Techno Windsurfing World Championships update from USA 4

by Steve Bodner on 22 Jul 2011 Techno Windsurfing World Championships 2011 update from USA National Windsurfing Champion Steve Bodner:

It’s been a while since I really got involved in helping out with an event but it only seemed right given the scale and importance of the Techno 293 World Championships being held in San Francisco from July 19 to 24 at the St. Francis Yacht Club. It’s been 20 years since the last major world windsurfing championship has been held in the US at the St.FYC for the 1991 Mistral World Champs. From the early stages of designing and developing the event, I knew it was going to be big but it didn't strike how big till I got back to Crissy field last Sunday after a few weeks away and saw almost 100 windsurfers out on the San Francisco Bay getting ready for the event. The place rivaled the likes of Lake Garda or the South of France with beautiful sunshine, brilliant water and the flicker of hundreds of windsurfing sails on the water.

The sheer joy and excitement that the kids are getting are worth their weight in gold. I’m so stoked to see so many kids enjoying the sport on the San Francisco Bay.

There are over 180 competitors from 24 countries taking part in this year’s World Championships with five different fleets: under 17 boys, under 17 girls, under 15 boys, under 15 girls and finally a combined open techno and race board class. The two courses are set up on the San Francisco city front with the west course set just off Crissy field and the east course starting further down near Fort Mason. Each fleet will race two to three races a day for a maximum of 12 races over the five day event. Despite starting at 11 am, racers are taking the full beating the San Francisco Bay has to offer, but these kids are tough. I was on the rescue boat today and despite being totally worn out, exhausted and not able to stand, some kids refused a ride back after the racing was done as they were flooded down past Fort Mason. Win, lose or draw every one of the kids will come out a stronger sailor having more respect for the natural world and the conditions thrown at them.

After two days of racing, I’m super excited to see local Marion Lepart at the top of the under 17 girls fleet with four/five bullets. She's been sailing brilliantly and nothing seems to faze her. This kid's going to go far!

As expected the Euros are leading in most of the other fleets as the class is especially strong in mainland Europe as is windsurfing in general. We could really learn a few things from their programs like fleet building, investment in youth sailing and regatta preparation. To see the organization of some of the teams is simply amazing. They are still kids but nothing is left to chance when it comes to winning. Coaches, team meetings, and special diets - it’s almost as serious as the Olympics.

But let’s not forget - this is windsurfing. No blue blazers allowed.

Full results are available online.

http://www.techno293worldchampionship.org/" target="_blank">Techno 293 World Championship Steve Bodner blog