North Sails - News Archive - Get David Garrel (North Sails) his rig back contest

2008-03-11

Get David Garrel (North Sails) his rig back contest

The man with the perma-smile only just managed to see the end of the day on the 5th of March down at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer… And with good reason, David Garrel (for it is he !), out in the eye of the elements, saw his rig ripped out of his hands by a gust, never to be seen again. He talks us through the event as he saw it, the full violence of the conditions and, exclusive to Windsurfjournal.com, the photo sequence of the gust, for which many thanks to Robin Cristol !
“What happened to me that day I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I was just taking my gear back to the paddock, the ground was muddy and slippery, and with 60 knot gusts blowing through. Let’s say it wasn’t easy… Suddenly, I slipped and my rig turned face on to the wind. That left me with no choice in the matter, either I broke both wrists trying to resist the force, or I let everything go… The rig flew off and, as you can see on the photos, board, sail and boom went at least 10 metres up and travelled the kilometre to the sea from where I was at the team. It was amazing and sad at the same time, specially not being able to prevent it. I ran down to the sea as fast as I could but by the time I got there the rig was already more than 100 metres out. I thought it wasn’t really sensible to go try and get it back against 50 knot wind, I don’t think I’m heavy enough. I came back to the paddock totally pissed off and feeling worthless, but I soon got my spirits back and I still believe in the 50 knots challenge. Bravo to Antoine for his achievement, he’s a great windsurfing champion. And I’d like to put out an appeal to everyone in north Africa, fishermen, cargo ships, tramps, in case you see or manage to recover the rig. It’s a North Sails red and white sail with the number 22 on it, and an F2 30cm board. Please get in touch via Windsurfjournal.com. A prize will be awarded to the lucky winner of this “Get David Garrel his rig back” contest ?"



source: windsurfjournal.com
photos: Robin Cristol

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