A magic day for Menegatti and Jaggi as they claim the opening victories of 2013

With the fourth race not being completed no discards came into play, which means this week will live long in the memory of Alberto Menegatti (Starboard / Point-7) as he claims his maiden event victory on the PWA World Tour. However, the Italian was made to sweat it out for almost an hour this evening having been disqualified from heat eleven, after being a little too eager to make a good start. This presented the opportunity for Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) to swoop in and steal Menegatti’s thunder, but it wasn’t to be as the wind soon deteriorated, leaving a delighted – but relieved – Menegatti to revel in his success. Today is also a big day for his sail sponsors – Point-7 – who will be celebrating in Italy tonight having finished on the podium for the first time in their history.

Alberto Menegatti

Alberto Menegatti speaking after his first ever event victory: “I thought I’d lost the event – even though Antoine (Albeau) would have still had to finish third or better in the winners’ final – so I’m still processing it. I’m super happy, I’d like to thank my fin sponsors – Z Fins – for their help throughout the whole winter as their fins allow me to be fast in both flat water and waves. I’d also like to thank my friend from South Africa Peter Langley after he helped me a lot when I was there this winter. At the start of the season if someone would’ve offered me 3rd, 4th or 5th place I’d have happily taken it. To have finished in first is just a dream. I also need to thank both my sail and board sponsors as the equipment couldn’t work better and I couldn’t have wished for a better start.”

In the women’s fleet Karin Jaggi (Patrik / Severne) reaffirmed her title winning credentials after a magnificent performance over the three eliminations which were completed. The multiple-time world champion reigned victorious in two of those races, whilst finishing second in the other to stamp her authority over the event.

Karin Jaggi

Karin Jaggi speaking after winning the first event of the season: “It’s always good to naturally start the season ahead. The best thing for me is that I I feel really comfortable on my equipment, I still made a few mistakes, but I have such good board speed and control in pretty much all conditions. I think it can be quite a good season for me. Now I’ll be traveling to Thailand for a bit for work, before going back to Australia, then heading back to train in Europe – I’ll probably head to Gran Canaria early to get used to the conditions.”

The next PWA Slalom event is at the Costa Brava, Spain from June 11 until June 16.

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