DEFI Wind Twenty24

With no Tramontana on sight, the DEFI Wind turned into massive fun races with hundreds of happy faces on the water. DEFI is a meeting of amateurs and professionals. The goal is to race all together on the same course whatever your level is and whatever gear you have. Basically, everyone should have plenty of power in the sail to glide over the course. With 1,500 registered sailors, so many sails on the water, it has to be proper windy to work, that’s why the wind minimum is around 20 knots. The off-shore Tramontana is the key element in Gruissan, making the marathon course flat and « easy » along the shore. Saturday, the wind blew the other direction, easterly, side on-shore, and way below 8 knots. Only fun races were possible to the delight of the numerous racers on site.

Undoubtedly, Foil was the choice, but the course remained open to fin sailors to keep the spirit of the DEFI. The rabbit start procedure plus a semi long distance course was set bringing the racers off to the sea. All foilers took explosive starts while fin racers, amateurs, were happy to sail the course without planing. 400 competitors signed up just to get wet and share good time on the water, and for some of them to recover from the heavy collection of concerts. Marion Mortefon (PATRIK) won the two races in the ladies division. Alexandre Cousin (PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils), Pierre Mortefon (Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) and Nicolas Goyard  (Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) made the top 3 of race 1 when current world champion Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne Sails) took first place in the second race ahead of Johan Søe (FMX Racing / Point-7 / F4 Foils) and Hidde Van Der Meer.

Reading absolutely zero wind on Sunday, competitors were freed right after an early prize giving ceremony. Matteo Iachino and Marion Mortefon closed the DEFI 2024 leaving with the unofficial fun races trophies. Despite the lack of Tramontana, the largest windsurfing competition in the world was a huge success for the racers, exhibitors and crowd who enjoyed the unique vibe of the DEFI, mixing pros and recreational sailors from all around the globe.

The DEFI Wind 2025 edition will take place from May 29 to June 1st, and many have already booked their week. Add a reminder to your calendar if you don’t want to miss out for next year’s event that will surely be sold out again to another 1,500 racers.

Words: Franck Roguet.