The ISWC European Speed Championships took place on the Island of Fuerteventura last week. A hard fought competition with 15 countries taking part and European titles for Men’s, Women’s, Master, Youth and Junior titles up for grabs there was a lot to play for. [more]
The strong winds that normally blow in the Canary Islands this time of year were disrupted during this competition. With the minimum wind speed requirement of 18 kts, it meant that only four rounds were completed with only one discard. But the competitors still made the most of the 18 to 20 kts of wind that blew during the rounds to achieve runs of almost 38 kts and peak speeds of almost 40.
The men’s fleet was dominated for a second year by 41 times World champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck with 4 straight wins and a top speed run of 37.82 followed by Dutchman Dylan de Jong in 2nd place and the dark horse of the event taking part in his first speed event in 3rd place was PWA wave sailor John Skye.
Zara Davis from the UK was hoping for 5th Women’s European speed title at this event and she did not disappoint matching Bjorn’s 4 bullets to take her 5th title.
The masters fleet was hotly contested proving that older speed sailors don’t stop they just go faster! The eventual winner was Roberto Hoffmann from Italy showing us he’s just is good on the water as he is behind a microphone.
With a record number of youths and juniors taking part this year, it was great to see the future of speed sailing is still growing. The fastest youth (under 18) taking part also came the furthest distance, Aron Etmon from Bonaire sailing for Holland took the European youth title. Stijn de Bruin from Holland and Alexa Escherrich from Fuerteventura took the Junior (under 16) boys and girls titles.
Another great ISWC event hosted by the Dunkerbeck GPS speed challenge who would like to thank all their sponsors and partners:
Red Bull, Surf&Action, GERMEDICUM, R2- Hotels, Paradise Living, the municipality of Pajara, Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Majanicho Experience, Archiauto Ford, E11 Dunkerbeck-Eyewear, BD Surf School, GPS-Speedsurfing.com and René Egli who made the event possible.
