Last Friday saw the ‘Round the Island’ race return to Hayling Island. Although the event saw very light winds, the turnout was fantastic, with over 100 competitors turning up to get involved.  Peter Hart was there to capture all the action, as well as speaking to the competitors and organisers, and taking a look at the history of the event.

MauiSails TR8

MauiSails Co-sail designer Artur Szpunar introduces the TR-8 2012 MauiSails race sail…

After the major step and significant outline and shaping changes of the TR-7, we have dedicated this season’s development to tuning and perfecting the tension, profile, and twist relationships in order to present a finely tuned and polished TR-8 race sail.

Performance wise, we achieved the goal to increase wind range and top speed by a combination of better balance and stability, together with improved control in gusts. The general design theme throughout the line required adding some extra locked in shape to the lower sail profile while balancing this with a slightly flatter upper profile. This produced a more progressive twist and improved release up top. Shaping adjustments were carefully matched to each size to ensure that the correct overall rig tension was achieved and verified with our load cell technology. Larger slalom and formula sizes received relatively more shape down low and a bit more overall tension in order to better support and stabilize their profiles and to aid in coasting through lulls.

While the entire TR-8 range also benefited from some extra shape and stability down low, great care was taken to ensure that they maintain a soft feel and light handling even when being pushed to the max by the biggest gusts. Stiffer reinforcements in the upper mast sleeve reduce stretch and have allowed us to flatten the upper sail body profile shaping and helped us to create an improved twist profile that progresses perfectly all the way up the leech. The result was a leech that has the optimum balance between release for light handling in gusts, without yielding the tension necessary to drive the board and provide excellent acceleration. The whole rig powers you while feeling perfectly balanced, efficient, and light in the wind.

Superior handling and non-issue cam rotation ensure that not only will the sails have brilliant speed in a straight line but will also make it around and away from the buoys as effectively as possible. We are confident that anyone who chooses the TR-8 race sails will have the best, fine-tuned engine with the ability to power them to the front of any pack.

More at www.mauisails.com

Point-7 AC-1 2012

Point-7 is bringing pure PWA racing excitement to market with the new and most extreme series in the history of the AC-1 race sail range.

By the end of the year the first production of 150 sails will be made available to those who cannot wait. This early availability will allow the most eager and victory hunger racers to start tuning in, with a clear advance to others. This first delivery is planned to arrive mid December and will then be followed up by a general release in February 2012. The sizes available in this first production will be from 5.0 to 9.3.

Together with the Point-7 AC-1 2012 series, original personalised sail numbers will be available for those who request them.

A key aspect of their design philosophy demands that every Point-7 product must be instantly recognisable in its design, in its performance: uncompromisingly, extreme, Italian.

More at www.point-7.com – and check out the full pdf presentation at www.issuu.com/point7

Fanatic Falcon 2012, by John Carter

Fanatic introduce their new Falcon 2012 range of racing and slalom boards…

Five all-new PWA production shapes are unleashed after a total tune-up of every single feature with one single aim in mind – speed. Our fresh Compact Design Concept (CDC) made the 140, 125, and 113 lighter wind models shorter for minimum drag and max lift, and the 89 and 99 lower volume, higher-wind styles longer for security blasting down the strip. Extra width and fuller Comfort Heel Rails around the front feet flow to boxier edges in the straightened-out tails for extra grip, push, comfort, and control in any wind strength. Shaper Sebastian Wenzel’s CAD- analysis produced a unique Scoop Rockerline with a higher entry and shorter Flat Section combined with increased Tail Kick for ultimate no-limits release and a silky easy-to-sail feel. Added Nose-to-Mid-section V and subtle Double Concaves cut through any sea state more efficiently and on-deck the successful mast recess is lowered further and tweaked to blend smoothly into the volume flow. Produced in Biax Carbon Sandwich Light only for ultimate élite and national level racing weight and stiffness performance.

More at www.fanatic.com

Fanatic Falcon 2012

“Every board has different size. Wide and short outline on the 135 and narrower and longer on the 90 and 80. Proportionally related scooprocker lines in order to create a perfect balanced racing machine. All new designs for the 80, 102, 120 and 135 with improved scoop-rocker lines along with a new vee-to-flat release concept makes this new shape faster and in more control than the 09 generation. Real thoroughbred racing machines for the experts and great high-performance boards for the advanced-intermediate sailors.

Technology: Custom made full herex 75 sandwich top and bottom with Biaxial Carbon deck custom made lamination.”

DefiWind 11

Did you know that windsurfing celebrate its 42nd anniversary this year?!?

When you see its appearance, we can say unashamedly that even in its 40s, windsurfing’s still in the pink. While we’re no longer in the heyday of the 80s/90s World Cup windsurfing remains a major sport in the community of freesports. This vitality belongs rightfully to the longevity of its players. The big names are always on the front of the stage, even if their image changed somewhat over time. Today they have more profile “waterman” highly skilled, braving the elements on different boards.

Robby Naish, our legend at all, is the best example. The famous and legendary sail number “US1111” is present on all fronts. His passion for the sea, wind and waves is pushing himself daily for windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand up paddle, or even surfing. His renowed “US1111″ has many imitators. Many of those displayed derivatives numbers. As if the “1″ could gave wings.

The most emblematic is undoubtedly the alien “E11” who has reigned as a total master on the World Cup in the 90s. With 12 titles of World Champion, Bjorn Dunkerbeck now become “SUI11”, has stifled competition between 1988 and 1999.

Pascal Maka on his side and his number “1” wrote the most beautiful pages of the speed records history.

Nathalie Simon, “FR111“, has been our charming ambassador for many years. Her presence on TV screens still contributes to the promotion of windsurfing.

But there are still one who dared to use the same sail number as that of Mister Naish. One in all and for all who put four “1″ in its sail. Unconsciousness, provocation, challenge… Not any of that, just a deep respect for his master. Jason Polakow “KA1111” is a talented rider, amazing, exceptionally fluid in everything he does on the water. He is the only one who can proudly display in his sails the 2nd “1111″ in the history of windsurfing. And he does it perfectly !

This four-digit combination certainly makes more of a dream. Maybe it’s inspired ? It even brings happiness who knows ? Anyway it works perfectly to the new generation too. With its symbolic “US1112” and his immense talent, Kai Lenny, the young Hawaiian prodigy, has a lifetime ahead of him to continue writing the most beautiful pages in the history of windsurfing…

But windsurfing is not just a numbers story. Sailing schools continually welcome future windsurfers. The exclusive club of Olympic welcomes the windsurfing discipline still. Schedules of sporting events are very well booked.

And the Defi Wind have had the audacity to send 5500 windsurfers in the tumult of the Tramontana north wind over the last ten years. Unbelievable ! Yep, the naughty kid who will blow his 11 candles this year has made a unique great name in the wonderful world of windsurfing.

A unique place for a unique event, nothing more logic to that. A team of enthusiasts friends who has extraordinary experience in organizing sailing events for thousand competitors, a place ideally suited, a steadfastness political will and finally the Tramontana, its closest ally, all these factors make the Défi Wind is now the biggest windsurfing event in the world !

Defi Wind 2011, it is 1111 competitors who meet up for the 11th consecutive year in Aude (11), in Gruissan. Through this game of numbers the 2011’ Défi Wind complete symbolically the most extraordinary saga of windsurfing mass events. In the spirit of all those who knew it, the Défi Wind will be forever inscribed as the finest windsurfing gathering that the planet has never known !

The 2011 post belongs to the future. The future has this element of mystery that makes the projects most secret, but so much more beautiful…

More information: www.defiwind.com / www.facebook.com/LeDefi / www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ9I62CLqFM

Race action from Weymouth. Photo: Roger Turner

BSA Slalom Series event 5 – Hove Lagoon, Supported by Fanatic, North, ION

The South Coast of England has been providing windsurfers with awesome conditions since time began with cool sea breezes and rolling swells, with the coming week being no exception. For this the 5th Round of the heavily fought BSA the wind has been ordered and the beach has been laid down at Hove Lagoon for what could be the best windsurfing weekend of your life, K66 featuring Fanatic, North and ION plans to bring this beautiful seaside town to life with the colour and flare that windsurfing offers. Hove lagoon offers perfect conditions for beginners, on its waist deep lagoon, to professionals, on the beautiful Channel, as well as a coffee house providing that little boost to your day.

Hove town, with its perfect lawns, spawning sunbathers and fitness classes, overlooks the ocean and with shops and restaurants within walking distance this really is a beautiful place – and with a sea breeze forecasted Saturday and Sunday with a max of 20mph both days and 24 degree temperatures things really couldn’t be any better.

Whether this will be your first event or you are competing for the overall Title come down and enjoy the ambiance of the water sports world – and if the wind decides to leave us out then the fun begins with light wind blasting and Freestyle events planned, also SUP boards will be available with all the major brands having their demo gear available for use.

Prizes from North, Fanatic, ION and Sportif will be allocated to top 3 in each division. We also have major prizes that will be for the top in each division for our two events, Hove and Worthing later in the year, so you have to show up at both to receive the big prices.

The Party:

Saturday night we have teamed up with the guys from Paddle round the Pier for what will be an awesome evening of festivities, which will be on site at the Paddle Round The Pier. There will be bands and food available up to10pm.

Schedule:

Saturday:

10:00am Skipper meeting

10:30 first possible start

6:00 Last possible start

Sunday:

9:00am Skipper meeting

9:30 first possible start

5:00 Last possible start

Parking:

Is available on Wharf Rd, which is West of the Lagoon, and Coast Rd, which is located just east of the lagoon, all the way up to the King Alfred swimming pool. The Council has strict parking rules so please make sure you are parking correctly; if in doubt ask the staff at Hove Lagoon. Get there early to secure the best parking!

Address: Hove Lagoon, Kingsway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 4LX

Telephone: Hove Lagoon 01273 424842

Further Details: racing-09@ukwindsurfing.com

Contact Bob Ingram 07889-161780

More info: www.windsurf-bsa.com/events.html

The Terminator II

The 2010 Catalunya – Costa Brava (Spain) PWA Slalom World Cup – Day 2

Patience proves key on day two as the wind teases the world’s finest, but fails to materialise enough for official competition.

The clouds that covered the skies of the spectacular Catalunyan coastline put a stop to any thermal from taking effect on day two of competition. The 4-12 knot breeze tempted many of the sailors onto the water but it was never really consistent enough for racing to take place despite the race crew making every effort to try and get heat 7 of the men’s race 2 started.

This leaves the event standings unchanged with Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne) and Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft) out in front of their respective fleets for the time being. And, Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) and Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) with a sharp eye on the forecast.

Whilst the sailors were stuck on standby we took the opportunity to speak to the living legend, and current event leader, Bjorn Dunkerbeck.

PWA: How have you kept your motivation levels so high throughout your 25 years of competing on the world tour?

BD: “First of all I’ve found a great balance between free sailing and competition. But also, if I don’t go windsurfing for a few days, I find that I really want to go out again. Basically I’ve kept the fun factor in my windsurfing throughout all of those years, and I’ve also kept that same thing in competition. I just really enjoy windsurfing.”

PWA: How have you found it adapting to different gear throughout the years?

BD: “Well, I worked with four different sail designers when I worked with Pryde, with Kai Hopf at North, and now with Ben Severne. And, I probably worked with a few others in between, so about eight in total. So it’s pretty much a way of life for me. Each time I moved, it wasn’t because I wanted to, that’s just how the situations unfolded. Plus, when I have changed I’ve made sure that I work really hard, and the combination I have now is really strong. The team are young and motivated which is a great situation for me to be in. I think we’re going to make extremely good sails for the next few years.”

PWA: Do you still have the same feelings when you hit the racecourse as you did when you were competing against guys like Robby Naish in the early days?

BD: “The feelings have changed throughout the years as I’ve grown up. I was just a kid back then, so there have been huge changes. Now I’m one of the oldest one’s on the course, but I’m probably the most experienced too. I also think I’m one of the guys that’s having the most fun out there as well!”

PWA: Which events do you really look forward to each year on the tour?

BD: “The one’s that are warm and have the most wind. Gran Canaria and Turkey have been very good the last few years, but I also enjoy Sylt because of the huge crowds and the variety of conditions we get there.”

PWA: Lastly, how much longer will you compete for?

BD: “For as long as I still enjoy it, and as long as my body can handle getting me onto the podium!”

The organisers remain hopeful that the front forecast to come through tomorrow will bring stronger winds without the need of a thermal boost!

Results After Race One

Men:

1^st Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne) 0.7pts

2^nd Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) 2.0pts

3^rd Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) 3.0pts

4^th Ross Williams (Tabou, Gaastra) 4.0pts

5^th Peter Volwater (Fanatic, MauiSails) 5.0pts

Women:

1^st Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft) 0.7pts

2^nd Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) 2.0pts

3^rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra) 3.0pts

Live GPS Tracking

When the action is heating up here in Catalunya, be sure to follow this link HERE where you’ll be able to track some of the world’s fastest windsurfers as they hammer their way round the racecourse at breakneck speeds.

Stay In The Groove

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com

Here you can use our:

• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins

• Check live elimination ladders

• View results

• Read daily news summaries

• Browse awesome action photo galleries

Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com

PWA/Paul Griffiths

Dunkerbeck way out ahead

The 2010 Catalunya – Costa Brava (Spain) PWA Slalom World Cup – Day 1

Dunkerbeck and Arrighetti storm into the lead after convincing performances in their respective fleets off the beautiful Catalunyan coast.

With early signals that racing would get underway bang on schedule, the majority of the sailors chose to hit the registration desk as soon as it opened. By midday, the entry list read like a who’s who of world cup windsurfing, which included the return of Valerie Arrighetti nee Ghibadou (Tabou, Loft).

On the first day of competition in Costa Brava the crowds watched on as one full elimination of high octane slalom was completed for both the men’s and women’s fleets. The men started a second elimination, but the wind began to moderate as the sun dropped lower in the evening sky, forcing many to wait for another day.

Dunkerbeck Dominates

The shoreline was awash with spectators today, who were all treated to a performance from Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne) that was more akin to his race winning days of the late eighties and nineties. Not only did he take down the mighty Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) in the final, but he managed to win every heat he sailed with infectious style.

During the final, everyone was on the edge of their seats, and all eyes were on the showdown of the champions. Dunkerbeck held back on the start, but his superior board speed saw him slingshot out in front of the fleet ahead of Albeau. Dunkerbeck held his lane well down the first reach and round the course until halfway through where he suffered a sketchy gybe, causing everyone on the beach to jump straight to their feet. The consistently strong Albeau was right on his tail, and ready to pounce at any opportunity. But, Dunkerbeck kept his cool and continued to lead the way until he crossed the line in first place. The race felt like a lifetime, but in actual fact was just a few minutes.

Having already witnessed the heat of the century, god only knows what tomorrow will bring…

Awesome Arrigheti

With a star-studded cast, the women’s final of race one was always going to be interesting. But, they had to get there first! And, this meant a battle of the titans in heat two with arch rivals, Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) and Valerie Arrighetti lining up together from the word go. Arrighetti put on a spectacular show with great speed on sails that she’d only just unwrapped. Jaggi fought hard, but couldn’t quite match the 2009 World Champion.

The final was a similar affair for Arrigheti and Jaggi but with the addition of many more furiously fast females, including Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra), Lise Vidal (Exocet, North), Sarah Hebert (Naish), and Alice Arutkin (Starboard, North). This is one of the toughest fleets the women’s division has seen for a while, which makes for some extremely exciting racing. Arrighetti dominated from start to finish, proving she still has what it takes to win a world cup.

Winning Words

Bjorn Dunkerbeck

“I felt good all day long. I won every single one of my heats, and my semi-final by a really long way. I felt very confident on my Starboard iSonic 111 and my Severne Reflex 8.6. I had a great top speed, and no problems coming out of the gybes either. In the final I went for a safe start because I didn’t want to push it too much. I had excellent speed down the first leg and managed to get ahead of both Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) and Antoine by the first mark. I pretty much took off from there. Although, I had a little problem at the third mark because the wind dropped quite a bit and Antoine managed to catch up a little, but a gust came just at the right moment and I took off ahead of him again. Winning the first race is the best thing that can happen in an event, and it’s great for the confidence. I’m hoping that the wind will stay strong for the rest of the competition so that I’m powered on my 8.6 because I much prefer that to the lighter stuff we had in Korea.”

Valerie Arrighetti

“I didn’t go to Korea because of some personal problems, so it was important for me to come here and perform well, both for my sponsors and for myself. I used my 7.0 with the Tabou 59, and it all worked incredibly. I didn’t think that I would be in first position so quickly because the sails are brand new and I’m borrowing the board, but there you go! It’s great for me to be where I am, and I’m looking forward to getting on the water tomorrow, and trying to win again.”

Results

Men:

1^st Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne) 0.7pts

2^nd Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) 2.0pts

3^rd Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) 3.0pts

4^th Ross Williams (Tabou, Gaastra) 4.0pts

5^th Peter Volwater (Fanatic, MauiSails) 5.0pts

Women:

1^st Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft) 0.7pts

2^nd Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) 2.0pts

3^rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra) 3.0pts

Live GPS Tracking

For the first time the world’s top racers were tracked all day long with a live feed broadcast to the planet via the internet. By following this link HERE you can check it out. And, if you missed the men’s final the first time round, take a closer look at 17:08:15. The sailors will have the devices on their boards all week, so make sure you tune in to an action packed live race at some point this week.

Stay In The Groove

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com

Here you can use our:

• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins

• Check live elimination ladders

• View results

• Read daily news summaries

• Browse awesome action photo galleries

Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via info@pwaworldtour.com

PWA/Paul Griffiths