stories !!! Yeeeeeh ! Extra to those in the scan were a story in the Mirror, and extremely good coverage on some international web sites.

Sorry if you missed it because of the postponements.. we’ll be aiming for a much earlier date next year, end Jan/beg Feb, so hopefully we’ll get it right first time !

To all those volunteers, organisers, boat owners and drivers who helped and took part.. the hugest of thanks. And especially big thanks to all our sponsors who make the event so special. Please look at the sponsors list and remember them.. they’re supporting us so I hope you’ll support them !

Any feedback please let us know sooner rather than later, experience tells you’ll forget ! If anyone wants a full list of the results we do have them.

All the best,

Sue and Becs.

2011 Supporters

Watercooled Sports
G Force paragliding
Rodgers Dental Studio
Small Planet Sports
Glenorchy Hotel
Queenstown Fibreglass
Glenorchy Rd Honey
Brazz Bar and Restaurant
Glenorchy Cafe
DB Export
Kiwi Discovery

Press release.

Kiters and windsurfers from around the south island were delighted by the blue skies and fresh breezes on Sat to finally take part in this years long distance event from Glenorchy to Pigeon Island on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.

Organisers had bad luck this year with the event having a number of postponements before the conditions came right. However all were agreed it was worth the wait.

25 kiters and windsurfers took part. The winds were quite strong and the wavey conditions quite challenging so some participants didn’t quite make it all the way. They were helped to shore to pre arranged pick up points by the support craft.

” It was an awesome day enjoyed by all ” says event co-ordinator Sue Bradley ” Even those who didn’t make it to the finish still had big smiles. To be lined up at the start with that many colourful sails and co-sailors in the spectacular setting of Glenorchy is quite a thrilling experience.”

On the race side the kiters took out the main honours again with Thomas Rold, Queenstown taking out first place on a 17 square meter kite (quite impressive in those strong conditions). 2nd Place, Troy Wyga , Glenorchy. 3rd Gavin Jackson, Dunedin. 4th place overall and taking out the Junior title, Blake porter, Dunedin. 1st Windsurfer, Paul Vilestra of Dunedin, 2nd Aki Shimizu, 3rd Chris Shaw. 1st Woman Simone Jackson, Dunedin. Simone Jackson also took out the Jude Green memorial trophy. The event is a memorial to previous club stalwart Jude Green. The trophy is given to the person who most represents the spirit of the event. Simone was alerted to a major injury at the event last year and has had very major surgery since, but throughout the year she’s kept the Downwinder as her goal and motivation to see her through the difficult times.
“We are so proud of Simone for making here today , she deserves this prize very very much. ” Sue Bradley.

Please credit these photos if you use them; Preferably ” keepsake photography ” but wouldn’t mind Vanessa Harmide. If you want to contact the photographer direct for further photos her no is 0212788875

Further info Sue Bradley 027 640 8596
Check out the press reports