Unfortunately the wind conditions were far from great during the this year´s event period, which is actually very unusual on Curacao this time of year. Still, the race directors and competitors managed to sail one elimination round, so official World Champions could be crowned.
And a tow-in session took place as well. Watch the video from Rafael de Windt (CUR-45):
Racing on Curacao - Picture: Kurt Peterson
During 5 possible days of racing, it was only possible to race on one late afternoon. During the final day the windpredictions were great, but in reality the wind didn’t show up. On Day 4 all the classes, except one (the Masters), completed an elimination round. The final heat of the Masters could not be sailed on the final day. The competitors did go to the starting line for a last chance, but no luck. This meant that by official IFCA rules there are six World Champions in the Masters class.
Ben van der Steen was there as well and has won the SportsClass - Picture: Kurt Peterson
Overall, the organization looks back on a great event. The goal is to promote local windsurfing and to put the spotlight on Curacao as a perfect choice for future international windsurfing events. Bruno de Wannemaeker, President of the IFCA recaps: “Event-wise it was fantastic: great organization, great food, great people but very unlucky with the wind.” Bruno Marques, International ISAF judge, adds: “Very friendly, fantastic organization, all you can ask for in an event. I hope it will become an annual regatta forever.”
© Text: Sebastiaan Opschoor – www.curacaochallenge.com
