Antoine Albeau wins Formula Windsurfing Worlds

by Di Pearson on 17 Dec 2005 France’s Antoine Albeau, a champion windsurfer across a range of disciplines, has taken out the Open Men’s Windsurfer World Championship at Sail Melbourne on Port Phillip in Victoria, Australia this afternoon.

The 33 year-old, from Ile De Re near La Rochelle in France, had a slow start to his campaign here. At 100 kilos, he did not find the light weather that figured heavily in the series to his liking.

Originally set down for 15 races, only seven were completed in both the Open Men’s and Open Women’s events.

Albeau, who beat second placed Vojtek Brzozowski (POL) and third placed Gonzalo Costa Hoevel (ARG), said there were at least 10 others who could have won the title. ‘After my bad start to competition, I had to try to sail consistently, so I am pretty happy to win this, especially after fighting Vojtek for the European title’ he said. He cited Micah Buzianis (USA) and Steve Allen (AUS) as two others he thought would be strong competition.

‘I had a very good year this year. I won the Formula European Championship and I won the PWA World Tour Championship too. I would like to thank my sponsors, Neil Pryde and Quiksilver,’ said the 1995 Formula Slalom world champion.

More delays as winds came and went and shifted across the course on the final day of the Championship sailed off Elwood Sailing Club in Melbourne.

Racing was due to start at 10.00am and officials nervously watched as the winds just petered out, leaving all wondering if any further racing would occur. However, just as all thought it might be over, huge almost gale force conditions hit the Bay, and right on the time limit at 4.00pm, conditions eased just enough; 25-30 knot winds, for officials to get a seventh race away, which then allowed competitors to drop their worst two races.

Exciting for onlookers as the boardsailors had a hard time just getting their boards through the surf at Elwood Beach and out to the start area. Once out there, they had to contend with big lumpy and choppy seas, which provided plenty of action, exhilaration, but also many breakages, not to mention some minor injuries as the fleet, minus a number who elected to stay ashore, battled the conditions.

Damage included two broken boards. One sailor attempting to reach the beach got caught up on jetty, ripping his sail and needed help to free his board, whilst others broke rigs, sails and fittings and struggled to get to the beach. It was a photographer’s paradise.

As the last of the competitors finished racing, winds grew even more excessive and the rain pelted down. All ashore just in time.

Ninety six competitors representing 22 countries contested the series that was marred by unsuitable sailing conditions, frustrating sailors and officials alike.

Sail Melbourne is made possible by the support of event sponsors: Sport & Recreation Victoria, Collex, Parks Victoria; associate sponsors Bayside City Council and Menere's BMW Brighton and support sponsors Ronstan International, Schenker Australia, City of Kingston and the City of Port Philip.

To view full results, images and other information: www.sailmelbourne.com.au