Allan Cross has been in touch regarding this years NWF on Hayling. Here's what he had to say - 

This years National Windsurfing Festival (including the National Sup Fest) will be delivered over a 3 day period to the public. The Sat and Sun will be business as usual. However, on the Friday we will be hosting a trade show day for the public, maximising the opportunity to give the public quality time with the industry with the option of demoing equipment without fear of it being ran up the beach, during a master blaster. There will be brand presentations throughout the day. Social evenings with entertainment are planned for both Fri and Sat.

We want to build on last years successes and develop the international participation and exposure. I would ask your support in the promotion of this unique event on both sides of the channel and start negotiations to encourage this years international personalities, as this really does add another dimension to the festival.

The NWF is the foundations of the bigger overall picture for 2012, that being "The Hayling National Watersports Festival 2012" sponsored by Havant Borough Council which will accommodate additional watersports disciplines.

We will further develop the SUP concept but also introduce Kayaking and investigating the possibility of including Kitesurfing. None of these disciplines will impede on the NWF format or execution.

Disciplines will be delivered at the most appropriate locations along the Hayling shoreline. However, will adopt the NWF format of non intimating, friendly environment for the intermediate sailor, good value but most of all Fun! The trade participation will grow further and strengthen the festival as a excellent one stop shop for all things windsurfing/watersports. So that is the Fri - Sun format settled. However, we will providing the opportunity on the Thurs, for the trade to exhibit to the retail trade.

This gives an excellent opportunity for you to host retailers/ future business potential and anyone else who would benefit from so many of us in one location, best ultiising your time and maximising opportunity. A bit like, the old days of Brighton World Cup. So yes we are talking about being on location for 4 days.

We are also exploring the possibility of hosting a black tie dinner on the Thursday evening, for our charity of the year in aid of Windsurfing for Cancer Research. Andy Biggs This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it will be coordinating the trade on my behalf and will be in the position to discuss the package on offer, taking early commitment in order to plan the trade show.

Obviously more info to follow in due course, but at least this should wet your appetite for yet another fantastic festival.

Allan Cross

The National Windsurfing Festival (NWF)