The course is booked to be laid on the 17th so we could start from the 18th November. With travel difficult over Christmas and taking in the days we can't sail due to the tide, the course will be closed from the 23rd December until the 2nd Jan. The ten days will not be lost, just added to the end of the three months, should not run during this time the event will extend by a month.
Southend is a traditional holiday town which doesn't shut down through the winter, there is plenty of accommodation available at all costs. The closest airports are Stansted and Gatwick, both less than a hours drive away, and for those who would like to leave their equipment in England, Wet 'n' Dry Board Sports can arrange equipment storage.
The system for calling the event will start with a five day warning, this will be updated everyday with a final call twenty four hours before we start. To help everyone make there personal decision on travel arrangements we are watching windfinder for our forecasting. For our area this has proved to be the most accurate.
As there are days where the tide doesn't give a chance to open the course, there will be a chart showing when we can run and between what times. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to get in contact.
Big congratulations to the team in Luderitz, particularly to Sebastien Cattelien of France for breaking the magic 50 knot barrier with an official run of 50.26 knots
New year, new start
01/11/08
The start of drivenbywind has been put delayed until the new year. We've heard so much about it, and yes, we've had to wait due to the credit crunch. Hopefully the extra time will allow the all the competitors to commit to a new record attempt.
With the fifty knots now broken, the psychological barrier has now been put to the back of our minds we are better placed to make a true attempt on the out right record. The plan is to run for three months from January as we did last year, but entry's need to be in before the end on November.
Entry Closing Soon
30/09/08
We’re getting closer to starting drivenbywind again. 50 knots looks ready to drop, with the speeds set last year and seeing how close the guys have come in Luderitz, you’ve only got to think it’s a matter of time.
This year we would like to include the nautical mile, Southend’s mile has to be the best looking stretch of water anywhere in the world, so lets make the most of it.
Closing date for entry is quickly coming up. To have everything in place for a mid November start we have to close entry by the 15th October.
drivenbywind 2
01/09/08
When we first thought about running a record attempt at the Ray in Southend we had no idea who if anyone would turn up. Fortunately we were rewarded with a full fleet of sailors from all over the world. by the time we closed the course we had a new open sea world record, three national records and eighteen personal best speeds. We're ready to run drivenbywind again but this time we want to start earlier to get a better chance of that magic combination of strong winds and flat water.
Now Southend has shown it's potential the interest in participating has also grown so its time to get the entry forms out to you. Entry fee will remain as last year, so with the exchange rates as they are it's actually cheaper for those flying in. drivenbywind will run for three months with a possible month extension should the weather fail us, we are also considering a break over the Christmas period to save on transportation problems during the holidays.
