PWA Sylt World Cup - Teasing winds on day 4

by Chris Yates on 2 Oct 2013 Day four of the GP Joule PWA Sylt World Cup began with overcast skies, but by the afternoon the glorious sunshine returned as the fantastic weather continued. Unfortunately though the wind never quite materialized today, despite teasing the competitors for much of the afternoon.

At 3:40pm the red flag was raised for heat one of elimination three with winds of 7-15 knots being recorded, but the wind dropped below the seven-knot minimum before the racing could begin. Despite remaining on standby for the next hour the wind was never consistent enough to allow the slalom to be resumed and the sailors were eventually released at 5pm.

Over the years slalom has developed the reputation of only attracting the more experienced windsurfer. However, if you look at the entry list here in Sylt, it is clear to see that this certainly no longer applies. The current crop of slalom sailors sees sixteen, twenty-three year olds or younger, competing against their peers as the young blood begins to thrive under the pressure of their more experienced racers. Take for example twenty-year-old Jordy Vonk (Patrik / Loft Sails), who sailed superbly to claim fourth place in the first elimination. The youthful Dutchman isn’t alone in challenging at the very top of the sport with the likes of Mattia Iachino (F2 / Challenger / AL360), Maciek Rutkowski (Patrik / Point-7 / Maui Ultra Fins) and Enrico Marotti (Starboard / Point-7), to name just a few, firmly knocking on the once formidable door of Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) and Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Dunkerbeck Eyewear / Chris Benz). Ethan Westera (Starboard / Loft Sails) is the youngest up and coming slalom sailor at just fifteen years old proving that there is a multitude of young talent waiting in the ranks.

Jordy Vonk speaking after his best ever result on the PWA World Tour 'Yesterday was an epic day for me. I didn’t actually make such a good start, from looking at the pictures I think I was last over the line, but I managed to move into seventh by the first mark where I made an awesome gybe on the inside and then I just pumped as much as I physically could and then I went past [Alberto] Menegatti (Starboard / Point-7) and [Julien] Quentel (RRD / NeilPryde). At the second mark I managed to go under, I think, Steve Allen (Starboard / Severne) to move into fourth. It was super sick to also finish just a few meters behind [Antoine] Albeau. I crossed the finish line just like what is going on.'

'In the final I was on my 8.6m and my big board - 128 liter - which is the biggest stuff I use here. I just want to try and make at least the losers’ final again so that I can stay in the top twenty by the end of the week and then I’d be super happy for sure.'

The forecast for tomorrow promises stronger winds than today, which should see the action on the water resumed. The skippers’ meeting tomorrow for the slalom and freestyle fleets will be at 10am with the action commencing at 10:30am, whilst the wave fleet will meet at PWA World Windsurf World Cup