Praia da Rocha, a beach on the Atlantic Ocean at Portimao, Algarve, southern Portugal has just delivered a very successful T293 Plus Worlds, with great and varied conditions bringing a full regatta of races.

However, The Formula Windsurfing World Championship which began on 28th April was slow to start as very little wind greeted the eager competitors.  On Day One intentions were clear. Wait for the predominant wind direction and run as many races as possible. First it picked up stronger than expected then unfortunately got too unstable to run more than 2 races – Video Day One [more]

The AP came down with 10 to 12 knots, but the wind steadily rose to 18-20 knots. The Race Officer gave more time for competitors to go ashore and change down sails before race 1 finally began in 16 knots.
Race 2 was quickly under way with a clear start, wind 14-15 knots but after a matter of minutes the wind shifted 70 degrees which meant no wind on one side of the course so race abandoned. After a course re-set, race 2 re-started and was successfully completed before another big wind shift sent sailors ashore to wait under the AP flag.  Finally came the announcement of no more racing for the day.
Club vice-president and event co-ordinator, Miguel Martinho (POR-5) and Latvian Janis Preiss (LAT-23) were keenly matched, each taking a win in the two races of the day.
Day two dawned sunny and warm but unfortunately not much wind. It was not looking good for the day but finally 8-10 knots from the west tempted the AP flag down at 18.30. However attempts to start proved futile. Fingers crossed for day 3.  Video Day 2

Competitors are limited to the use of boards with a fin for this championship, organised by Clube Naval de Portimao, and co-ordinated through competitor and club vice-president Miguel Martinho (POR-5)
Competition continues until 2nd May, to be followed by the Formula Foil European Championship from 3rd to 5th May.