The early start scheduled for 8.00 am failed to deliver conditions similar to the previous days[more] – and it turned into a long day for competitors and race committee. However mid afternoon, and despite overcast skies, the wind kicked in and 2 races were run in 12-14 knots before the storm wiped out the chance of further racing.
Another win in race 3 ensured Casper Bouman (NED 52) kept top spot on the podium and was crowned Riccione Grand Prix Champion.
Steve Allen’s (AUS 0) consistancy ensured he kept silver medal position and was first Master, and the final podium position went to Martin Ervin (EST 202) who rounded off a great regatta by winning race 4.
Other division winners were:
Youth – Kieran Badloe (NED 194)
Grand Master – Allessandro Giovini (ITA 196)
Light – Miguel Martinho (POR 5)
FULL RESULTS / More Event News, photo galleries etc on FW class website
No wind today (Saturday) – no change in the Riccione rankings
A frustrating third day for all concerned at the Riccione Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix. The wind failed to materialise in sufficient strength to start a race. The fleet were twice called out to the starting area but had to be sent back to the beach each time after waiting period on the water. Franco Pagliarani and his race committee were on the water for 8 hours hoping to grab an opportunity for one race . Tomorrow’s schedule has been changed in the hope to catch the early morning breeze – with first possible warning signal at 08.00hrs.
However … the competitors will first have to survive another beach party with a live band from 22.30!
Friday – No change at the top of the ranking in Riccione
Only one race was possible today at the Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix in Riccione, Italy – Casper Bouman secured another win to leave him at the top of the event ranking at the end of the second racing day.
An early start was scheduled to maximise the chance of racing, but the forecast conditions didn’t appear! No surprise – however after the lunch break the wind did swing and it looked likely we would have a good thermic breeze during the afternoon. Prior to to start the wind reached 11/12 knots – but it turned out to be another frustrating and difficult day for all concerned – race committee and racers !
Mid way through the race the wind started to decrease, and as the leading racers rounded mark 1 for the last time it was clear that some sailors further back were dropping off the plane.
As the leading racers made their way to the finish the race officer had to decide – abandon or allow the top few to finish. After working hard to complete a 30 minute race would the sailors appreciate an abandoned flag as they approach the finish line? Eighteen sailors finished in time and the result stands.
Racing started today at the 2011 Riccione Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix, an event hosted for the first time by Club Vela Marano. And what a club! A great organisation with a vast and enthusiastic team of volunteers working hard to deliver a premier event.
Unfortunately the wind did not realise the importance of today – nevertheless we got one race and it was won by Casper Bouman (NED 52).
60 competitors from 15 countries – including Australia and Brasil are here. Past world champions (Steve Allen and Wojtek Brzozowski) and current world champions (Gabriel Browne -Youth) are here – maybe Casper is a new world champion in the making?
