SCOTT GARDENER
“A couple of years ago JC came up with the interesting idea of a windsurfer (smallest craft) verses a massive container (largest craft) man verses vessel!
Having lived in Cowes in the past, spending some time windsurfing and Sailing in the Solent I was more than happy to help out Carter with his slightly insane plan. My first flat was just back from the start line of the Royal Yacht Squadron, the west side of the balcony looked over Egypt point, so I know these waters well. I had previously windsurfed in its fast tides and busy seas so I was pretty up for the challenge. After rigging up I found myself having a bit of an adrenaline rush. Normally I windsurf happily in pretty big waves, but now I had a nervous twitch heading out into the Solent. ‘What the hell are you worried about Gardner?’ I thought to myself. I guess the size of these ships and the fact that if I fell in the wind shadow there was no way the Captain would be able to do anything to stop mowing me down was a justified cause for concern?
Carter wanted me to sail as close as I could to them. My mind then went into slight overdrive! What happens if I get sucked in to the massive props as she passes? Christ, what a way to go! In the end I just said to myself ‘stop it man get just out there! I never said a word of this to JC. To be frank it was quite a buzz to sail close to these massive machines feeling the low bass of the engines beating through me, all on the power of the wind too! Then to be able to bear away and sail down the length of such a vast ship made me kind of proud to be a windsurfer. It is still the cheapest and one of the fastest craft to put to sea on. However I must stress that this was actually a well worked-out plan studying the winds, tides and ships and that why it has taken us some time to put together! I can’t wait for Carters next crazy plan!”
If you are coming to the Isle of Wight and want to windsurf or give your kids some expert and qualified tuition check out Scott’s adventure water sports business: http://www.wightwaters.com