IFCA Slalom European Championships 2009 – Day 3

The third event day at the IFCA Slalom Youth & Master European Championship 2009 could not have been any better for the over 60 competitors from 10 European countries. Perfect conditions with gusts up to 25 knots allowed four slalom eliminations in both categories master and youth. The current Slalom World Champion Bernd Flessner from Germany could clearly hold his lead after eight completed slalom eliminations. The so far leading French sailor William Alikiagalelei was overtaken by Maciek Rutkowski from Poland today, who now leads in the youth fleet.

IFCA Slalom Championships - Pic: Stevie Bootz

 
The third event day provided best racing conditions for the international starters. In the master fleets the German sailor Bernd Flessner (GER-16, F2, Neil Pryde) continued his series of victories and steadied his first place in the ranking with four more victories today. The second place went to Helge Wilkens (GER-63, Starboard, Gun Sails) from Germany, who crossed the finish line third in all races of the day. The German sailor Thade Behrends (GER-94, Exocet) keeps the third place of the ranking in front of Alexander Lehmann (GER-373, Fanatic, North Sails) from Germany, who showed a great performance and who can be a real danger for the Top-3. The fifth place went Luis Marchegger (ITA-6, JP, Gaastra) from Italy who improved three places in comparison to the day before.  

In the youth fleet, the French sailor William Alikiagalelei (FRA-540, AHD, Loft Sails) had to give the lead to Maciek Rutkowski (POL-23, Starboard, Maui Sails) from Poland who performed strong on the third event day and deserves the lead in the slalom youth ranking. Teade de Jong (NED-777, Mistral, North) from the Netherlands could keep his second place in the ranking. The French sailor Thomas Gaudiot (FRA-909, Starboard, Gun Sails) made a great bettering on the third event day and scored third in the ranking. William Alikiagalelei (FRA-540, AHD, Loft Sails) lost important points with a 10th and a 11th place and ranks fourth in the youth fleet. Sebastien Bonhomme Allaire (FRA-511, AB, Challenger Sails) from France completes the Top-5 in the youth ranking. The best German sailor in the youth category is Sebastian Kördel (GER-220, Lorch, Neil Pryde) on the 7th place. Best girl was Marion Morte (FRA-118, Starboard, Neil Pryde) from Franceon the 27th place.    

The fourth event day at the IFCA Slalom Youth & Master European Championships predicts wind forces up to four beaufort. This is the lowest wind limit for slalom. The participants might then have a short regatta break  in order to get fit again for the coming weekend with conditions of up to 20 knots.

© Text: Choppy Water