AS a Pilot Trial, Crasher & I are going to organise an Informal Windsurfing Event in Mandurah on 16 and 17th of January A Giant Slalom RACE, the weekend following the Ledge to Lancellin. If it takes off, we will then establish a Formal Event the next year.
The basic format will be to do a long downwind slalom with legs of approximately 7kms making a 28km downwind slalom race on the peel Estuary.
Let us know what you think?
Where would the start and finish be ?
In those terms the ledge is a slalom race...
I havent asked but Jet will be in it for sure.
I might even enter 1 of the legs.
Sounds like a great idea to me guys.
Any excuse to head down to crab cruncher land is a good one Hards!
Organised/informal events better still. I'm in. 
I think what you are proposing is excellent in terms of promoting the sport and you will get a good sized fleet.
Effectively the race would be about the same length as the Lancelin Ocean Classic, but far less intimidating for the intermediate sailor since there are only three gybes, and the Peel Inlet is a very easy and safe place to sail as the water is so flat all the way across.
There are, I would think, a lot of sailors who are fast in a straight line, but whose gybes are a bit "rusty", and who find sailing slalom gear in the ocean difficult - which it is. This is a great concept for those sailors, and to help them to progress.
The timing is also good (the week after Lancelin) as you may even get the likes of Pete Volwater & Robby Swift to compete - so we can all see how far we are behind some of the world's best.
A suggestion; perhaps if we ask nicely, Col from birdseyeview may be kind enough to take some photos and video (even from a boat). It seems that Peel Inlet is heavily windsurfed but not heavily photographed at a professional level.
At This Stage:
Start: Boat Ramp Novara, with 2 Bouys 7km out, and 2 Bouys inshore, Probably finshing at Coodanup.
Great idea Hardie!
My suggestion would be to have the start line out far enough so that a weed fin is not mandatory 
That gives more people a chance to join in the fun.
Thanks, Pointer Patrick 
3 x 7 km legs is going to give the average sailor a fair pounding being on the one tack for so long. Maybe a few more shorter legs may reduce the pain/cramp factor.
Great idea and keen to give the esturary a blast as I have never sailed the area before.
A Marathon and a half marathon possibley?
42.195 and 21.1km respectively, should cover most bases.
Those km's are not a big ask at Mandurah for most riders.
8.5km to the tower and back 5 times is the marathon sorted.
One of the WWA buoys 1/2 way to the tower for the last leg of the half marathon should be the fix for that race.
That should cover every division I would think.
SAIL NUMBERS MANDATORY!!!!!!!as sails can be checked off as they round the buoys so there can be no disputes as to the results.
Does anyone remember the original marathon in the estuary that started at the southern most end and finished at the bridge, cant remember if it was the old or the new bridge.......either way it was a long sail. The other event that was always well attended was the Avalon to Halls Head downwinder - ah the good old days!!!!!
I'm in, longer the better...................
Update:
People keep asking me to go ahead with this so these are the latest ideas.
1. Keep it Unorganised and Unofficial, in order to escape Council permits insurance liabilities etc.
2. Expect Disorganisation, but hopefully a lot of FUN!!!!!!
3. Giant Slalom Event will mean starting and Finishing at Novara, Out 2 times, In 2 times with the second time finishing at the Start/Finsih Line. (No Driving and Pick-ups required that way)
4. Wind/Conditions may determine the non-official race may be changed to suit conditions.
5. If we get sponsorship offers (which have come my way), Prizes will be given randomly for just entering.
6. Make a BBQ and Social Event out of it.
7. Add in a Swap meet to boot.
8. Keep your ideas coming.
Sounds brilliant
What about a once out and back division for those not up to the level of the experiencd people or those keen to give it a bash on wave gear? Sort of like a second division. Keep up entertainment level up for everyone.
Can you post a google maps reference for those with no idea of where on the esturary your are talking about?
www.google.com.au:443/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=-32.57235,115.673182&spn=0.007577,0.018067&z=16
Cnr of Owen and Dampier Aves
