October 31, 2009 - Starboard FW 159, Maui Sails 10.0. S wind 10-25 mph.
I went on Halloween to practice for Mercer Island Winduro. When I was starting, the wind was easing off after 20-30 mph S winds overnight, and some in fact predicted that the wind would die off in the afternoon. I launched from Slater Park with the 10.0 sail, and initially the wind was barely enough to plane. within 20 minutes the wind picked up to overpowering conditions and while I was struggling to hang on, I made quick progress upwind in the channel by Seward Park. Despite the workout I was getting I decided to press on - I was afraid of going downwind in what was about 20-25 mph wind, and I was expecting the strong wind to pass.
The wind indeed let off by the time I got to the Southern tip of the island and I was able to catch a break. As I started heading downwind, the wind picked up again, and getting very gusty. I was getting really good downwind speeds, but controlling the board in the changing wind was wearing me out very quickly. I took two breaks - first a short and then a longer break. I got catapulted right in front of Newcastle and decided to give up and get a ride from Newcastle.