2007 Sotavento, Fuerteventura

[Totti-Amun]

Morgen startet zunächst der Slalom und Freestyle PWA Worldcup auf Fuerte am Sotavento Beach, gefolgt (3 Tage überschnitten) vom ISA Speed Worldcup.

2 Hammer gibt es eigentlich zu berichten, es wird 2 Rückkehrer geben:

Anders Bringdal wird im Slalom und Speed starten, Pascal Maka (ehemals Weltrekordinhaber) wird im Speed antreten...

Ich bin mal wieder gesapnnt wie ein Flitzebogen... :)

Grüße

Totti

[Totti-Amun]

Hmpf,
4. im ersten Slalom. Kevin Pritchard vor Bijl und Albeau. Ich hasse diese Light-Winds... :mad:

Komsich, daß Bringdal nicht gestartet ist...

Mal grad nachhaken, wo er steckt...

[Pat520i]

Aber hallo, der startet nicht, aber wieso liest man denn den Namen Angulo???

[kirchhalde]

Weiß eigentlich jemand was mit f2 zb. diethelm und aeberli los ist ??? Falsche Bretter oder was

[Pat520i]

Meinst du jetzt speziell diesen Wettkampf oder allgemein dieses Jahr?

[Totti-Amun]

Hier die Materialliste, hat mir die PWA gestern noch geschickt...

[Pat520i]

Diesmal haben die Leute ja recht unterschiedlich gewählt.....

Was ist eigentlich mit Valerie Ghibaudo, die steht bei den Results unter T1 aber mit anderem Material...muss man das verstehen?

[Totti-Amun]

Dunki, Dunki, Dunki... :rolleyes:
Der fährt sich was zusammen...

Aber immer noch in Führung :)



hi Thorsten, Anders will compete only in speed. he's now in china setting up the 2008 production.

[Pat520i]

Naja nach dem Half-Fleet dürfte er die Führung verloren haben, aber man oh man, das is ein Chaos, ich war den Nachmittag nicht da und hab das Ganze grad ma im Ticker nachgelesen, nenene is denn da die Fallsucht ;)

[Totti-Amun]

The 2007 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Day 2

Antoine Albeau steadies himself after two early slip-ups during a crazy day of chaos and errors amongst the top seeds. Kevin Pritchard survives his own mistakes to steal second overall ahead of Britain?s Ross Williams in third. Karin Jaggi wins three out of 4 races despite intense pressure from Valerie

Steady wind and breaking waves meant epic slalom racing here in Sotavento today. That meant the daily maximum of 4 men?s races were completed.

Men?s Race 3
Matt Pearch (Mistral / North) and Josh Angulo raced well through the qualifying heats and semi-finals and denied some top seeds their slots in the final.

The first semi-final had some drama when Wilhelm Schurmann (Starboard / NeilPryde) went down at the second mark causing carnage as virtually everyone behind piled on top of him.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck (T1 / North) won the race convincingly after a solid start in the middle of the line. Fully powered on a 5.8, the champ obviously enjoyed the less choppy conditions compared to yesterday and stayed safe once out in the lead after safely rounding the first mark.

The overnight event runner-up Antoine Albeau (Starboard / NeilPryde) exploded along the second reach and was forced to make an uncharacteristic retirement after his boom and harness lines ripped into pieces. Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North) kept things steady to register third.

Men?s Race 4
The fourth race turned-out a bizarre result.

In an error-ridden elimination Bjorn Dunkerbeck immediately slipped-up after his solid win by failing to advance from his first round qualifying heat.

Next to trip over was Albeau who once again crashed-out in the second semi-final and had to settle for a slot in the loser?s final, which he won, instead

The final resulted in all but three of the 12 competitors being disqualified for prematurely crossing the line.

That left Cedric Bordes (Tabou / Gaastra), Britain?s Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra), and Nicolas Warembourg (Gaastra) to fight it out for the guaranteed top 3 results.

Williams led for most of the way around the track but Bordes snaked inside Williams as the Englishman made a safe wide gybe at the third mark to take the lead and the race win. Warembourg took third after a crash at the second last gybe.

Women?s Race 5
There was a collision before the start of women?s race 5 between Iballa Moreno (North) and Valerie Ghibaudo (T1). Moreno was bearing-off to gain speed as the French woman headed-up down wind of her. Moreno survived the collision but Ghibaudo was knocked-off her board and had to play catch-up in the rest of the race.

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde) led from the start line but fell when rounding the first mark in the lead. That left the door open for Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) to nose into the lead and take the race win. Verena Fauster (F2 / Gaastra) of Italy picked her way through the stragglers to bag second and Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish) to claim third.

Women?s Race 6
Race winner Jaggi executed a precision start and led the fleet along the first reach ahead of Iballa Moreno and Offringa. At the third mark Moreno fell and slowed Offringa down considerably as race runner-up Ghibaudo skirted wide around the outside of them followed by Hebert who earned third.

Women?s Race 7
After a great start Jaggi fell at the first mark to allow Iballa Moreno to capitalize on her misfortune. But Moreno then fell herself at the third gybe to allow Offringa into the lead. But the drama continued as Offringa crashed at the next mark, as did Moreno, which allowed Fauster to get in front.

Perhaps unbelievably Fauster then fell entering the final reach, but recovered to overtake Offringa and record a famous victory. Offringa was sure to take second and Jaggi recovered well to steal third.

Women?s Race 8
After the seventh race excitement and mayhem Jaggi was in no mood for messing about in the ladies final race of the day. However there was more pandemonium on the cards when everyone bar Sarah Hebert, who?d not had the greatest of starts, fell as Valerie Ghibaudo blocked the racing line around the first mark.

Hebert calmly glided around the traffic and into second place followed by Astrid Muldoon (JP / NeilPryde). Sarah-Quita Offringa tried to overtake Muldoon along the third reach but fell at the gybe number three. Meanwhile Jaggi had extended her lead.

As Jaggi crossed the finish line there was an amazing struggle for the remaining places behind her along the last reach. Hebert rounded that last mark in control but Ghibaudo had recovered and streaked through the rest of the fleet into third and showed incredible speed along the final stretch to the finish line.

Hebert just couldn?t hold Ghibaudo off and was forced to settle for third after the Frenchwomen?s startling pace earned her a valuable second.

Men?s Race 5
Holland?s Pieter Bijl (Fanatic / NeilPryde), who sat in third overall last night, blew-out in the first semi-final after a crash at the second mark. Bjorn Dunkerbeck also crashed in the other semi-final, but he managed to recover and fight back into the third qualification spot.

The biggest surprise however of race 5 was Kevin Pritchard bowing-out early after he got tangled-up with Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North).

That set-up an exciting final for Albeau and Dunkerbeck who?d failed to make the final of the previous race.

Albeau and Dunkerbeck led the first reach followed closely by Finian Maynard (F2 / NeilPryde) as Patrick Diethelm (F2 / North) crashed behind them along the first reach. Dunkerbeck then fell at the second mark, which let Maynard into second.

By the third mark Albeau was still leading Maynard but Ross Williams had snuck into third place after breaking waves near the third mark called for huge amounts of skill to negotiate the course.

Albeau won after building a sizeable lead but on the final reach however, Peter Volwater (F2 / North) emerged from the final gybe and put the pedal to the metal to scream towards the finish second and overtake Maynard who had to settle for third.

Men?s Race 6 ? Half Fleet
The steady wind meant a half-fleet format was chosen for the day?s final race. A lengthened course and speed reach along the beach made for a fresh perspective for the racers and spectators alike.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck?s bad day in the new no-rules environment continued after he was knocked-off at the first mark and then got hit once again as he water started away leaving him unable to qualify for the 24-man final.

Kevin Pritchard led the race from start to finish after a trademark pin-end start, rounding the first mark in the lead before building a lead in clean air and undisturbed water. Volwater applied pressure on the first reach along with Ben van Der Steen (Exocet / Naish) and Albeau worked his way into second by the second mark despite building surf making life difficult at the inside turns.

As Pritchard neared the finish line Albeau knew he just had to play it safe and ensure a solid finish after two poor races earlier and so happily settled for second to seal the event lead overnight. Pritchard?s win redeemed his race 5 blooper and meant he moved into second overall in the event points rankings.

The forecast is good once more for racing tomorrow and so the race for the title promises to be scintillating.

The first possible start tomorrow is set at 10.30 from when you?re welcome to join us at www.pwaworldtour.com (http://www.pwaworldtour.com/) to follow the action with our live event ticker, daily news summaries, video footage, awesome photo galleries, online elimination ladders and more!

Or, for more information contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com (info@pwaworldtour.com)


Š PWA / Brian McDowell

[Totti-Amun]

The 2007 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Day 3

Errors all-round help Antoine Albeau build a sizeable event lead backed-up by a useful race 9 win. Kevin Pritchard clings onto second position as Micah Buzianis ghosts into contention in third overall. Karin Jaggi?s grip on the women?s event lead is weakened as Valerie Ghibaudo wins 2 of the days 3 races. Iballa Moreno continues to hustle hard and climb-up into third after an exhilarating race 11 win

Sotavento delivered the goods again today with more classic slalom racing on the menu.

3 Women?s races and 3 Men?s races were planned and successfully held in bright sunshine and 20-30 knots of wind. A longer 6-leg course was chosen for the first 2 races before a shorter course with a speed reach after the start was selected in the afternoon.

Men?s Race 7

Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / MauiSails) had a shocker in his qualifying heat and only managed to finish in 8th. That cost him a berth in the second semi-final.
Finian Maynard (F2 / NeilPryde) and Ben van der Steen (Exocet / Naish) collided in the first semi-final meaning both missed-out on slots in the final.
Final: Josh Angulo led the fleet down the first reach after a precise start bang on the gun. He was pursued by Micah Buzianis (JP / NeilPryde) and event leader Antoine Albeau (Starboard / NeilPryde) towards the first mark.

Buzianis however had the speed to round the mark in first before Albeau cut an inside line to hold an upwind position on the second reach. By the third reach Angulo was super-deep, and Albeau had no problems in overtaking him to round the third mark in second.

At the final gybe Albeau and Buzianis both gybed tightly to the mark, but Albeau couldn?t quite slip into a commanding position for the final reach. Buzianis took his first race win of the event and some valuable points to help his uncharacteristically poor performance so far.

Men?s Race 8

Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) who sat in third overnight had a nightmare in his qualification heat and just missed a chance at the semi-finals by one place.
Josh Angulo also failed to advance after he was disqualified for a premature start in the first heat of the race. So far the Cabo Verdian has made an impressive return to the slalom scene and show signs of being a real threat should he choose to make a full-time return to the fold.
Another name making another final showing why he?s bound to be a force for the future in this his debut year on the Slalom tour was Julien Quentel (Starboard / NeilPryde). The youngster from the Caribbean is earning a solid reputation here amongst much heavier and more experienced competitors.
Final: Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North) took his second race win of the season with a start-to-finish lead. The Frenchman started perfectly pursued by Maynard and Buzianis. Buzianis took Maynard on the second reach with Bjorn Dunkerbeck (T1 / North), who?d also passed Maynard, hot on his heels.

Over the third and fourth reaches Maynard and Dunkerbeck struggled against each other for second place after Dunkerbeck had edged-out Buzianis at the third gybe.

At the fifth and final mark Dunkerbeck finally got the better of Maynard and stormed down the last reach to score second. Meanwhile further down the fleet Albeau had recovered from a poor start to the race and traffic in his way to fight his way back up to 5th ? one place ahead of Maynard who slowed at that final gybe. Buzianis rolled in third.

Women?s Race 9

A clean start all-round and a crash-free first gybe meant competition for the top places was rife in the ladies first race of the day. Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou) however kept her initial lead by slowing for control at the gybes and using all her speed on the reaches to build a lead.

Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) tried to pass Ghibaudo on the last reach after she?d fought her way past Italy?s Verena Fauster (F2 / Gaastra) into second.

Ghibaudo took the victory and event leader Jaggi had to settle for second whilst Fauster secured third.

Women?s Race 10

Ghibaudo started at the pin-end and streaked towards the first mark in the lead. Behind her Jaggi fell whilst gybing which let Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde) into second place. Ghibaudo made sure she gybed safely around the third mark shadowed by Offringa and Iballa Moreno (North). Ghibaudo won a ruthlessly finished race and Offringa coasted home in second.

Jaggi worked her way back up the fleet with incredible speed, and gybed wide at the fourth mark in an effort to pass Moreno on the fourth reach. Jaggi finally did sneak inside Moreno at the fifth and final mark and the two North team mates had a great photo finish for 3rd which the Swiss star edged by a whisker.

Women?s Race 11

Jaggi and Ghibaudo characteristically led from the start but then collided with each other as they turned into the first gybe - leaving the door wide-open for Fauster and Moreno to skirt around them.

Unbelievably Moreno then headed for the wrong mark entering the second reach and had to head-up into the wind hard to get back on track. Luckily Moreno kept the initiative and rounded mark 2 in the lead with Fauster and Offringa hot on her heels.

By the third gybe Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish) had passed Offringa into third position. But, by the fourth mark everything changed. Jaggi had typically clawed her way back into contention and her final gybe showed exactly why she?s got more world titles than any women windsurfer ever.

The crowds were thrilled to witness a breathtaking final reach as Jaggi, now in second, blasted towards the finish in a desperate attempt to catch Moreno. Moreno crossed the line just in time to deny Jaggi a famous race win as Ghibaudo narrowly missed a shot at third behind Offringa.

After lunch the men headed back out for a final race over a shorted 5-leg course

Men?s Race 9

With the results all over the show at this event it was almost no surprise that another big player would take a fall early in this race. Eyebrows were raised when Bjorn Dunkerbeck tripped-up in the first semi-final to leave a massive opportunity for the rest of the top 10 to capitalize upon.
Quentel continued a good day with another final appearance as did Nicolas Reynes (Tabou / Gaastra) who made his third final of the event.
Final: Micah Buzianis led the pack down the first reach of the final chased by Albeau and Peter Volwater, who then fell at the first mark causing a massive pile-up. That gifted Ross Williams a chance to pass by into third.

But, as the second gybe approached Albeau looked intent on a passing move on Buzianis which he successfully pulled-off to take the lead. Williams and Buzianis stayed glued to the trail until Kevin Pritchard mimicked Albeau?s maneuver by swooshing Williams to slide into third.

Albeau coasted home in first and Pritchard couldn?t quite steal second from fellow American Buzianis.

Sotavento promises to deliver more of the same tomorrow. The first possible start is set for 11.30 from when you?re welcome to join us at www.pwaworldtour.com (http://www.pwaworldtour.com/) to follow the action with our live event ticker, daily news summaries, video footage, awesome photo galleries, online elimination ladders and more!

Or, for more information contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com (info@pwaworldtour.com)


Š PWA / Brian McDowell

[Totti-Amun]

The 2007 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Day 4

Micah Buzianis scores a three-race hat-trick to surge into second overall. Antoine Albeau clings on to the event lead on the eve of the final day's racing. Kevin Pritchard stays in the frame in third. Karin Jaggi and Valerie Ghibaudo take a race win apiece to turn the heat on in the women?s event.

Lighter winds than normal kept the competitors on hold this morning. But, by lunchtime the trades filled-in and 3 races were completed in 13-24 knots of wind, and much smoother water than on previous days.

Men?s Race 10

Steve Allen (Tabou / Gaastra) dented his hopes of climbing further up the top-10 when he missed the last qualifying spot in his first round heat - Sylvain Moussilmani (F2 / Simmer) beat him to it.
Pieter Bijl (Fanatic / NeilPryde) also suffered in the first semi-final when Josh Angulo denied him the 6th and final ticket to the final. Another top-10 hustler, Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) fought tooth and nail with Finian Maynard (F2 / NeilPryde) in the second semi-final only to have the door shut in his face by the giant Virgin Islander and Jarek Miarcyzynski (F2) of Poland.
A good showing from Benoit Moussilmani (F2 / Simmer) put him among good company in the final.
Final - Micah Buzianis? (JP / NeilPryde) sail could be seen streaking off the start line and along the first reach in the lead. Hot on his heels were Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North) and Ben van Der Steen (Exocet / Naish) as they rounded the first mark before heading back out to sea.

With Buzianis still clear out in front Albeau was working his magic further down the pack and he soon picked-off Maynard along the second reach.

Moussilmani gybed inside Van Der Steen at the second turn but the Frenchman got the better of him at the next gybe.

By the final mark Albeau was in second, and, as Buzianis crossed the line to win, the two French representatives fought-it out for second and third. Moussilmani took a downwind path as Albeau chose the inside track, which successfully earned him second place.

Men?s Race 11

The less hectic conditions at the start once again allowed Buzianis a clean get-away on the starting gun. This time it was Peter Volwater (F2 / North) who stuck to the American like glue along the first reach, with Kevin Pritchard (Starboard /MauiSails) fresh in this trail. But, free from traffic snarl-ups at the first mark, outstanding speed from Bjorn Dunkerbeck (T1 / North) brushed Volwater aside for the time being along reach 2.

Buzianis kept his cool ahead of the sparring behind him, as did Kevin Pritchard who soared into second through the last two gybes. Buzianis crossed the line clear as Pritchard kept clear of Volwater and Dunkerbeck slogging-it out for third. Dunkerbeck?s board speed and acceleration right until the end was enough to squeak him past the Dutchmen who had to settle for fourth.

Men?s Race 12

A shorter-legged course including a speed reach from the start was set for the day?s final race.


Cyril Moussilmani blew-out when his harness broke in the first round and sailed a couple of legs before retiring.
Jarek Miarcyzynski deprived Ben van der Steen in the second semi-final. That good work lined the Polishman up with the elite in the final.
Final - Albeau appeared to lead the pack from the start and along the speed reach chased by Dunkerbeck, but, by the second mark, at the end of the super-broad leg, Buzianis rounded in the lead.

Finian Maynard was now in second place and it was no surprise to see Kevin Pritchard emerge from the first turn in third position.

However, on the third reach Albeau motored past Pritchard and onwards to challenge Maynard.

Maynard held his own as he followed Buzianis around the fourth mark, but Albeau finally edged into second along the penultimate reach.

NeilPryde team-mates Buzianis and Albeau rocketed along the final stretch to the finish with Albeau taking the downwind line to gain on last season?s runner-up. But, the reigning world champ just couldn?t make it time to deny Buzianis the maximum points from the day.

?Yeah a hat-trick! How cool is that?? exclaimed Buzianis as he packed-up his gear. ?The conditions mellowed ?out a lot today, and I felt so much more comfortable. After the first race win I gained confidence and just built momentum from there. Bring-on tomorrow!?

The women completed two races leaving two for the final day showdown Race 12 was on the first course earlier in the day and race 13 was on the shorter speed-reach layout.

Women?s Race 12

Predictably Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou) and Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) led off the line, and took a similar route from the start to the first mark. Ghibaudo seemed to have the edge in speed and kept the initiative around the first mark. Jaws on the beach then dropped when Jaggi sailed far too far downwind towards the 4th buoy instead, forcing her to turn and re-round mark 2 in last position.

In the meantime Iballa Moreno took her chance to pressure Ghibaudo, with Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde) in contention in third.

Ghibaudo finished the race un-hassled and Moreno took home valuable points for crossing in second ahead of Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish). Jaggi?s determination to finish rewarded her with an admirable 8th place.

Women?s Race 13

Jaggi?s resolve to make up for her earlier errors was evident as she led off the line ahead of Ghibaudo. A fall at the first mark from Offringa allowed Moreno to sneak by into third. Ghibaudo and Jaggi tried their hardest to out-do each other at the second mark, with Jaggi going tight and on an inside line and Ghibaudo going wide, fast and safe. Ghibaudo?s method seemed to work well until Jaggi?s superior acceleration pushed her clear in front once again.

At the third mark Ghibaudo switched tactic to try for the inside track, but she couldn?t get past the Swiss legend. Now far ahead of Offringa and the rest of the pack it was France vs. Switzerland all the way to the finish, but Jaggi?s speed sailing experience allowed the win.

Jaggi leads the event and will win unless she achieves two thirds or worse, and Ghibaudo wins both the final two races.

In the men?s event it?s still possible for any of the top 5 or in extreme circumstances even some of the top 10, to deny Albeau the event title. Buzianis is in the best position to attack, and the forecast would suggest it?s likely to be similar conditions that he?ll favor again tomorrow. However, it all came down to the final race recently in Gran Canaria and Albeau can be ruthless when the going gets tough.

The first possible start is set for 11.30 from when you?re welcome to join us at www.pwaworldtour.com (http://www.pwaworldtour.com/) <http://www.pwaworldtour.com/> (http://www.pwaworldtour.com/) to follow the action with our live event ticker, daily news summaries, video footage, awesome photo galleries, online elimination ladders and more!

Or, for more information contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com (info@pwaworldtour.com)


Š PWA / Brian McDowell

[Totti-Amun]

Ich bin ja mal gespannt, gleich gibt es zum Abschluß einen Long Distance Slalom mit dem kompletten Feld...

[Pat520i]

Ich tippe auf großes Chaos, wäre ja bei diesem Worldcup nicht das erste Mal ;)

[Pat520i]

Aber genrell find ich super, dass die mal mit dem kompletten Feld ein Race machen. Naja und wenn man schon mit allen Leuten fährt bietet sich ja Long-distance an, würde ich zumindest mal sagen....

[Totti-Amun]

Ich tippe auf großes Chaos, wäre ja bei diesem Worldcup nicht das erste Mal ;)

Hauptsache das Chaos ist hinter SUI-11 :D, daß er noch nen Platz vorrutscht. Aber praktisch fast unmöglich...

[Pat520i]

Jo wird sehr schwer, aber der Buzianis hat ja beim letzten Race auch schön getölpelt, ma schauen, ich bin sehr gespannt!

[Totti-Amun]

Long Distances liegen Björn aber, we will see. :tongue: :)

[Pat520i]

Ich weis zwar nicht wie gewertet wird, aber Björn hat ne realistische Chance!!! Buzianis disqualified!

[Totti-Amun]

*gg* :D

15.53 There have been two general re-calls in the long-distance race. Buzianis, Hronowski, Maynard, and Burel are disqualified. That leaves Pritchard pretty much certain of second overall. The race will re-start again shortly We'l bring you results and details ASAP

[Pat520i]

ganz genau

ich lag mit meiner "Chaos-Theorie" nicht so daneben ;)

[Totti-Amun]

Wenn Dunki jetzt vorn dabei ist, dann ist er auf dem Treppchen. Wenn ich richtig überschlagen habe. Nur kein Frühstart bitte...

[Pat520i]

jo denk ich auch mal
an Pritchard kommter wohl kaum mehr vorbei, wobei das theoretisch sogar auch noch möglich sein müsste...

[Totti-Amun]

jo denk ich auch mal
an Pritchard kommter wohl kaum mehr vorbei, wobei das theoretisch sogar auch noch möglich sein müsste...

Der fährt ganz sicher auf Sicherheit, müsste man mal die Streicher dann berücksichtigen. Aber nen richtigen Fehltritt hat der nicht.

[Totti-Amun]

Pritchard 6., Dunki 3.

Jetzt mal rechnen, für Platz 3 sollte es eigentlich knapp reichen...

[Pat520i]

Ich glaube es würde reichen wenn Björn 1. oder 2. wird und Pritchard maximal 14.
ganz sicher bin ich mir aber auch nicht...

[Pat520i]

ah okay, Ergebnis da, jojo nach den 2 Disqualifikationen von Buzianis wird er 3. geworden sein!

[Totti-Amun]

Jap, ist er. Und Pritchard bleibt 2., Albeau war ja eh klar und uneinholbar... :)

[Pat520i]

Na das war dann ja nochmal ein guter Tag...
Was der Albeau der fährt is ja so oder so unglaublich, so konstant und schnell, da kann man nur den Hut ziehen!

[Totti-Amun]

Björn müsste 1.1Punkte vor Buzianis liegen... :D

[Totti-Amun]

The 2007 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Day 5


Antoine Albeau wraps-up the event crown and steals the 2007 world title with three back-to-back wins on the final day?s racing. Kevin Pritchard sneaks second overall after constancy rewards him throughout 15 brutal races. Bjorn Dunkerbeck powers his way into third overall. Karin Jaggi takes the critical final race win the women?s event to deny Valerie Ghibaudo the tour lead. Iballa Moreno?s return to slalom rewards her with an impressive third overall.

18-25 knots and much flatter water than previous days treated the racers to a speedy final?s day racing. The three final men?s races and two remaining women?s races. Christmas came early for Micah Buzianis?s fellow podium contenders when stage-fright gifted them valuable points as the American started prematurely in 2 out of the day?s 3 races.

Men?s Race 13

With so much on the line on the final day there were no pretenders in the final. The hierarchy established in the early heats shutout just about all wannabees and lower-ranked sailors. Ben van Der Steen (Exocet / Naish) made up for his failure to qualify by winning the loser?s final.

A star-stacked winner?s final was led off the line by Josh Angulo with Finian Maynard (F2 / NeilPryde) and Antoine Albeau (Starboard / NeilPryde) in hot pursuit. Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / MauiSails) had a shocking start, rounding the first mark in second last position.

By the end of the second reach Josh Angulo threw his lead with a full-on catapult approaching the second gybe, which handed Albeau the initiative. At mark 3 Albeau was concentrating on controlling pressure from Maynard who had Buzianis snapping at his heels, all whilst Pritchard had worked his way back up to 5th.

By the 4th mark and final reach Albeau had covered an impressive amount more distance, and took the win despite a massive catapult just inches after crossing the finish line! Finian Maynard survived to score second and Pieter Bijl (Fanatic / NeilPryde) thundered over in third.

Men?s Race 14

Micah Buzianis pushed the start hard in a last chance bid to win the event, but was caught out for jumping the gun far too early. That left a massive opportunity for Bjorn Dunkerbeck (T1 / North) and Kevin Pritchard to exploit in his absence.

In the final there was no messing about for Albeau. He didn't push the start but sped into the lead on the first reach chased by Dan Ellis (Fanatic / Naish) and Maynard. On the second reach Dunkerbeck and Pritchard hustled past traffic into second and third respectively.

On the third reach Dunkerbeck pushed Albeau really hard but just couldn?t catch him and the Frenchman pulled-away from Dunkerbeck, as Dunkerbeck put distance between himself and Pritchard.

Dunkerbeck turned as tightly to the mark as possible around the last buoy in an attempt to get upwind advantage for the final leg. But Albeau was uncatchable after a fast safe, wide gybe saw him hold his lead all the way to the finish. Dunkerbeck followed shortly afterwards and Kevin Pritchard finished third.

Men?s Slalom Race 15

For the final race a long distance course was set, with a start around 2km upwind and a massive long leg towards a short 5-leg zigzag including a speed reach along the beach in front of the waterside grandstand.

There were two general re-calls as the top-10 launched a final all-out assault on the point?s rankings. Unbelievably Buzianis couldn?t hold back enough to cross safely and he was dispatched back to the beach along with Maynard and several others.

After the initial nerves had settled the third start was successful with the magnificent sight of 46 sailors screaming towards the beach from Costa Calma.

Albeau was predictably at the head of the pack at the first mark despite the pack being less spread out than would normally be expected. Josh Angulo was right in Albeau?s wake as they rounded the buoy with Pieter Bijl just inches behind him. A gigantic pile-up soon followed behind as rider after rider poured in trying to avoid the carnage, but stray masts and boards just axed even more chancers who tried to skirt the fringes of the havoc and mayhem.

Albeau stretched his lead over Angulo along that second reach as Dunkerbeck and van Der Steen hustled for the inside line at mark 2.

Angulo endured a lot of pressure from Dunkerbeck along the third reach and from some angles it looked like Switzerland?s finest was about to mow him down. But the Cabo Verdian held his own to round the third and fourth marks safely and follow race winner Albeau over the line for second.

Dunkerbeck bagged third and subsequently booked the last place left on the podium. Pritchard?s 6th place finish was enough to see him into the runner?-up slot after Buzianis? shortcomings at the last start.

Women?s Race 14

Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou) headed the pack away from the start and showed superior speed from Karin Jaggi (F2 / North) along the opening reach. She held the lead despite pressure from Jaggi at the second mark which caused the Swiss girl to fall after attempting an inside overtaking maneuver. That fall allowed Iballa Moreno (North) and Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde) to cruise on by.

Offringa stayed glued to second position, reluctant to let Moreno past as Jaggi recovered and sailed back into 4th. Ghibaudo coolly rounded the final gybe still in the lead; as Offringa survived an inside swoosh by Jaggi who subsequently fell once again.

Ghibaudo surged ahead to win as Offringa and Moreno slugged it out for second and third, but the Offringa had the composure to finish the job as Moreno settled for third.

Women?s Race 15

The final women?s race would settle the title in a fitting end to a week?s fantastic racing.

Jaggi made no mistakes with a clear-cut start-to-finish victory. Ghibaudo tried several times to sneak an inside line or to push hard for a direct downwind line along the reaches. Jaggi was in no mood to lose the event after this many mistakes and she drove it home ruthlessly to take the event title and 2007 tour lead. Ghibaudo followed soon in second and Moreno snaked Offringa for third.

Antoine Albeau modestly commented upon his impressive event win and second successive Sotavento crown. ?I?m happy because once again it came down to the last day and was intense between Kevin, Micah, Bjorn and myself. They really had to attack today but watch their backs at the same time under pressure. Today I just had to do fairly well instead of having extreme results go my way. The second win today gave me the title so I tried not to push the starts too much and to just go safely around the course. 2007 has seen more slalom competition, and many more events. It?s tighter and tighter at the top and next season will be interesting with guys like Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra) and Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North) pushing more than they did this year plus lots of new sailors gaining experience for years to come?

Kevin Pritchard was also thankful for his result. ?Relieved. Happy. Fuerte isn?t usually my best location and 2 ?aint too bad. That?s two events in a row with a final day pressure-cooker scenario and I came through. Perfect!?

Karin Jaggi similarly reflective on her victory. ?It was super-tough racing all week and all down to the last race between Valerie and me. I made the battle more exciting by making so many mistakes, but I got it together which was nice in the end. It?s also nice to see girls like Iballa trying Slalom too and nice to have it so close. It?s fun!?

Men?s final results:


Antoine Albeau (Starboard / NeilPryde)
Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / MauiSails)
Bjorn Dunkerbeck (T1 / North)
Micah Buzianis (JP /NeilPryde)
Finian Maynard (Fanatic / NeilPryde)
Peter Volwater (F2 / North)
Ross Williams (Tabou /Gaastra)
Pieter Bijl (Fanatic / NeilPryde)
Steve Allen (Tabou / Gaastra)
Cyril Moussilmani (Fanatic / North)
Women?s final results


Karin Jaggi (F2 / North)
Valerie Ghibaudo (Tabou)
Iballa Moreno (North)
Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde)
Sarah Hebert (Starboard / Naish)
Verena Fauster (F2 / Gaastra)
Astrid Muldoon (JP / NeilPryde)
Marion Raisi (Exocet / Naish)
Çagla Kubat (Starboard / North)
Sedef Koktenturk
Birgit Hoefer (Gaastra / Tabou)
Tomorrow sees the start of the freestyle event for the world?s most technical men?s and women?s tricksters. The competition runs through 30th July.

The first possible start is set for 10.30 from when you?re welcome to join us at www.pwaworldtour.com (http://www.pwaworldtour.com) to follow the action with our live event ticker, daily news summaries, video footage, awesome photo galleries, online elimination ladders and more!

Or, for more information contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com (info@pwaworldtour.com)


Š PWA / Brian McDowell

[Totti-Amun]

Morgen gehts dann weiter mit Speed...






hi ,

3 place this time
15 full slaloms in 5 days in very different wind and waves , more info ww.pwaworldtour.com (http://www.pwaworldtour.com/)

tomorrow the speed w.c starts here 8 days of contest

hasta la vista ,

Bjorn

[Totti-Amun]

Anders Bringdal ist tatsächlich eingetroffen, hier bei der Registration.
Momentan ist Windstille mit 37°C, aber der Wind kommt heut Nachmittag sicher noch...

[Totti-Amun]

lol, wie immer...

Es wird abgeblasen und anschliessend kommt der beste Wind...




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28.07.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Day 1


Not much to tell for this windless day, the calima winds destroyed every hope to get valid conditions for racing during the day. With temperatures around 37 degree the riders were cooking on the beach while preparing their equipment.

After calling off for the day at 17:00, the wind started at 18:30 from nothing to 25 knots in a perfect angle, beautiful conditions on the speed strip but - too late.

We hope that the normal winds come through on day two again and give us a chance to send the 65 riders from 19 nations out to the water.

...

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.speedsurfing.org (http://www.speedsurfing.org/)

[Totti-Amun]

Attached die aktuelle Starterliste...



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29.07.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Day 2


Another windless day here at Sotavento beach. Everybody is cooking, with 47 degree in the shadow up in Costa Calma its probably a record breaking day here in Fuerteventura.

Sometimes it looked as the wind might pick up and turn in direction, but it never became strong enough to even think about starting a race. There is hope that the calima has its show today, and we come back to the regular winds then.

Racing continues until the 4th of August, so there is enough time left for thrilling action on the water.


...

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.speedsurfing.org (http://www.speedsurfing.org/)

[Totti-Amun]

Seit grade eben ist der Speedkurs auf...

[speeder256]

und björn nur 5.??

endgültige ergebnisse???

[Totti-Amun]

und björn nur 5.??

endgültige ergebnisse???


Ja, Katastrophe...
Hoffentlich kommt der Wind noch wie benötigt.

Anbei das Ranking nach dem ersten Durchgang, Men and Women.

Unglaublich, wie eng das Mittelfeld zeitlich zusammen ist...




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

31.07.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Day 4

The first day without Calima wind brought almost perfect conditions on the water, but not windwise. With 22-25 knots it was just sailable on an angle of app. 135 degree, but the speeds of course were not impressive then.

The lead changed between Bjorn, Finian, Jose and Antoine in the beginning, but Finian had some nice runs with speeds of 37.34 knots

In the end, this was the fastest speed recorded, and he was able to hold back Antoine to second place and Jose into third. Cyril finished fourth and Bjorn fifth, but we are sure that he will strike back.

Due to the almost perfect water conditions, no crashes were recorded and everything went as it should.

The womens fleet with seven competitors was won by Karin Jaggi, who was able to defeat Zara Davis into second place. The topspeed of 33.25 knots was quite impressive so far compared to the mens fleet.

We hope to get stronger winds tomorrow, and set some serious speeds. The forecast is looking better than today so it can become interesting.


...

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.speedsurfing.org (http://www.speedsurfing.org/)

[Totti-Amun]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01.08.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Day 5

The wind was already blowing in the early morning, so the race committee called for an early start at 10:45. Although the water level was quite low, the conditions behind the second sandbar were almost perfect.

The first runs were in the 37s, increasing during the leg up to 39 knots. Best speed of this leg was set by Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North) with 39.58 knots, holding down Finian Maynard (BVI, F2) into second. Swedish Anders Bringdal scored a third place in his comeback-event and showed ambitions to really fight the well known names.

The ladies fleet was won by Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails) with an impressive 33.67 knots ahead of Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North). Seems to become the same battle as at the last event in Karpathos. English Zara Davis came into second, beaten in close racing by Valerie, only .11 knots slower.

After giving the riders a lunch break the call was on for the next round, but the wind direction shifted and for the given angle the wind was not strong enough. After seeing the AP flying for another 30 minutes the course was re-opened in solid 30 knots of wind, and the first times again proved the right decision. several 39ers were set before Antoine Albeau (FRA) and Bjorn Dunkerbeck (AND, T1, North) hit the magical 40 mark. Bjorn set the fastest time of the day with 40.21 knots. The condition went worse in the following, as the tide came up and the waves started bouncing back in the course. So the speeds went significantly down to the end of the leg, and thats why the race director did not call for a third round today, and the riders were happy about that.

The womens was won by Karin Jaggi again, holding down Valerie into second and Zara Davis into third. Best speed was also set by Karin with 35.75 knots.

Overall standings after 3 legs:

Men
1. Finian Maynard
2. Patrik Diethelm
3. Antoine Albeau
4. Bjorn Dunkerbeck
5. Jose Bahadour

Women
1. Karin Jaggi
2. Valerie Ghibaudo
3. Zara Davis

[Totti-Amun]

Hier die aktuellen Rankings...

[Totti-Amun]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

04.08.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Day 7

After waiting for wind the whole day, we saw probably the most thrilling race in speed windsurfing ever in the late evening. The race committee was watching the course for hours, and half an hour before the last possible start they gave it a try. The angle was almost perfect with 120 degree and the wind at a solid 23 knots average, gusting 27. Flat water made the riders flying down the course with 35-26 knots in the beginning, and after one hour of racing we saw the first 39.5 knots on the board. Unfortunately ths had to be corrected down to app. 38 knots in the end, but the lead changed with almost every run at that time. A little bit ahead in the end was Jose Bahadour (GOU, Fanatic) with 37.92 knots, but places 2-7 are in 0.2 knots distance ! Places 4 and 5 are on the same average speed, so the higher top speed had to decide for the places. Even closer it is from places 12-14, variing only by 0.03 knots !
David Garrel (FRA, F2, North) scored his best result in a worldcup competition with a second place and Finian Maynard (BVI, F2) defended the overall lead with a solid third place. Both Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North) and Bjorn Dunkerbeck (SUI, T1, North) lost points for the overall ranking, finishing 7th and 8th, while Antoine Albeau (FRA) could make some places up.
In the ladies fleet it was even closer between Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North) and Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails) who were on the same average speed and the winner could only be determined after extensive video checking. Zara Davis (GBR) became third again in front of Sarah Hebert (ARM) setting a new national record.

The forecast for the last day of the event is not looking very good, but the thermal effect could give us enough for a final race on the final day.


Overall standings after 4 legs:

Men
1. Finian Maynard (BVI, F2)
2. Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North)
3. Jose Bahadour (GOU, Fanatic)
4. Antoine Albeau (FRA)
5. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (SUI, T1, North)

Women
1. Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North)
2. Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails)
3. Zara Davis (GBR)

[Totti-Amun]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05.08.2007, Fuerteventura

ISA Speesurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2007 - Final Report

A great speedsailing event came to an end yesterday, with both event titles going away only by the last race. Finian Maynard (BVI. F2) had a clear event lead before the final day as Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North) had in the womens fleet.

The event started calm with calima winds from the wrong direction, and all the riders, officials and spectators were cooking on the beach with 47 degree. So the first three event days went over without any action on the water.

65 riders from 19 nations had registered for this second leg of the 2007 speed windsurfing world tour, including world champion and world record holder Finian Maynard, slalom world champion Antoine Albeau (FRA) and 36 time world champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck, now starting for switzerland.

The womens fleet was also strong with speed world champion Karin Jaggi and her strongest opponent Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails). Also on the start Great Britains Zara Davis, nautical mile world record since last year.

Day four of the event finally brought some wind, not perfect for speedsailing but suitable, and at least a result was standing for the event. As expected, Finian Maynard and Karin Jaggi took the lead with moderate speeds of 37 knots. Antoine Albeau and Jose Bahadour (GOU, Fanatic), who won the first event of the year in Karpathos, came into second and third. Zara Davis in the womens fleet was beaten only by Karin, but defeated Valerie Ghibaudo - the first surprise of the event.

The next day brought almost perfect conditions behind the second sandbar down at the speed course, so the race committee called for an early start at 10:45. Not all the riders expected the wind blowing so early, so some came late to the start and missed the first minutes, when the top speeds were scored. Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North) set the time of the day with nearly 40 knots, Finian Maynard finishing second and Swedish Anders Bringdal shot a nice third place in his comeback event. Bjorn DUnkerbeck (SUI, T1, North) did not come really well into the event up to now, but in the next leg he was showing his experience and skill. The second leg was started after a short lunch break, and the speeds were going up fast. Antoine Albeau and Bjorn Dunkerbeck both hit the 40 knots mark, Bjorn beeing a little bit faster in the end at 40.21 knots.
The first ladies heat went to Valerie, the second to Karin, both with speeds over 35 knots.

The wind seemed to dissapear for the last days of the event then, but the race committee held the riders on a long standby, as everybody wanted to go for a discard race. The last possible start was scheduled for 18:00, and at half past five the wind picked up so they gave it a go. It was one of the most thrilling races in speedsailing ever, with the lead in both men and womens changing almost every minute. Jose Bahadour was a little bit ahead in the end, but places 2-7 were in only 0.2 knots distance, some riders even sharing the same average speed. Another example for the tight competition is places 12-14 in only 0.03 knots variety !
David Garrel (FRA, F2, North) scored his best result ever in competition with a second place, and Finian Maynard clearly defended the overall lead with a solid third place. In the womens it was even closer, seeing Karin and Valerie on the same average speed first, but after extensive video checking Karin was able to shoot the bullet with an increadible close 0.02 knots lead.

The forecast for the last day was only for very light winds, so the winners seemed to be clear: Finian Maynard ahead of Patrik Diethelm, Jose Bahadour, Antoine Albeau and Bjorn Dunkerbeck, and Karin Jaggi clear ahead of Valerie Ghibaudo and Zara Davis.

The last day came with light wind, and many riders already started packing their equipment. Finian was looking forward for another six hours of waiting for his title, but suddenly the wind came up from a good direction and the call was for another race starting at 13:30. With a last possible start at 16:00 the plan was to go for one final race, except the conditions became very good. And that's exactly what happened !

At the start of leg 5 it looked pretty light and gusty, but the conditions went better by every minute. Finian Maynard had a black day, finishing only 5th, and Diethelm, Albeau, Dunkerbeck making points for the overall ranking. With almost 40 knots on the strip and solid 28-30 knots of wind it was clear, that the race director called for another race. Up to that point, it still looked acceptable for Finian, but it was time now to go for the title. In the womens fleet Valerie took another victory, and suddenly it became close for Katrin with the event lead. Valerie needed another bullet and a new womens top speed to equal points and take the Fuerteventura crown.

So race 6 went into sequence, and the speeds were again around 39-40 knots. Bjorn Dunkerbeck was the man of the day, with 40.18 knots he scored the two fastest times of the week. Antoine took the lead, Patrik in third and Finian finishing only 4th again. Valerie took the victory in this race, but was not able to set a new top speed for the womens fleet, so Karin and Valerie were on same points and only Karins higher top speed made her winning the event. It was never so close again. For the mens fleet, Finian dropped from first to third, Antoine went up from 4th to the event victory, Patrik keeping second place. So the event title went away really in the last minutes of the final day of the competition. It couldn't have been more thrilling !

Overall Ranking after six rounds:
Men
1. Antoine Albeau (FRA)
2. Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North)
3. Finian Maynard (BVI, F2)
4. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (SUI, T1, North)
5. Jose Bahadour (GOU, Fanatic)
Women
1. Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North)
2. Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, Loft Sails)
3. Zara Davis (GBR)

We are now looking forward for the final event of the 2007 season, which will take place from 2nd of September until 11th of September in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The best chances for the overall title have Antoine Albeau and Finian Maynard, and the 2007 title will surely decided very closesly !

[Totti-Amun]

Hier die Abschluß-Rankings

[Totti-Amun]

Hier noch 2 Pics.

Photocredit: Victor Couto