Competitors in our Squib and Cruiser class races last Sunday may have noticed a number of windsurfers racing between Overcombe corner and Portland Harbour. This event is known as the Portland Harbour Dash, which has been running for over 30 years.
It was founded in memory of Brian Matthews who died in January1986, the day after his 60th Birthday. Brian learnt to windsurf in 1986 having been taught by Phil Gollop from his original set up in a few lock-ups at the end of Old Castle Road. The concept of the Harbour Dash came about as Brian was a regular sailor from Overcome, Ringstead or Portland Harbour.
The format of the event is quite simple. It’s a race from Overcome to Portland Harbour, where you go inside the wall via the North shipping channel and back into the bay via the East shipping channel. It’s then a quick zip back to the beach finishing at the same point at which you started.
For over 20 years WSC member and cruiser class owner (Amorosa) Ade Bugler has held the legendary speed record for this event.
However conditions last Sunday were perfect for Olympic medallist and world champion Nick Dempsey to mount a challenge to Ade’s record. Nick managed to finally beat this longstanding record by over 2 minutes. While nobody likes to lose a record, if Ade was to surrender his title I’m sure he would have wanted it to be to Nick who we are all hoping can win a gold medal for team GBR on our home waters in 2012.
Mark Bugler
Submitted on 10th October 2011