PWA Reggio Calabria World Cup - Day 2 and still on standby

by Chris Yates on 21 Apr 2012 On day two of the 2012 PWA Reggio Calabria World Cup, there was an air of excitement early on as the day started with glorious sunshine and the anticipation that the thermal winds would kick in and deliver the perfect conditions for racing. However, as the afternoon developed, the weather turned increasingly stormy and inclement, which prevented the wind from strengthening.

At 16:30 there was a glimmer of hope, as the changeable weather continued. The clouds started to dissipate and the sun re-emerged along with some wind on the outside. Ludovic Jossin (Patrik / The Loft) was tempted out onto the water, and managed a few planing runs in front of the crowds on the beach, however the official wind reading was only 2-8 knots, meaning the start of the elimination was not possible yet. Sicily, meanwhile, provided an absolutely stunning backdrop, with dramatic cloud formations and glistening rays of sunshine.

With sailors on standby all day, there was plenty of down time, leaving them to chill out in true Italian style. During the day the PWA got the chance to catch up with Bonaire’s Taty Frans (Starboard / MauiSails), here’s what he had to say:

PWA: With this being your first full season on the slalom circuit, how do you feel about the upcoming season?

Taty Frans: 'I feel ready for the season, I’ve got all my boards, sails and fins so I am fully set up. I also went to Maui two weeks ago to train for the slalom with Micah Buzianis (JP / MauiSails) and I felt like I was sailing fast. So overall I’m confident that I can do really well in the year ahead.'

PWA: How are you finding training for both freestyle and slalom?

Taty Frans: 'This is definitely the hardest part because slalom needs a lot of time dedicated to testing the boards and fins etc. This means it’s difficult to manage the time to train for both disciplines. The freestyle is just totally relaxed for me and the slalom is fun. I think the freestyle helps me to relax when slalom sailing as well and I hope this will help me to go faster and faster.'

In spite of the teasing winds the atmosphere surrounding the event remained extremely lively and upbeat. With the bustling crowds ensuring that there was always something going on in and around the event.

No action prevailed today despite the sailors being on standby all day. The women’s division was released at 17:30, whilst the men were released at 18:00. With tomorrow’s forecast looking promising, the skippers meeting has been brought forward an hour, to 09:00 tomorrow morning, with the first possible start at 09:30. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, for what should be an action packed day.

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