The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam

The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam
FUERTEVENTURA 2009: EVENT PREVIEW

After an epic week in Pozo, the world’s best windsurfers will arrive on the white sands of Sotavento Beach from Wednesday 22nd July. This is the final stop on the grueling Canary Islands tour, where both Slalom and Freestyle fleets will be competing fiercely.

Once again, the event is hosted at the world famous Rene Egli Windsurf Centre on the south eastern shores of the island. This amazing location is moments away from the waterfront, where cross-offshore winds blast across the beautiful blue ocean. The Fuerteventura event has played a great part in the history of the PWA, and it was the birthplace of the modern freestyle discipline.

Competition this year will start with the men’s slalom, and go into men’s and women’s freestyle. Running between the 22nd July and the 1st August, this event promises to be a great eleven-day spectacle.

Slalom
As the race for the overall title heats up, the top sailors will be giving everything they can to get their hands on crucial tour points.

After a classic performance from Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) in Pozo, the defending champion, and current Tour leader, will be headlining the event. He will be joined by the biggest names in the sport: Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine), Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne) and Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde).

Also pushing the challenge for the title will be the excellent Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails), Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra) and Peter Volwater (F2/MauiSails).

Freestyle
After the slalom is complete, the freestyle pack will roll in to town. All eyes will be on Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails/MFC) who took a solid victory in Lanzarote. His main challengers will no doubt come from the firing Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra), Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails/MFC) and Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC). Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) has grabbed Europe’s attention with his amazing talent, and he will have his hopes set on securing a top position in the World rankings.

In the women’s fleet, we can expect to see the great Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) defending her lead against challenges from the experienced Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails), the on form Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style/Dakine), Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) and Laure Treboux (Fanatic/North Sails).

One thing is for sure; it is going to be a close and action-packed event, with the level of competition reaching new heights.

Don’t forget that you can follow all of the amazing action the moment it happens thanks to live reports, amazing videos and incredible pictures - exclusively from www.PWAworldtour.com.

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Registration

Fuerteventura 2009: Registration

All signed up and ready for action: The 2009 Fuerteventura Slalom Fleet is raring to go.

The calm before the storm. Forty-seven of the world’s best slalom competitors have registered for the ultimate show down here at Sotavento Beach. The scene was familiar: white sands, azure waters and a constant cross-offshore wind.
The feelings in the camp were lively, and there was a sense of electricity that pulsed between the competitors. It is clear that many of the sailors will relish the opportunity to improve their standings in the World Rankings after a very tight contest in Pozo.

As it stands, Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) is the man to beat. His consistency and experience give him such an advantage in slalom. The intense contest in Gran Canaria last week has thrown the overall word rankings into disarray. The title chase has never been closer. Leading the chase is Britain’s Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra), whilst Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde), Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) and Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne) are all on equal points. The brilliant Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) is poised in sixth place, and he will be charging after an amazing performance in Gran Canaria.

There is also a big push by the new blood in the sport: Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails), Benoit Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) and Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) have been pushing hard for their position in the leading ranks. Along side them Gonzalo Costa Hoevel (Exocet/MauiSails) Robby Swift (JP/NeilPryde) and Matt Pearch (Fanatic/North Sails) have shown great speed and strength this year.

In a quick five-minute blast between his tuning program, we took the chance to have a quick fire chat with World Number two, Ross Williams.

Q: If you were a betting man, who would you put your money on for the top 5 at this event?

RW: “Antoine is the favorite for sure, but everyone is going to fight for it. I think Me, Micah, Finian, and KP will be in there. There have been a lot of guys getting better in every race, but it’s the consistency that’s important here”

Q: What about Dunkerbeck?

RW: “Oh yeah (smiling). I forgot him! He is always amazingly quick. And Cyril too. It’s going to be tight.”

Q: Does your performance depend on the conditions, and do you think they will affect the other competitors?

RW: “I just hope it is at least this windy – this stuff is perfect (looking at his 7.0 Gaastra and his smallest Starboard). The forecast looks good, and I know I’m at my best when it’s like Pozo. When it’s kind of’ light like this, Micah and Kev get a lot more competitive, but when it’s windy Antoine, Finian and Bjorn just love it. I love it too, and for the kit that I have registered here I need it to be really windy!”

Williams may well get his wish. Tomorrow the conditions look like they are picking up for an incredible week of action. There will also be some swell arriving for the men’s and women’s freestyle, so make sure you tune in and don’t miss a thing.

The slalom event will kick off tomorrow, with a skippers meeting at 1000, and a first possible start at 1030. All the action will be covered live, exclusively from the PWA Tour. Check out the action videos, great pictures, and live results on www.pwaworldtour.com .

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Der Tag 1 ist um:

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The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam – Day 1

Day 1. Simply unstoppable: Albeau opens with yet another incredible performance.

Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) has opened the Fuerteventura Grand Slam in style, smashing his way to two consecutive victories, and leaving his competitors for dead. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne) snatched the final victory of the day, whilst Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) and Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) continually dominated at the head of the fleet.

It was a glorious day at Sotavento Beach, where a full tide lapped at the shores of the turquoise lagoon. A cross-offshore trade wind build throughout the day, peaking at 35 knots, allowing the slalom elite to use their fastest equipment and put on an incredible display.

There were three full rounds of slalom today, each one containing a breathtaking mix of action, excitement and drama.

Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) was outstanding once again, showing that he will stop at nothing to take home the World Title this year. It was a great day in the office for the defending champion, who took two great victories early on. Albeau was made to fight for fourth place in the last final, where an epic display of speed took him from eighth to fourth in just two reaches. He finished the day on top of the leader board by a comfortable margin.

Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) and Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) looked very strong this afternoon, finishing up just one point apart, and with everything to play for. Both sailors were focused, consistent and incredibly fast, and they will be pleased by their performances today.

Mistakes crept in early as competitors pushed themselves beyond their limits to try and gain any advantage that they could. PMS disqualifications were numerous, and big names fell early: Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra), Gonzalo Costa Hoevel (Exocet/MauiSails), Marco Begalli (Starboard), Cedric Bordes (Tabou/Gaastra) and Antoine Questel (Mistral/Loft Sails) were all out of the first round without even sailing a heat.

The errors didn’t stop there; Peter Volwater (F2/MauiSails), Ben Van der Steen (Exocet/Simmer Style) and Alberto Menegatti (Starboard/Simmer Style) were all forced into the losers’ final of the third round after the same critical blunder. However these three did what they could, sharing the top spots of their next heat; Volwater showing his great talent once again, using super-fast technique as his main weapon.

There was also an edge of drama to spice things up. Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) had sailed excellently all day, making it through to consecutive finals and showing that he is a force to be reckoned with in these conditions. In the second final, Angulo was leading by a clear margin, until he catapulted over the finish line in a painful twist of misfortune. This left the path clear for Albeau to take the lead, leaving Angulo enraged, in the loser’s final, and lower in the rankings that he may have otherwise deserved.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne) suffered grave disaster when a similar wipe-out on the last reach during the second final sent the legend through his sail. Dunkerbeck sailed brilliantly to come back from that, and took the victory in the last final of the day. Windsurfing’s greatest champion has looked on top form today, and he will be a major contender for this event’s title.

Jimmy Diaz (Starboard/North Sails), Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North), Arnon Dagan (Tabou/Gaastra) and Partick Diethelm (F2/North Sails) were excellent today, showing that they have what it takes to be a major threat to the top spots. No doubt these great competitors will continue to push for positions in the elite winner’s finals.

The award for Sailor of the Day falls to Tine Slabe (RRD), who sailed brilliantly through the early rounds. In his best performance so far, the charming Slabe has laid the foundations for his best World Tour result to date.

Tomorrow’s action kicks off at 10.30, with the first possible start at 11.00. The forecast is for increasing winds throughout the week, which will set us up for yet another epic contest.

Don’t forget to check out the action LIVE, from our ticker service, the incredible daily photos, and the epic video footage, exclusive to www.pwaworldtour.com

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Tag 2 ist um...

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The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam – Day 2

Day 2: Pritchard and Williams seize the opportunity to catch the great Albeau.

Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra) and Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine ) have shared glory alongside Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) as the winners of today’s three rounds. In an outstanding day of competition, the first discard of the event has put pressure on Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) who clings on to second place.

A battering 40-knot wind churned the water white this morning, as the sailors prepared to push their limits over a dramatic new course. Speed was the focus of the day, with the fastest racers enjoying the opportunity to prove their talents. The ‘speed-leg’ that was introduced in the second round bought the action meters away from the amazed spectators, as the world’s elite went head to heat in a remarkable day of action.

A familiar scene welcomed the crowd, as Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) opened the day’s contest with a convincing victory. However, Albeau’s skill was tested, after two gybe mark collisions cost him a spot in the second round final, and a bad start pushed him to a low position in the third round.

With Albeau out of the second round’s final, Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra) took his chance for victory, and sailed excellently to claim his first win here in Fuerteventura. When Williams is on form, there are few competitors who can match his blistering pace and great technique, and so we hope he continues to challenge throughout the week.

Gaastra teammate Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) once again proved that he is one of the most serious contenders for this event, as well as the World Title. The ex-World Champion was outstanding in the ultimate heat of the day, holding off challenges from the best sailors in the world with apparent ease. Pritchard now sits at third overall in this event, and after such a great performance takes our coveted ‘Sailor of the Day’ award.

Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) clearly demonstrated his ability to dominate in high-wind racing, making the most of the new course layout. Qualifying to all three finals today, he ends up this afternoon in second overall, but he will be aware that the top five are closing in quickly.

There were some classic battles for the finish today, and more often that not, they included the determined Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde), Patrick Diethelm (F2/North Sails), Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) and Benoit Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style). All four of these athletes were excellent today, continually fighting through the ranks. Benoit Moussilmani, in particular, impressed with his outstanding final results. Arnon Dagan (Tabou/Gaastra) has also maintained his good form, although he was unlucky to destroy his equipment in a catapult during the final heat of the day.

An afternoon highlight for the crowd came in the form of a spectacular crash by Robby Swift (JP/NeilPryde), who gave everything in a battle with Jesper Orth (Starboard/Severne) in the second semi final of round 5.
Swift and Orth were neck and neck, when a chop pushed Swift’s board out of the water, causing him to crash at full speed, his body flung high into the air and hard into his equipment. Such was the force in the crash that Albeau and Buzianis sailed to him immediately to check on their teammate.

Yesterday’s sailor of the day, Tine Slabe (RRD), made history this afternoon, when he became the first Slovenian in Windsurfing’s history to make it through to a slalom winners’ final. Cedric Bordes (Tabou/Gaastra)

Gabriel Browne (Starboard/MauiSails) and Daniel Aeberli (F2/Severne) had an impressive day on the water that will see them set their sights high for the remainder of the event.

The wind is due to drop off by a couple of knots tomorrow, and after today’s results we now have a super tight competition on our hands. Whilst Albeau still holds a considerable lead, tomorrow’s racing will bring a second discard in to play, which could have a dramatic effect on the overall results.

Make sure you tune in to www.pwaworldtour.com <http://www.pwaworldtour.com/> tomorrow for more live action, incredible photos and action-packed video footage from on of the most spectacular events on the planet.

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Tag 3 ist um:

Zitat von PWA

The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam – Day 3

Day 3: It’s all change at the top as Buzianis, Angulo and Maynard claim excellent victories.

The pressure will begin to mount on Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) after an epic day of competition saw three new faces take the top spots. Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) has had a solid day, crowned by his win in the opening round. Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) finally realized his potential by winning the second round convincingly, whilst Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) took the third round after an incredible start line performance.

It would seem that the Rene Egli Centre is perhaps the best-positioned windsurfing school in the world. Sotavento Beach has once again provided incredible conditions, allowing the stars of the PWA to compete for glory just meters from an adoring crowd. The wind speed varied between 22 and 38 knots, in a day where consistency, talent, and speed were put to the test. It was all to play for as the competitors fought their way through the third epic day of slalom, here at the 2009 Fuerteventura Grand Slam.

It was made quite clear today that no sailors were prepared to step to one side to let the dominant Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) walk away with a victory. Albeau was constantly challenged, being forced back to second, fifth and twelfth in today’s three eliminations. By any normal standards these results would be exceptional, but for Albeau, nothing but the best will suffice.

Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) stole the show this morning, proving his ability to read the fickle conditions, and rocketing his way up the results ladder after a first and second place. Buzianis, however, missed out of his place in the winner’s final in today’s third elimination, which cost him crucial points.

Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) finally held out in the second round to take his first victory in this event. Throughout the contest, he has looked dominant from the start line, often leading the pack until the last stages of a race, but until today he was yet to convert his great ability to a win. Angulo recorded the lowest overall points today, and as such, he has been nominated as the ‘PWA Sailor of the Day’.
In the third round, the coveted number one spot in the went to Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde), who got off to an incredible start, and left the fleet for dead. There was no catching the speed demon as he dominated the final, and took his first win here in Fuerteventura. This convincing victory was exactly what he needed, pushing him up to second overall in this event.

Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) lived up to his consistent reputation, and recorded a solid set of results, while teammate Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra) kept himself firmly in the running for a good overall position, after a steady day on the water.

Continuing his incredible run at this event, Peter Volwater (F2/MauiSails) dominated his qualifying heats throughout all three rounds. The Dutchman was often seen putting his foot to the floor over the longest reaches, where he managed to burn past some of the biggest names in the sport. Volwater’s great string of results almost took a serious tumble when he sailed the wrong course in the final round. Thanks to the incredible lead that he had built up, he was able to fight back to sixth place, and qualify for the final once again.

The top names maintained their positions in the elite Winner’s Finals after entertaining battles in the semis. Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails), Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne), Arnon Dagan (Tabou/Gaastra) and Ben Van Der Steen (Exocet/Simmer Style) were familiar faces in the ultimate show down for the best rankings. The French twins Benoit Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) and Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) were excellent again today, maintaining their great run of success here.

Both Jimmy Diaz (Starboard/North Sails) and Robby Swift (JP/NeilPryde) had a good day on the water, making it into the top ten of the day’s third round. Jesper Orth (Starboard/Severne) and Diony Guadagnino (Hot Sails Maui/MFC) also continued to impress with their speed and persistence.

There are only a handful of points between the top sailors as we head into the penultimate day of competition; the leader-board has never been so tight. Albeau will want to pull ahead tomorrow to try and regain a clear lead, but it will be increasingly difficult against such an immensely talented fleet. After today’s powerful gusts, rumors of lighter trades tomorrow may bring some competitors hope. One thing is for sure: it will be an incredibly close battle to the end.

Join us again tomorrow for live event coverage, amazing photos and inspiring video footage, exclusively from www.pwaworldtour.com.

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Das war Tag 4:

Zitat von PWA

The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam – Day 4

Day 4: Albeau’s great victory is worth the wait.

Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) will leave the event site with his head held high, after claiming victory in one of the most daring and stunning displays of slalom in windsurfing’s history.

A morning of shifting winds and abandoned races gave today’s event an electrifying suspense. Early on, the wind speed ranged from 5 – 35 knots, whilst the fleet tried to complete the primary heats. After lunch, however, the conditions switched to create a perfect 40-knot offshore machine, and the racecourse was redesigned to create an epic battle ground.

There was only one round of racing today, yet the quality of the afternoon’s action will be remembered for years to come. The offshore wind meant that the course could be designed so the sailors would hurtle towards the huge crowds for the crucial and competitive first gybe mark. From the beach, it was possible to make out every detail of the determination, and fear, that showed on the sailors’ faces; not to mention the frightening speed at which they competed in the high-wind extravaganza.

Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) battled like a champion throughout the day. He had his work cut out for him, after being caught in the dead wind of the pack in the semi final. Despite rounding the opening mark in eighth place, he showed unbelievable speed and skill to overtake four sailors on one reach, and finished the heat in second place.
Then came the final. He was fifth over the start line, but made it up to third at the first mark, passing Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) who suffered an enormous early crash. Over the next two reaches, he blasted past Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard/Severne) and had a grueling battle with Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) before passing the final mark in first place. The great Frenchman celebrated his win with an enormous jump over the finish boat, which received a huge cheer from his adoring spectators.

Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) had yet another spectacular day, finishing the final in a solid second position. Angulo led all of his heats from the earliest rounds, his perfect start line timing giving him a crucial advantage over his competitors.

Continuing his recent success, Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails) performed brilliantly in his heats, and qualified for the elite Winner’s final comfortably. His success was crowned when he over took Dunkerbeck

in an immense sprint to the finish line in the final, to take third place. This is an even greater achievement as Dunkerbeck was firing today, at times looking like the fastest man on the water.

Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra), Patrick Diethelm (F2/North Sails), Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde), and Ben Van Der Steen (Exocet/Simmer Style) maintained their current success, each of them battling hard in the ultimate heat of the day. Diethelm often won the crowd’s support thanks to his blistering straight-line speed, which often allowed him to pass the majority of the fleet on the opening reach, and hit the first mark in clear water, in a commanding position.

Matt Pearch (Fanatic/North Sails), Robby Swift (JP/NeilPryde) and Andrea Rosati (RRD/NeilPryde) all enjoyed the contest today, and Pearch will be especially thrilled after winning the second semi final by a solid margin. The British sailor seems at home when the winds are at their strongest, and he will hope for similar conditions tomorrow.

Disaster struck for the excellent Peter Volwater (F2/MauiSails), Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) and Benoit Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) this afternoon, when huge catapults cost them dearly. During the first semi final, both Volwater and Maynard were leagues ahead of their opposition, yet both wiped out, leaving them stuck in the loser’s final. Moussilmani’s crash cost him the first place spot in the losers final, and he was forced to return to the beach with a DNF. The huge crashes really added to the intense excitement that was felt on the beach today, maximizing the day’s drama.

After such a thrilling day, it looks as though the World Champion may well have done enough to secure another event title. It is the top five who will need to focus tomorrow to maximize their points from this epic contest. Maynard, Pritchard, Moussilmani and Buzianis are all separated by just one point, and so any additional races will be crucial.

As the slalom event reaches its climax, make sure you continue to follow the action exclusively live from www.pwaworldtour.com <http://www.pwaworldtour.com> . As always, amazing photos, great videos and live event coverage will keep you in the mix.

© PWA / David Swift

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Wenn man denkt, daß es nicht schlimmer kommen kann...
Aber nach der Pozo-Schlappe bahnt sich jetzt auf Fuerte erneut das schlechteste Ergebnis in Dunkis Karriere an...

Zitat von DrMorewind

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Das war Tag 5:

Zitat von PWA

The 2009 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam – Day 5

Day 5: Congratulations to Antoine Albeau, Finian Maynard and Kevin Pritchard, who reap the glory from the 2009 Fuerteventura Grand Slam.

Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) has done it again, winning the 2009 Fuerteventura Slalom Event by a convincing margin. He now moves even clearer ahead of his competition in his quest for the PWA Overall Title. Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) and Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) complete the podium after fantastic performances.

A calm morning gave way to a gusty afternoon here on Sotavento beach today, as the PWA race crew tried to complete another round of slalom. After an epic display throughout the week, tensions were running high as sailors battled for their final rankings. Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to complete a round today, leaving yesterday’s results standing firm.

Winning the event after yet another world-class performance, the incredible Antoine Albeau (JP/NeilPryde) has proved to the world that he is the number one. After his fourth event win of the year, it is almost certain that this incredible athlete will win the 2009 PWA Overall World Title. Results such as these suggest that the Frenchman may have had it easy; but nothing could be further from the truth. Albeau has fought hard and dug deep for his victory here, and nothing can be taken away from his outstanding achievement. Congratulations Antoine.

Finian Maynard (RRD/NeilPryde) will be thrilled with his second place ranking, after a long, hard fight with Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine). Maynard’s speed has never been in question – he is one of the sailors who never fails to impress, as he blasts off the start line into clear water, somehow controlling his equipment in the extreme conditions. However, his consistency has sometimes been overlooked, and has let him down in the past. It is clear that he has put this problem behind him, after a fantastic event boosts him to second overall in the World Rankings.

The second podium in as many weeks for Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra/Dakine) was all in a day’s work for the ex-World Champ, who never fails to impress with his unflinching consistency. Throughout the week, Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails), Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra) and Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) put Pritchard to the test, yet his mental strength and well-honed skills were enough to secure him the valuable third place position.

Praise must go to the main challengers Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard/North Sails), Micah Buzianis (JP/NeilPryde) and Ross Williams (Tabou/Gaastra), who fought until the end in pursuit of the top three. Each of these contestants only missed the elite Winner’s final once, and they were always in amongst the faces at the front of the fleet.

The exciting power-sailors in the fleet Bjorn Dunkerbeck (F2/Severne), Peter Volwater (F2/MauiSails), Josh Angulo (Angulo/MauiSails/Dakine) and Patrick Diethelm (F2/North Sails) amazed the crowd throughout the week with their overtaking ability and their gybe-mark aggression. These sailors were a pleasure to watch, especially in the super-high-wind conditions, when they would blast through the ranks and dominate their races.

Arnon Dagan (Tabou/Gaastra), Ben Van Der Steen (Exocet/Simmer Style), Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) and Benoit Moussilmani (Starboard/Simmer Style) were never far behind the action, and all four enjoyed moments of brilliance here. After two weeks of intense slalom, Dagan has worn a hole in his foot down to the bone, his physical scars showing the pressure that has been felt by everyone.

Great individual performances by Robby Swift (JP/NeilPryde), Diony Guadagnino (AHD/Hot Sails Maui/MFC), Jesper Orth (Starboard/Severne) Matt Pearch (Fanatic/North Sails) and Alberto Menegatti (Starboard/Simmer Style) will give them a boost ahead of Turkey, while Jimmy Diaz (Starboard/North Sails) will look to improve to maintain his solid overall ranking.

After a week of breathtaking action, we now look ahead to the opening round of freestyle that will start at 10.30 tomorrow. The promise of five more days of incredible windsurfing will please the crowds here, as we prepare for the penultimate event in the men’s freestyle tour, and the final event for the women.

Join us again tomorrow for live event coverage, amazing photos and inspiring video footage, exclusively from www.pwaworldtour.com <http://www.pwaworldtour.com/> .

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Tag 6 ist um, die Freestyler haben das Sagen:

Zitat von PWA

THE 2009 FUERTEVENTURA PWA GRAND SLAM

Day 6: Estredo and Offringa take the honors as the first day of freestyle action is underway.

Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails/MFC) and Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) start their campaign with a perfect run, as they take the lead in the first single elimination. After two outstanding performances, the reigning World Champions start as they mean to go on.

The 30-knot offshore winds funneled over the dunes at Sotavento beach, creating the ultimate freestyle conditions for the pros. The flat water was broken up by the occasional wave, as an incredible display of power-freestyle stole the show. The grand stand was full throughout the contest, as the crowd withstood the sand and wind to catch a glimpse of the world’s best freestylers in action.

The men’s fleet, culminated in an outstanding final between Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails/MFC) and Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails), who went head to head in the first single elimination. Both sailors had been fantastic, passing the excellent Kenneth Danielsen (RRD/Simmer Style/MFC) and Ian Mouro Lemos (JP/NeilPryde), amongst others, on the way to the ultimate heat.

The final was a clear demonstration of intentions: Estredo showing he was the man to beat, and Browne making it clear that he was going to give everything. Having enjoyed success for so long, Gollito sailed with confidence, which somehow made his sailing seem leagues ahead of his competitors. He nailed an incredible combination of a shaka, and air flaka and his trademark one-handed ponch, whilst Browne tried to push too hard, and fell on his opening moves. He soon recovered to nail an impressive air chacho, and one handed air funnel. In the end, Estredo proved too much, and took his first win at this Fuerteventura contest.

Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra) stole the show in the semi final, with his massive moves getting the crowd to their feet. Frans was the first sailor to land a pushloop off the tiny waves, as well as his amazing new move – the forward-flaka. Against Frans, the number two in the World, Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) at times looked amazing, but he never rose to the heights that we saw in Lanzarote. His heat was crowned with a super smooth switch-spock 900. After a great performance by both sailors, Frans took the edge, and finished the single elimination in third place.

The highlights through the earlier stages came in the form of Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North Sails), Norman Günzlein (JP/NeilPryde), Leo Ray (Naish/Naish) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) who were all excellent in the single. Paskowski in particular had a very tight battle with Yegor Popretinskiy (JP/NeilPryde/MFC), whose aggressive sailing style has made him stand out in the pre-event warm up sessions.Eventually Paskowski’s consistency and powerful style was enough to let him clinch the win.

Quincy Offringa (Starboard/Severne) also looked very strong, smashing out powerful ponches just inches from the beach, whilst the new face Jakub Kosmowski (RRD/Simmer Style/Dakine) had a brilliant run until he came to face Estredo. The young Polish talent was very impressive today, passing Levi Lenz (Dakine) early on, and sailing brilliantly against the World Champion, unlucky not to have the variation to beat Estredo.

The early rounds of the double elimination were also completed, where a great performance by Björn Saragoza (Starboard/Hot Sails Maui) boosted him through the rounds until he came against Offringa. Phillip Soltysiak (Starboard/Dakine) Sailed well this morning, but was unlucky to come against Thode in an early heat of the single elimination. He put in a good performance in the double, and will be looking to climb even further up the rankings tomorrow.

Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails), Andraz Zan (RRD/Loft Sails) and Davy Scheffers (Tabou/Gaastra) were the standout performers in the double elimination so far, and after a poor start to the day, they will be thrilled to have sailed excellently and into the top eight. The young Scheffers was particularly impressive, and has such has been given with the coveted PWA Sailor of the day award.

The women’s single elimination was a fantastic exhibition of skill. The final was between the two heavyweights of the discipline, and once again, the victory went to the incredible Sara Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) who was simply exceptional. Offringa nailed a perfect air funnel and a switch spock 540 in her final heat, this on top of her already incredible repertoire.

Second place went to Daida Ruano Moreno (North Sails) who received a huge cheer for her perfect one-handed ponch. Moreno sailed with her usual powerful style that helped her to pass the excellent Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) and her talented twin, Iballa Moreno (North Sails), on her road to the final.

Yoli Freites De Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails) was on great form, opening each of her heats with full-speed flakas and punetas. De Brendt passed the super-talented Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style/Dakine) after a great heat, and then progressed to beat Iballa Ruano Moreno in the loser’s final. Yoli will have to maintain today’s outstanding performance level if she is to withstand challenges from her competition tomorrow, but she can leave the beach on a high after a great day on the water.

Laure Treboux (Fanatic/North Sails) will look forward to another chance to improve her standings, after a close heat with Iballa Moreno left her out of the contest earlier than she would have liked. Treboux is incredibly talented, and will be amongst the favorites to climb the double ladder in tomorrow’s competition.

Heike Reimann (Hot Sails Maui) competed with passion this morning, landing clean spocks and spock 540s, as well as combining some old school moves to her heats to add variation. This gave her the edge over Olga Raskina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) who nailed a planing grubby in their opening battle.

The conditions here at Fuerteventura continue to provide an epic show ground for the world’s best, allowing them to compete boldly in front of their adoring spectators. With yet more wind forecast tomorrow, we are sure to have another spectacle on our hands, as the reigning title holders’ fight to retain their glory.

Join us again tomorrow for live event coverage, amazing photos and inspiring video footage, exclusively from www.pwaworldtour.com <http://www.pwaworldtour.com> .

© PWA / David Swift
Professional Windsurfers Association
info@pwaworldtour.com
http://www.pwaworldtour.com

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Tag 7:

Zitat von PWA

THE 2009 FUERTEVENTURA PWA GRAND SLAM

Day 7: Double Trouble - Light winds play havoc with the double elimination, but Estredo and Offringa continue to dominate.

A relaxing day on the beach for most, as the double elimination continued throughout the morning until light winds forced a delay in the proceedings. The late afternoon saw the return of the wind, and with it, the return of the super stars. Great performances by the World Champions finished the day off, as Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) and Sara Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) confirmed their victories with two outstanding performances.

At first glance, the morning looked much like the familiar scene that we have become accustomed to this week. 35 knots, and perfectly flat water pushed up to the end of the full grand stand, and competition was soon underway.

The epic action kicked off with the women’s fleet, where Junko Nagoshi (Tabou/Simmer Style/Dakine) immediately stood out against a solid performance by Anna Maria Zollet. Nagoshi continued to impress by linking perfect puneta 540s, and spocks which saw her past the brilliant Heike Reimann (Hot Sails Maui) and into a battle for fifth place.

On the other side of the ladder, a determined Nayra Alonso (Fanatic/Severne) was sailing brilliantly, with slick grubbys and spock 540s adding to her great heats. Alonso beat Olga Raskina (JP/NeilPryde/MFC) in a tight heat, and then stood to face Nagoshi. In her best heat of the event so far, Alonso sailed excellently, and went on to pass Nagoshi and Iballa Ruano Moreno (North Sails) in a great run into the top four.

However, Alonso’s great efforts were ended when she came to face the outstanding Yoli Freites De Brendt (Fanatic/North Sails), who sailed incredibly to retain her third place position, before the wind shut off for the afternoon.

When the see breeze returned, it was Daida Ruano Moreno’s (North Sails) turn to impress, as she turned all of her skills against De Brendt, winning the tight heat. Moreno was firing today, landing flakas, punetas and ponches, and looking like a serious threat for Offringa.

Unfortunately for the successful Spaniard, Sarah Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) really stepped up a level, and sailed her best heat of the year. She was flawless in her execution of the most recent and technically demanding moves, finishing with a perfect chacho Diablo, and taking the victory in front of a huge and adoring crowd.

The men’s fleet took to the water, with eight epic heats that really demonstrated the top end skill of the freestyle discipline.

Key sailors in this round came in the form of Norman Günzlein (JP/NeilPryde), Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North Sails), Davy Scheffers (Tabou/Gaastra) and Quincy Offringa (Starboard/Severne), who busted out high moves in the crystal clear shallows. Günzlein and Paskowski were amazing with the speed at which they entered their moves, which made the tricks they performed look that much more radical. It also made their wipeouts that much more spectacular, as we saw with Günzlein today. At one point, he exploded in a shaka and was left swimming out to sea to collect his gear after a massive crash, forcing him out of the contest area, and ultimately costing him the heat.

Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) looked to be the most likely contender to make it all the way through this punishing round. Going head to head with Philip Soltysiak (Starboard/Dakine), Andre Paskowski (Fanatic/North), Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails), and Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra) in four unbelievable heats, Van Broeckhoven never looked like he was going to be beaten. The young European Freestyle sensation has caught our eye since Lanzarote, and he was brilliant today, dominating all four heats.

However, Van Broeckhoven’s run of success finally came to a halt against Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra), who made the most of the lighter conditions and turned on his Caribbean style. In faltering winds, Frans was flawless, somehow getting the power and height on his moves to make sure the judges had no room for debate.

Frans was outstanding today - he sailed with passion, and always with a big smile on his face. His cool exterior can sometimes disguise the fact that he is unquestionably one of the best freestyle sailors in the World. After a great day on the water, he takes the coveted PWA Sailor of the Day award.

In the semi final, the sensation from Bonaire left Marcillo Browne (Fanatic/North Sails) in his wake, and left him with a shot against the world number one, Estredo.

The final was spectacular, both Frans and Estredo pulled of double and triple combination moves with speed and style as they went head to head. Frans continued to try his personal favorite, the forward-flaka, twice in the final but was unable to make the flaka rotation, therefore only scoring for a forward. In the end this was to be his downfall, as Estredo did enough to clinch the victory.

It was a close call for Gollito, but the results still stand. He and Offringa continue to dominate as we look ahead to the final three days of competition.

All in all, today’s action was inspiring. Having only the best sailors in the world compete just inches from the crowd was a true spectacle. It is rare that the action is this concentrated, and it was a great example of how incredible the sport can look. We hope that the wind will return tomorrow, so that we can continue the epic battle for 2009 PWA Fuerteventura Freestyle Grand Slam.

Join us again tomorrow for live event coverage, amazing photos and inspiring video footage, exclusively from www.pwaworldtour.com.

Results:
MEN:
Jose Estredo
Tonky Frans
Marcillo Browne
Steven Van Broeckhoven

WOMEN:
Sarah Quita Offringa
Daida Ruano Moreno
Yoli Freites De Brendt
Iballa Ruano Moreno

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