The wind conditions were far from great, which is unusual on Curacao this time of year. Still, the race directors and competitors managed to sail one elimination round so official World Champions could be crowned.[more] During the week, thousands of spectators came to the Surf Town and even more followed the event online.
During 5 possible days of racing, it was only possible to race one late afternoon. During the final day the windpredictions were great, but in reality the wind didn’t show up. On Day 4 all the classes, except one (the Masters), completed an elimination round. The final heat of the Masters could not be sailed on the final day. The competitors did go to the starting line for a last chance, but no luck. This meant that by official IFCA rules there are six World Champions in the Masters class.
Jean Patrick van der Wolde (under 17) and Delano Moreno (under 13) from Curacao ensured local success by becoming the first IFCA Slalom World Champions for Curacao in history. “I am very proud. I don’t feel special but I did win”, Jean Patrick comments. “The means a step up. Now I have to prepare for the Youth class next year, which is much harder.”
Overall, the organization looks back on a great event. The goal is to promote local windsurfing and to put the spotlight on Curacao as a perfect choice for future international windsurfing events. Bruno de Wannemaeker, President of the IFCA recaps: “Event-wise it was fantastic: great organization, great food, great people but very unlucky with the wind.” Bruno Marques, International ISAF judge, adds: “Very friendly, fantastic organization, all you can ask for in an event. I hope it will become an annual regatta forever.”
Results
Masters World Champions
1. Sergio Mehl (Argentina)
1. Monique Meijer (Bonaire)
1. Constantino Saragoza (Bonaire)
1. Joris Bosman (the Netherlands)
1. Nikaj Droop (the Netherlands)
1. Diego Domenianni (USA)
Youth – U20 World Champions
1. Gutek Kurczewski (Poland)
2. Jocelyn de Souza (France)
3. Jordy Vonk (the Netherlands)
Junior – U17 World Champions
1. Jean Patrick van der Wolde (Curacao)
2. Justin Denel (France)
3. Amado Vrieswijk (Bonaire)
GrandMasters
1. Sergio Mehl (Argentina)
1. Constantino Saragoza (Bonaire)
3. Patrick Schmelzer (Germany)
Junior – U15
1. Ethan Aldert Westera (Aruba)
2. Coen Swijnenburg (Netherlands)
3. Aron Etmon Starboard (Curacao)
Junior – U13
1. Delano Moreno (Curacao)
2. Alex Halank (Australia)
3. Jean Paul da Silva de Goes (Curacao)
Sports Class
1. Ben van der Steen (the Netherlands)
2. Behrend Veenhuizen (Curacao)
3. Remco Osnabrugge (New Caledonia)
