Wind arrives, American Windsurfing Tour - Essaouira set to start

by American Windsurfing Tour on 15 May 2016 2016 American Windsurfing Tour – Essaouira - As opening day approaches, the local Moroccan winds have kicked in with full force. Thus far, the forecast has held true with strong wind filling in just prior to the event. Today saw winds gusting well into the 30 knot range, kicking up some nice windswell for everyone to warm up with.

The energy level was high as riders watched the conditions start to turn on. By mid-day it was solid 4.0 weather, and everyone was scrambling to get there small stuff ready. The pre competition warm-up was action packed, with local talent and AWT regulars practicing their moves. Here are a few pics to whet your appetite of what’s to come.

Competition is expected to get underway first thing tomorrow, with a really solid wind forecast. Waves are small, but the wind is strong, allowing for some serious jumping. While we don’t expect anything massive in the wave department, it does look like there will be plenty for everyone to show their best moves.

All riders please be at the beach for 9:00am Skipper's Meeting.

Schedule:

May 15th

• 9am to 11am riders registration.
• 11:30am-4pm competition (heats can change depending the conditions).
• 6pm, we will have a presentation of the riders to the government in Dar Souiri, and at 7pm we will have the opening ceremony at Taros.

May 16th

• 9am Skipper meeting.
• 12-5pm Competition.

May 17th

• 9am Skipper meeting.
• 12-5pm competition.
• 7pm Dinner and party at Lawama.

May 18th

• 9am-12 workshop with local kids about the environment and beach cleanup in Essaouira.
• 12 skipper meeting
• 12:30pm-5pm competition in Essaouira if conditions allow, otherwise an exhibition there.
• 6pm 'Justdiggit' Conference in Darsouiri.

May 19th

• 9am Skipper meeting.
• 12pm-5pm Competition in Moulay.

May 20th

• 9am Skipper meeting.
• 12pm-5pm Competition in Moulay.
• 6pm Moroccan Fantasia on the beach of Moulay.

May 21st

• 9am Skipper meeting.
• 12pm-4pm Competition in Moulay.
• 5pm Prize giving at Darsouiri in Essaouira.
• 7pm Closing ceremony at Taros.