Paul Griffiths/PWA did an interview with Karin Jaggi, the current PWA Slalom tour leader about her actual battle with the 2009 PWA Slalom World Champion Valerie Arrigehtti and the announcement of a women´s only Slalom event in Almanarre, France.

Karin Jaggi - Pic: PWA/John Carter


PWA: How do you feel about your racing so far this week here in Alacati?

KJ: It started off really well with a win in the very first race. Unfortunately, I got run over in the second one, and in the two following races my starts were simply not good enough. My speed is great but with just a very short leg to the first gybe mark there’s no way to make up ground, not even with an average or ok start. With this course, starting equates to well over 50% of the whole race. Then there’s another 25% for the first gybe, after which you can only really advance or drop one position over the rest of the course.


PWA: Were you hoping to tie up the 2010 world title here?

KJ: I knew it would be hard for me to win here in Alacati. Naturally I’m trying to give it my best though. But, with the flat water and light wind conditions there’s really no room for error.


PWA: Is the pressure mounting now that Almanarre (and therefore a discard) has been announced?

KJ: Maybe a bit for the world title, but I’m just simply so happy that this event will take place. It’ll be great fun to have a women’s only event once again, and to return to France is simply the best thing for windsurfing in Europe. Apart from that Almanarre is actually my ‘local’ beach – where I learnt to water start, gybe, and joined the world tour for my very first event! Albeit a very long time ago… So, all in all, I’m just stoked that this event is happening!


PWA: What are your thoughts on an all-female-end-of-season-finale?

KJ: It’ll be great. The place is just perfect – easy to reach by car from all over Europe, and the conditions can be anything from light to strong winds, onshore and offshore. Plus, there are heaps of local windsurfers in the area, which will guarantee a good crowd on the beach. The only real downside to the event is that it was announced at such short notice. But, all of the women I’ve spoken to are giving it their best shot to join us in Almanarre.


PWA: So what’s your game plan for the rest of the event here in Alacati?

KJ: Just to do my best, I can’t do anything more than that, and I can’t control anyone else. I know that my equipment works extremely well this year, so speed and control are definitely not even an issue. But, I do have to sail with a bit more of a tactical mind – stay away from possible crashes, and improve my starts to be successful in the end.

© Text: Paul Griffiths/PWA


Karin Jaggi in front of Valerie Arrighetti - Pic: PWA/John Carter

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