Hi Delphine, sorry to hear that you are injured, can you tell us what the injury is and how it happened? 

"It was approximatively a month ago just after Denmark. We had really nice wave sailing conditions and I decided to go for a free sail and just enjoy it. But at the end of the session I fell on a wave and my foot got stuck in the strap and got twisted… It’s not broken so that was the good news!" 

I read on your Instagram post, you never had an injury before, how do you deal with this for the first time? 

"Yes, it’s the first time and I have not been sailing for over a month now, I don’t think that it had happened to me before… It’s actually more difficult than I would think. I am so impatient to be back in the water as soon as possible. I have to be patient and it’s not something I am good at!"

What are you doing at the moment to recover as quick as possible? 

"The most important thing is to rest. I see a physiotherapist to help with the rehabilitation and to recover as quickly as possible. I am rather lucky because I can still do some sport and continue to prepare myself physically (biking, gym…) without impacting my foot." 

For you, and for us, the most important question… will you be fit for the last event of the season in New Caledonia? So you can defend your Slalom World Title, as you are currently leading the ranking?

"The physio is pretty confident about my participation in New Caledonia. Probably I will not be 100%, but it should be ok and I am doing my best to do just that! I want to be ready to fight with all other women for the World Title ! Now patience…" 

Thanks, Delphine. We wish you all the best with your recovery and hope to see you in New Caledonia

With the starboard tack sailing on offer it provided the perfect warmup in preparation for the Aloha Classic, which starts on the 27th October.

Ricardo Campello: “I had an amazing time windsurfing in Galicia, one of my favourite places. There are amazing beaches, great landscape and really nice locals! It was a great starboard tack training for the Aloha Classic!”

You can see Ricardo Campello in Galicia @ https://youtu.be/B8iiZ2gPZZw

Hi Finian, this year you launched FMX Racing - how has the first year gone for you heading up your own brand? And what do you think you’ve learned along the way?

FM: “Firstly thanks for the interview. Well, 2019 has been an amazing year, through and through. The launch of the brand was in late January, and it literally seems like years have passed in the last 9-months, so much has happened already! 

In truth, it’s been loads of work getting things off the ground, and yes definitely some lessons have been learned. One important lesson that comes to mind is to understand the balance required to locate and evaluate the priorities in running a company/brand, do the required job, and then implement everything in an orderly fashion to provide a professional platform to market and ultimately showcase the products."

Across both racing disciplines - Slalom and Foil - you’ve had some great race with event wins, race wins and podiums - how satisfying is it for you to see your boards performing well at the very top of the game?

FM: "Exhilarating. What a season the team has had, just amazing. A PWA event win in the very first year by Thomas Goyard in Costa Brava really helped elevate the brand awareness in the worldwide windsurfing market. Maciek Rutkowski followed that up with excellent slalom results in Fuerte (6th) and recently his first ever PWA podium in Denmark finishing 3rd (and winning the last race of the event was superb).

The results have been very satisfying, and I’m very happy to see the boards being so competitive across different disciplines and wind strengths, a real testament to the strong product lineup."

You postponed your retirement this year and gained two top 10 results out of the 3 events you competed at… are we likely to see you competing next year?

FM: "Great question! Well, I appreciate it that my results are being mentioned. I’m very proud of these two top 10’s (France 5th, Fuerte 8th) considering that I honestly had very little true training time to prepare. I had a ton of board speed especially in Fuerte, and that was a lot of fun, reminded me of the good ol’ days.

About retirement, I’m pretty sure this time around that I won’t be doing any more events, but I don't want to completely close the door…that is simply too sad to contemplate right now, since I’ve been doing this full-time pretty much since I was 17! So who knows perhaps a cameo appearance somewhere might be on the cards, or then again maybe it won’t. I suppose time will tell…"

Your team rider - Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) - dominated the upwind/down Foil racing - what do you think about Foil now likely being incorporated into Slalom? And do you think a Foil board needs major changes from upwind/downwind to Slalom for optimal performance?

FM: "Well said. Thomas had an amazing season in the foil course racing. 9 wins from 16 starts! Truly world class. Concerning the integration of foil slalom and slalom, ultimately I think it is the right move for the long-term because it is clear that in the light winds the foil never stops for slalom, meaning we can get more results and also race in lower winds. This is good for the sport. I’d like to mention that I am very interested to see the foils vs. fins in say 10-15 knots of wind, as I have the feeling fins will be faster on the straights and slower out of the marks. That could make for some great racing!

About the designing of foil slalom boards, yes there needs to be some changes to optimise going cross wind at much higher speeds vs. uw/dw, so less lift and power is required. However, the changes are not major (at the moment) as the fundamentals of a working foil race board need to be respected."

You’ve obviously had years of shaping experience heading up several brands R&D departments before your new venture - how have you found the transition to heading up your own brand?

FM: "The transition on the technical/designing and r&d side has been seamless as the basics of going from a concept in the mind to a finished production board in a box hasn't changed. It has been the transition to now take care of all the other major points that has been the real work. The website/marketing, administration, team and all the business aspects of running the brand, this is the new challenge. A very motivating challenge I can say!"

You’ve got a brand new website - can you tell us a bit more about it and where to find it?

FM: "The new website just launched two weeks ago. I’m pretty happy with how it all came together. Thanks to everybody who was involved, in the end, it was a team effort. One can find it at (www.fmxracing.com). 

The 2020 collection has expanded to include three more ‘in-between’ Invictus slalom sizes plus the all-new Veloce ‘fast freeride’ series. This consists of two planing hull pure performance freeride models in two constructions that also ride great with a foil. There is now also a dedicated Veloce freeride foil board. All the new boards were given a big thumbs up by the team, great feedback and a lot of smiles coming off the water! 

Check out all the details plus the product videos that give a nice overview of the different boards."

What lies in store for 2020 for yourself and FMX Racing?

FM: "2020 is shaping up to be an interesting season with the combined slalom discipline coming into focus. Nobody really knows yet who will be fast so it’s time to get to work and make it happen!

In terms of the brand, the next season is all about consolidating the network and growing the distribution and awareness in the market, step by step, whilst staying on the leading edge of the development and continuing to strive for wins and results.

Follow us on Insta @fmxracing."

Perfect, thanks, Finian! Good luck for the future!

The Wave world title is the only trophy missing from her cabinet, but she will head to Maui with every chance of completing a career grand slam later this month when the Mercedes-Benz Aloha Classic begins on the 27th October. We recently caught up with Sarah-Quita to find out more about that win in Sylt and how she is feeling heading into Maui with the world tour lead:

Hey SQ, congrats on your recent win in Sylt - how does it feel to not only defend your event title, but also to take the wave world tour lead for the first time in your career?

“Heey Chris! Winning in Sylt this year felt amazing!

In Sylt the conditions are so unpredictable. It’s a total curveball of an event where sometimes it feels like you don’t have it all in your own hands because of the changing conditions. So all you can do is your best.

Having said that, in the Canaries I felt like I missed it a bit, so after finishing 3rd In Gran Canaria and Tenerife I was quite fired up to step up my game. I was quite happy with my sailing in the single elimination and then to win it was the cherry on top that day. And then of course winning the double elimination was really cool. I wasn’t thinking so much about what that would mean for the title race, but slowly it sank in that I was leading the wave world tour. I’ve lead the freestyle and slalom rankings before, but leading the Wave ranking feels totally different and unreal. I am so thrilled. No matter what happens in Maui, being where I am right now feels like a big achievement for me.”

How hard were the conditions in the double compared to the single?

“We had awesome conditions in the single elimination. A bit tricky with squalls and major gusts, or the wind completely dropping all in a 14 minute heat. But it was side shore and that made it great. I sailed 4,5 and 4,7 on my 86L board. That day was definitely a highlight on the water for me.

The conditions for the double elimination looked so tough, and I have to say that I probably sailed in the less gnarly conditions. If you lose out early in the single elimination, Sylt can be a bit of a marathon as it’s a true battle against the elements and really tiring trying to come back in the double. In a day the conditions change a lot. So I ‘d say that the ladies in the earlier rounds had to deal with tougher conditions than I did. When I sailed the final against Maaike, she had already sailed about 3 heats. So I think I had the advantage of being fresh on the water.” 

The final event of the year is in just under two weeks, in Maui, where you are also the defending event champion… how are you feeling about returning to Maui? When did you last sail there? And when will you be arriving in Hawaii?

"Maaan! Finally! How awesome is it to finish the year off in Maui?!?!

So this year we’ll have: 2 port tack events, 1 gamble tack event, and one starboard tack event.
Travelling has been hectic the past years so somehow I haven’t been there for 2 years now!
I love the whole atmosphere and lifestyle there though and can’t wait to get out at Ho’okipa and Kanaha.

Haaa.... I seem to forget that I actually won that event in 2016 hahaha… Good to keep that in mind, because all I’m thinking about is the most massive swell always arriving just in time for the Aloha. Those big waves are still a mental challenge for me, but I’m excited to get out there and push my limits. Really, I think it’s going to be an amazing showdown. I’ll be there 10 days ahead of the contest to settle in.”
 
Do you think going into the final event of the year as the world tour leader puts more pressure on you? Or do you prefer being in that situation? 

"Noooo pressure! This is the best scenario I could be in at this point of the year. 
The only pressure I feel is whether or not I can hold it down in bigger conditions. 
I think the event in itself is a big challenge, because of the starboard tack conditions, big waves and many of the local girls that rule the spot. So whatever happens, happens, BUT, I will be out there giving it my all. See you on the livestream!!"

What equipment will you be taking with you?

"I’ll be taking my bigger sails up to 5,0 and I have 2 custom boards that should work juuuust fine for 
Ho’okipa. 

I. CAN’T. WAIT."

Thanks, Lady Offringa, see you in Maui soon!

Jaeger Stone: “Had a bad crash windsurfing out at Hell’s Gates the day I got home. Unfortunately I’ve injured my PCL, MCL and meniscus but fortunately my ACL is OK. I was really looking forward to competing in Maui but it is what it is. Life is interesting at the moment, I’m excited to keep learning and am thankful for everything I have.”

Everyone from the PWA would like to wish Jaeger all the best with his recovery!

Jamaer eventually finished 13th in Sylt, which sees the 29-year-old ranked 11th overall with one event to go - the Mercedes-Benz Aloha Classic - which runs between 27th October until 9th November. 

You can see Jamaer trying to tame the storm in Hanstholm @ https://youtu.be/zzF1K1ftEbs

Congratulations on becoming the 2019 Men’s Freestyle PWA World Champion. How does it feel to become European and World Champion in the same year?

I mean I cannot really believe it you know. It's been a long and hard competition here, I had a lot of fun on the water competing against everyone and everyone is so good. Coming into the last event leading together with Youp [Schmit] and with Steven {Van Broeckhoven] and Amado [Vrieswijk] really close meant the pressure was on. Then when I lost early in the single the hope was gone a bit, but I still knew there was a possibility that I could come back through the double. When I was able to make that work it was just amazing. I cannot describe how happy I am about it! It's a dream come true. It is something that we all dream about since we were little kids.

I can remember when I was a kid, I was already saying to my friends that one day I want to compete against the best in the world and of course you think about becoming World Champion, but that felt a million miles away at that stage, so to make it happen is amazing. 

How much do you think competing on the European Freestyle Tour (EFPT) helped you with competing on the World Tour? 

I think it definitely helps because when you compete a lot it takes away the nerves because you are so used to sailing heats. It also gave me confidence because I won all the EFPT events and that really motivated to do the PWA as well. On the EFPT the level is also incredibly high, so it’s a good foundation to competing on the world tour.

Did you feel under pressure coming into an event co-leading the world tour?

I felt really motivated, not too much pressure, but then the single still didn't really go my way. I also thought the conditions were really, really tricky and I got knocked out by Balz in the single, who for me could potentially win In those kind of conditions as I think he's one of the best guys when it’s extreme. I know that Balz is a really good friend of me and you know that's how it is - competition doesn’t always go your way.

I thought Balz might do you a favour because you're both good friends but he went full power against you… no favours there…?

Yeah, no, I mean yeah Balz is a bit crazy in these situations, but I also want him to do well because he’s an amazing sailor.

After finishing 9th in the single that then put you under a bit of pressure to perform in the double, but it didn't look like you were nervous at any stage. You looked pretty calm and calculated on the outside, but were you nervous inside?

Hmmm I think I was more nervous for the single than in the double. In the double I was more like come on you can do it, you sailed so much competition and I know which moves I can do in these situations. I was definitely stressed, but more a good kind of stress, you know like more concentrated and motivated and also a bit of anger to come back and I was really focused.

How do you compare the conditions from the single elimination to the double?

Actually they were slightly similar. The single was just more windy, but I like the wind really strong, it’s  just aI was a bit unlucky in the single against Balz because the wind picked up right before the start of the heat and I had no chance to change the sail anymore, so I was way too overpowered. 

The double was 4.8 weather, but also moments for 4.4 and 5.2. nts was five two. The amazing Sylt shorebreak was actually the hardest part because it made timing to get out for your heats really difficult. I struggled some times… some times I would get washed and it would take several minutes to get out - other times you could get lucky, step on your board and plane straight out.

So, how old were you when you actually started freestyle? 

When I started freestyle, I started young, but I wasn't so good. I was like 12.

Do you think you're naturally good at freestyle? 

No… because when I started freestyle, I have a brother and sister who freestyle, and they all could do spocks already. And I was sailing a lot with Rick [Jendrusch] and Nick [van Ingen], who are my good friends and we are about the same age and we’ve always been sailing together in Holland, but they improved so much faster than me. And I just got stuck on the spock here. This move didn't work out for me. 

So despite getting stuck on the spock that didn't put you off from getting into freestyle? 

I don't know, I was young. You know, I didn't mind to crash thousands of times in the water and just have fun. 

I was talking to JC a bit after he interviewed you and he said that after you landed the spock that seemed to just unlock your freestyle there onwards?

Yeah, it's true because I started freestyle at about 12? I don't remember exactly. Maybe even younger. Anyway from a really young age I could do already land forward loops, but at that stage the freestyle moves just didn't work. 

And then In the summer when I was probably about 14, I learned to spock at the beginning of the summer and by the end of the summer - like one or two months later - I could do suddenly all the sliding moves - everything just unlocked after that. I had the feeling of how to do the rotations and that's the really important basics.

You're now the third Belgium Freestyle World Champion after Steven and Dieter… Why do you think you guys have had so much success because Belgium It's not the first place you'd necessarily think of for freestyle or windsurfing in general…?

No, definitely, definitely not. You know, we have a coastline of 60 kilometres so there's not that many lakes. But I think motivation has to do a lot with it as we always we all live far from the sea. Steven and me live really close to each other and we drive like one and a half to two hours to the sea. So every time we went, we went out on the water even if it's actually like five two pumping weather because we’d driven all the way there. We still went out and we had fun on the water even if it was rubbish. Whereas I think if you live near the sea its a lot easier to be fussy. So, I think that helped us a bit and then in Brouwersdam we had a really good group of pro windsurfers we were all constantly pushing each other to improve and when it’s like that the level goes up quickly!

For people that are just starting out freestyle. What would you recommend they learn first, because I think a lot of people are starting to just go with rig ducks and trying to go straight for the power moves…

I actually say no ducking. Like learn the basics to start with. They maybe don't look so cool, but the feeling of them is amazing. Like, when I'm just free sailing, I sometimes if the wind is bit light I’ll just go through all the sliding moves because they're so technical. They're really hard to do actually. But you need them to get further in the power moves. So train the basics first and then build from there.

How will you be celebrating? And then what are you going to be doing for winter?

We celebrated already a bit in Sylt - I had my girlfriend here, my parents and my brother were also here so just celebrating with the family. It has been a lot of fun with all the guys around here and then afterwards I go straight to Brouwersdam for the last EFPT event, which is my home spot, so that's gonna be fun as well to meet all my friends and celebrate a bit more with them. 

Afterwards, I will try to go to Brazil with Balz to Gostoso as Balz has a clinic there, so I will try and join him.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?

Just that I'm really happy and let's have fun on the water.

Thanks, Yentel. Congratulations again.

After the Canaries the young Spaniard headed for Moulay, Morocco, to improve her starboard tack skills as Tenerife is predominantly port tack and you can see how she got on in her new video @ https://vimeo.com/362723847

Along the way Gollito fits in plenty of windsurfing, as well as just travelling, and the action which follows is incredible with the King continuing to progress his sailing year-on-year with crazy combos such as triple culos, kabikuchi into culos and spock into double culos all being landed.

Gollito Estredo: “The experience of traveling to the Colombian Guajira and Lake Calima was impressive. I will never lose the passion of finding so many incredible places to sail. All this experiences have shown me a way of seeing life differently!” 

You can see Gollito Estredo’s explosive new move @ https://youtu.be/jZzCGqV-Eeo

Wave

Women’s

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) claimed her first victory on the 2019 PWA Wave World Tour as the Aruban successfully defended her event title from 2018 - which is the first time she has won back-to-back events on the Wave World Tour. With how results went elsewhere that victory also sees Offringa move into lead on the Wave World Tour for the first time in her career and she now holds a 650 point advantage over Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360) and a 2,045 point advantage over reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) heading into the final event of the year in Maui at the end of the month.

In the double elimination, conditions were extremely tricky with bolt onshore winds, a strong current and Sylt’s infamous shorebreak making even getting off the beach an art form, while equipment choice was key for battling the elements. Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) was one of the women to deal best with the tough conditions and that saw the 21-year-old complete an unlikely double over Iballa Moreno before going on to also negotiate her way past Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails) and Justyna Sniady to claim her first podium on the world tour - 2nd - which sees her ranked 4th in the overalls. 

Having never finished on the podium before 2019 - Sniady - has now secured 3 consecutive podiums after finishing 3rd here, which sees her ranked second in the overall rankings, whilst guaranteeing her a place on the overall podium.

Iballa Moreno remains third in the overall rankings after a shock 5th place in Sylt, but fate remains in the 10-time world champions own hands with a victory at the Aloha Classic guaranteeing retention of her world title.

Men’s

There seems to be something about Sylt that brings the best out of - Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) - after the Frenchman defended his event title - just like Offringa. TT made the tough conditions look comparatively easy and claimed a famous victory after winning both the Single Elimination and the Double Elimination on the same day. After winning the event Traversa then had to be flown by helicopter to hospital after suffering excruciating pain from a kidney stone - everyone from the PWA would like to wish Thomas well and hope he is 100% fit in time for Maui - where he will go into the event with faint title hopes. TT is currently ranked 6th after the opening 3 events. 

After storming back through the double with a series of eye-catching displays it looked as though Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) may go all the way and win his first event on the world tour since his world title winning year in 2013. However, he fell just one place short after winning six consecutive heats with Traversa coming out on top. The Brazilian will head to Maui with a great chance of earning a second world title with second place in Sylt seeing him climb into third place in the overall rankings. And given his Ho’okipa expertise, he may well head into the final event of the year as the narrow favorite.

Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) completed the podium in Sylt, which is enough to see the 4-time world champion take the world tour lead for the first time this season. Köster is now the only sailor in the fleet with a 100% podium record, but will need to produce his best performance yet at an Aloha Classic to claim a 5th world title.

Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) sailed as brilliantly and consistently as ever and only Marcilio Browne’s fantastic come back denied Fernandez his second podium of the season. 4th place in Sylt keeps Fernandez firmly in the title race heading into Maui with the Spaniard ranking 3rd after the opening 3 events. 

Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) and Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX) have both lost ground in the title race, but are certainly no means out of the equation. The Venezuelan/Brazilian and Australian came into Sylt ranked No.1 and No.2 in the world but have clipped to 5th and 4th respectively after finishing 9th and 7th here. However, things remain tight at the top just 2,439 points separating the top 5 sailors, while Traversa is then only a further 1,117 points off the lead, so there is all still to play for at the prestigious Aloha Classic.

Elsewhere, Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) continues to enjoy his best season to date on the world tour. The 25-year-old qualified for the semifinals of a Single Elimination for the first time in Sylt before eventually finishing 5th, which sees him ranked 7th in the overall rankings ahead of Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails), Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) and Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX), who moves into the overall top 10 for the first time this season after his best result of 2019 - 6th.

Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde) earned his second top 10 finish of the season after fighting back from the first round of the double elimination, while German veteran - Klaas Voget (Fanatic / Duotone) - also managed the same feat to share 9th place with Campello and Mussolini.

Freestyle

Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) had to do things the hard way after both he and fellow world title hopeful - Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti) - were eliminated in the second round of the single elimination. However, the Belgian regained his composure in the double and completed a famous come back to claim his first world title to cap a fantastic year for the 24-year-old, who earlier this year was also crowned the European Freestyle Champion.

Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) bounced back from a disappointing 9th place in Fuerteventura to win the 2019 Mercedes Benz Windsurf World Cup undefeated as he rediscovered his competition form. Vrieswijk won two out of the three Freestyle events and missed out on a maiden world title by just 50 points. The 23-year-old finishes as the vice-world champion for the third time in the last four seasons.

Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) completes the overall podium after securing his second top 3 finish of the year in Sylt - after winning in Fuerteventura. An injury free Van Broeckhoven looked back to his best this year and deservedly claims a place in the overall top 3 for the first time since 2014.

Things weren’t quite meant to be for Youp Schmit this time around with the Bonairean finishing 13th in Sylt, but he deserves great credit for even making it on to the water in Germany having only undergone knee surgery roughly just over a month ago. The 24-year-old still ends the year with his best overall result to date of the world tour - 4th - and everyone from the PWA wishes Youp all the best with the rest of his recovery and hope to see him back fit and strong in 2020.

Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins) was unlucky not to go deeper in the opening couple of events of 2019, but the 2018 vice-world champion has looked extremely dangerous throughout and in the final event of the season the Frenchman gained the result he deserved - finishing 3rd in the single and 4th in the double, which sees him ranked 5th overall for the season!

Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone) was the sailor to knock Bosson out of the event top 3 as the Venezuelan produced a superb come back to earn just his first podium of the year, which is almost unheard of for the 9-time world champion. Gollito sailed with his inimitable style throughout and eventually finishes the season in 6th place.  

The overall top 10 is completed by Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails), Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails), Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde) and Giovanni Passani (Tabou / GA Sails / AL360).

Men’s Foil

The battle to become the 2019 Men’s Foil PWA World Champion was incredibly tight coming into Sylt with just 300 points separating the top 9 sailors. In the end, Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils) produced an inspired performance, which saw the Frenchman finish outside the top 4 just once in the 10 eliminations completed to deservedly earn his first world title.

Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) pushed Goyard N. all the way as he won his first elimination of the week in Elimination 10, but unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough with Cousin finishing just 0.7 of a point behind Goyard. That left the two sailors tied on 29,700 points at the end of the season, but Cousin misses out on countback. Being crowned the vice-world champion is still the Frenchman’s best result and the foiling future looks bright for him.

Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil) completes the overall podium after finishing 4th in Germany, after Luuc Vanopzeeland (JP / NeilPryde) won the battle for the final place on the event podium - which is the Dutchman’s best result to date on the world tour.

Thomas Goyard’s (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) event and world title dreams slipped through his fingers on the final day as a costly wipeout on the final reach saw him drop from 4th to 29th in Elimination 9, which ultimately brought his hopes to an end. The 27-year-old has been truly dominant in the upwind/downwind racing, but eventually finished 4th overall with the Foil Slalom discipline letting him down. 

Completing the overall top 10 are Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil) - 5th - Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) -6th - Julien Bontemps (JP / NeilPryde) - 7th - Sebastian Kornum (JP / NeilPryde) - 8th - Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne / Starboard Foil) - 9th - and Mateus Isaac (JP / NeilPryde).

Where’s Next on the PWA World Tour?

In just a few weeks' time, the Men’s and Women’s Wave world titles will be decided at Maui’s Iconic Ho’okipa Beach Park with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Aloha Classic taking place between 27th October until 9th November.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Women's Wave
 
1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (NED | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (POL | Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (ESP | Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
 
Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone) 
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
6th Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
7th Antoine Albert (NC | Goya Windsurfing)
7th Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
9th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Freestyle

1st Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Youp Schmit (NB | I-99 / Avanti)
5th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
6th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
8th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
10th Giovanni Passani (ITA | Tabou / GA Sails / AL360)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men’s Foil

1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Luuc Vanopzeeland (NED | JP / NeilPryde)
4th Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
5th Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) 
6th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
7th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)
10th William Huppert (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Foil

1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
4th Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) 
5th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
6th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL)
7th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne / Starboard Foil)
10th Mateus Isaac (BRA | JP / NeilPryde)

Foil

With Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils) finishing 3rd in the opening race of the day, and his main rival Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) finishing 4th, that meant the 23-year-old had built an unassailable lead with a race to spare to be crowned both the event and world champion. From the opening 9 eliminations, Goyard N. did not finish outside of the top 4 and with the world title already wrapped up he was disqualified from the final race of the week! The 23-year-old has performed superbly over the last 3 days of racing and deservedly walks away from 2019 with his first world title.

Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) won his first race of the week in Elimination 10, but that wasn’t quite enough to deny Nicolas Goyard the event and world title. Cousin ended up falling just 0.71 of a point short of Goyard for the event title. After finishing second here Cousin finishes level on 29,700 points, but misses out on the world title on countback. Finishing the year as vice-world champion still represents a solid improvement for Cousin, who finished 4th overall last year.

With the event and world title already decided before the final race - attention turned towards the battle for the last place on the event podium with less than a point separating Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil) and Luuc van Opzeeland (JP / NeilPryde). In the end, van Opzeeland came out on top with the Dutchman battling back brilliantly when under pressure in the semifinal to book his place in the final - where he would eventually finish 3rd - two places ahead of Iachino.

Iachino may have just missed out on the event podium, but the Italian won’t mind too much as on the final day he was crucially able to pass Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) in the event rankings to pip the Frenchman to the final place on the overall podium. 

For Goyard it will be a bitter pill to swallow having led the event after the opening day of racing, but disaster struck for him today in Elimination 9 when the 27-year-old attempted to challenge his brother - Nico - on the final reach for third place, but then wiped out and after struggling to recover his rig he was left to count a very costly 29th. Goyard T. eventually finishes 5th for the event and 4th in the overall rankings. 

Elsewhere, Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil) enjoyed a superb final to climb two places into 6th. The German won Elimination 9 before just missing out on back-to-back bullets in a photo-finish with Alexandre Cousin. 6th place here sees Kördel ranked 5th overall for 2019.

Julien Bontemps (JP / NeilPryde) recorded two seven place finishes to end the event in 7th place, while also finishing 2019 ranked 7th. The top 10 here is completed here by Sebastian Kornum (JP / NeilPryde) - 8th - Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) - 9th - and William Huppert (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL), who regains his place in the event top 10 on the final day.

After two brilliant races to conclude the event the official prize giving ceremony was held at 3pm with the event and Men’s Freestyle and Foil World Champions being crowned in front of a packed out crowd. Congratulations to all the winners over the last 10 days.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men’s Foil

1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Luuc Vanopzeeland (NED | JP / NeilPryde)
4th Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
5th Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) 
6th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
7th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)
10th William Huppert (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Foil

1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
4th Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) 
5th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
6th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL)
7th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne / Starboard Foil)
10th Mateus Isaac (BRA | JP / NeilPryde)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (NED | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (POL | Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (ESP | Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone) 
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
6th Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
7th Antoine Albert (NC | Goya Windsurfing)
7th Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
9th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Freestyle

1st Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Youp Schmit (NB | I-99 / Avanti)
5th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
6th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
8th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
10th Giovanni Passani (ITA | Tabou / GA Sails / AL360)

Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) started the day as the event leader, but at the end of Saturday it is his brother - Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils) - who now leads, not only the event, but also the race to become the 2019 Men’s Foil PWA World Champion. Goyard N. built upon yesterday’s solid set of results by recording one bullet and three 3rd places today as the 23-year-old continues to race with unbelievable consistency - his worse result from the 8 eliminations completed thus far is a 4th place. 

After another fine day, Goyard N. will head into the final day with a 3.6 point advantage over Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Boards), who has climbed one place from the overnight rankings into second after two second places in the upwind/downwind racing. 


If Goyard N. can defend his lead then he will be guaranteed the title no matter what, but with Cousin also firmly in the hunt for the world title, tomorrow is set to see a thrilling finale to the racing. 


Thomas Goyard is now 6.4 points off the lead with his results in the Foil Slalom costing him valuable ground in the title race. The 27-year-old was totally dominant again in the upwind/downwind racing - claiming clear cut victories in both of the eliminations completed, but the world title may not well be out of his reach now.


As things stand, Thomas Goyard would complete the event and overall podium, but he will still have to fend off competition from Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil) on the final day with the Italian just 6.6 points behind. After winning the first Foil Slalom race of the day it looked as though Iachino was well poised to attack the top, but a poor start in Elimination 6 cost him a place in the winners’ final and two further 9th places in the upwind/downwind racing has also left him off the title race pace.


Luuc Vanopzeeland (JP / NeilPryde) bounced back from a first round exit in Elimination 5 with a 3rd, 4th and a 6th, which sees the Dutchman climb one place to 5th at the expense of Julien Bontemps (JP / NeilPryde), who slips to 6th. 


Elsewhere, Sebastian Kornum (JP / NeilPryde) and Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foils) remain in 7th and 8th place, while Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) gains one place from the overnight rankings - 9th. The top 10 at this stage is completed by Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne / Starboard Foil), who recovered well today after a slightly disappointing showing yesterday. The Bonairean recorded a second place in the opening race of the day, while also recording two other top 10 finishes to fight back.

With another promising forecast for the final day of the event - 16-21 knot east-south-east winds - tomorrow should provide an exciting finale to the event with the Men’s Foil World title on the line. The Foil fleet will meet at 9:30am (GMT+2) with the racing commencing from 10:30am onwards. Make sure you stay tuned to www.pwaworldtour.com to see who comes out on top in the title race battle!


To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Current Ranking 2019 Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt -Men’s Foil
*After 8 Eliminations

1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
4th Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
5th Luuc Vanopzeeland (NED | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
7th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
9th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)
10th Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne / Starboard Foil)

Foil

After the opening four Foil eliminations - Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) - takes the early event lead after enjoying an excellent day. During the morning, the Frenchman convincingly won two out of the three upwind/down races, while finishing 3rd in the other. In the sole Foil Slalom race, the 27-year-old had to settle for 14th, which he currently discards. With how results have gone elsewhere that also means that Goyard is also leading the world title race, but with two more days to go that could all still change and he only has a 100 point advantage over Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils) and Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils), who are in second and third.

Thomas Goyard’s brother - Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils) - is currently Thomas’ closest rival on 6.7 points - a deficit of just 2.3 points - after performing extremely well in all 4 races and has results of 1st, 4th, 2nd and 4th. 

Alexandre Cousin is then just 0.3 of a point further back after also performing very consistently - recording two second places, a third and a 5th - which he discards and he remains firmly in contention for both the event and world title.

Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil) is 5.3 points off the lead after the opening 4 eliminations. In Costa Brava earlier this year the Italian looked extremely effective on the Foil Slalom course and he showed that again today as he claimed a runaway victory in Elimination 4, which allows him to discard a 6th place, while also keeping himself within striking distance of the lead. As things stand Iachino would sit 4th in the overall rankings.

Julien Bontemps (JP / NeilPryde) comes next - both 5th in the event and the overalls - after the opening day of Foiling, but he is now 600 points off the world title pace having come into the event 300 points off the lead, so the current top 4 sailors are pulling slightly clear in the race for the 2019 Foil PWA World Championship.

The top 10 at the event is currently completed by Luuc Vanopzeeland (JP / NeilPryde) - 6th, who is enjoying his best event to date on the world tour which included a second place in the Foil Slalom, Sebastian Kornum (JP / NeilPryde) - 7th - Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil) - 8th - William Huppert (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) - 9th - and Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) - 10th.

So the last couple of days of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt should see an exciting conclusion to the Men’s Foil World title race with all still to play for - particularly between the top 4 sailors - the Goyard brother’s, Alexandre Cousin & Matteo Iachino - with just 200 points separating them.

The forecast for Saturday looks quite similar today in terms of strength with moderate winds on offer, but it is expected to swing around to the east-north-east. The Foil fleet will meet again at 10:30am (GMT+2) tomorrow morning with the racing commencing from 11:30am onwards.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Current Ranking 2019 Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt -Men’s Foil
*After 4 Eliminations

1st Thomas Goyard (FRA | FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils)
3rd Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
4th Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
5th Julien Bontemps (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Luuc Vanopzeeland (NED | JP / NeilPryde)
7th Sebastian Kornum (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
8th Sebastian Kördel (GER | Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil)
9th William Huppert (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL)
10th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / LOFEFOIL)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (NED | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (POL | Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (ESP | Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone) 
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
6th Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
7th Antoine Albert (NC | Goya Windsurfing)
7th Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
9th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Freestyle

1st Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Youp Schmit (NB | I-99 / Avanti)
5th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
6th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
8th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
10th Giovanni Passani (ITA | Tabou / GA Sails / AL360)

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (NED | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (POL | Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (ESP | Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone) 
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
6th Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
7th Antoine Albert (NC | Goya Windsurfing)
7th Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
9th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Freestyle

1st Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Youp Schmit (NB | I-99 / Avanti)
5th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
6th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
8th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
10th Giovanni Passani (ITA | Tabou / GA Sails / AL360)

Freestyle

At the beginning of the day - Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) - led the race to become the 2019 PWA Freestyle World Champion after winning the Single Elimination on Tuesday. However, with fate out of his own hands the Bonairean would face a tense wait to see whether either - Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti) or Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) - could mount a comeback through the Double Elimination into at least 6th place - at which point either Schmit or Caers would be world champion.

Both men safely made it through their second round heats, but Schmit - who only had knee surgery a month ago - fell in the third round to Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing) to leave just three men standing in the race of the 2019 Freestyle World title - Caers, Vrieswijk and Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal Sunglasses).

Caers could’ve been forgiven for showing some sign of nerves as he bid to win his first world title, but he showed absolutely no signs that he may falter. The Belgian confidently overcame - Giovanni Passani (Tabou / GA Sails / AL360) - next before winning a tight heat against - Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde) - to leave him just one heat win away from becoming the world champion.

The all important heat - Heat 30b - would be against Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing) - after the New Caledonian defeated Jacopo Testa (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360). Heat 30b proved to be another tight heat and for a little while Albert was leading as the lead swung back and forth, however, a late well executed pasko allowed Caers to replace a forward loop on port tack to claim the all important victory and complete a superb come back through the double elimination to claim his first PWA Freestyle World Championship.

Amado Vrieswijk did everything in his power to win his first world title, but this time around it wasn’t meant to be with Caers denying him. The Bonairean defeated - Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone) - in the double elimination to win the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt, but despite winning two out of the three events this season he misses out by just 50 points - with the disappointing 9th place in Fuerteventura costing him dearly, so the wait for a maiden world title goes on for the 23-year-old. Vrieswijk eventually finishes the season as the vice-world champion.

9-time world champion - Gollito Estredo - produced a superb come back in the double elimination to earn his first podium of the season after winning 6 heats on the bounce against; Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails), Francesco Cappuzzo (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360), newly crowned Freestyle world champion - Yentel Caers - Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails), Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins) and finally Steven van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS).

Steven van Broeckhoven slipped one place to third for the event, but the Belgian completes the overall podium, which is the first time the 2011 world champion has finished in the overall top 3 since 2014.

Elsewhere, Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), will remember this day for a long time to come after the 15-year-old recorded his first heat wins on the world tour after claiming the scalp of 2013 world champion Kiri Thode (Severne / Severne Sails) in Heat 18b, before also beating Riccardo Marca (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins).

Thursday looks like a lay day judging by the forecast, which currently predicts virtually no wind before turning to an easterly air flow for the Friday and into the weekend. With the Wave and Freestyle contests already completed, the focus is now solely on the Foil and they will meet again at 10am (GMT+2) tomorrow morning for their skippers’ meeting with the action commencing from 11am onwards - conditions depending. 

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (NED | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (POL | Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (ESP | Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone) 
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
6th Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
7th Antoine Albert (NC | Goya Windsurfing)
7th Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
9th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
9th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)

Overall Ranking 2019 PWA World Tour - Men's Freestyle

1st Yentel Caers (BEL | I-99 / Point-7)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
3rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS / Shamal)
4th Youp Schmit (NB | I-99 / Avanti)
5th Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
6th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Antony Ruenes (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
8th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
9th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
10th Giovanni Passani (ITA | Tabou / GA Sails / AL360)

For a short time a few of the Foil fleet were tempted out on to the water, but it never really looked like it was going to happen and shortly after 5pm the sailors were released for the day.

With a decent looking forecast for Wednesday with 21-27 knot northwesterly currently being predicted the focus for tomorrow will be to complete the Men’s Freestyle Double Elimination and with it decide the 2019 Freestyle World Championship. After yesterday, Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) currently leads the race, but fate is out of his own hands as if either Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti) or Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) fight back into 6th place one of them will be the world champion. 

However, one of them will be able to advance into the top 6 as they are both on the same side of the draw and they could potentially meet in Heat 30b to decide the title as a victory in that heat would guarantee a place in the top 6. So, tomorrow is going to be a big day on the water! The Freestyle fleet will meet at 9am (GMT+2) with a first possible start at 9:30am, while the Foil fleet will meet again at 9:30am with a first possible start at 10:30am, but with the wind expected to be onshore it is unlikely that they will compete.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result Single Elimination 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS)
3rd Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
5th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
5th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
5th Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)

Wave

Women’s

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) successfully defended her single elimination crown this evening to be crowned the champion of Sylt for the second consecutive year. The Aruban came into Sylt ranked third in the overall rankings, but with Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360) finishing 3rd and Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins finishing 5th that means that Offringa now leads the PWA Wave World Tour for the first time in her career heading into the final event of the season in Maui - where she is also the defending champion.

Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) started the day in 4th place, but finishes the event with her first wave podium after sneaking her way past - Iballa Moreno, Justyna Sniady & finally Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails)  - to claim second place, which keeps the 21-year-old in 4th place in the overall rankings.

Justyna Sniady falls one place from the single to third, while also slipping to second in the world rankings, but as a whole, the event should go down as another huge success for the Pole, who secures her third straight podium. Sniady required stitches in her foot after her last heat of the day and everyone from the PWA wishes her well with her recovery.

Sometimes it just not your day and that was the case for reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno - who has to settle for 5th place here. Iballa will now head to Maui knowing that with a discard to come victory in Maui would still guarantee her the wave world title, so there is all still to play for!

Men’s

Like Offringa, Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) also successfully defended his event title after producing a superb performance to firstly defeat Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) in the Single Elimination Final, before bringing Marcilio Browne’s (Goya Windsurfing) charge back through the double to an end. Traversa made the extremely difficult conditions look comparatively easy and deservedly claims his first victory of the season, which sees him climb to 6th in the overall rankings.

Browne was on somewhat of a rampage in the double elimination and the Brazilian deservedly fought his way back from joint 5th in the single to finish second here after winning 6 heats on the bounce. Browne first defeated Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) before going on to also dispatch of Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails), Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX), Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde), Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) and Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) with a combination of excellent double forwards - despite the tricky conditions - and fluid wave riding bringing him plenty of success. Browne’s come back is made all the more impressive due to reports saying that he has also been battling a fever over the last few days. Second place here means that Browne rises to third in the overall rankings and he will head into Maui with every chance of earning a second wave world title.

Philip Köster now leads the world tour for the first time this season after completing the podium here with another solid performance. Unfortunately against Browne, Köster looked underpowered and got caught on the inside in the latter part of the heat to rule out any chance of defending his second place from the single.

Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) climbs two places in the overall rankings to second after a 4th place finish in the double elimination and he too will go to Maui with every chance of adding to his three wave world titles.

Fellow world title hopefuls - Ricardo Campello and Jaeger Stone - have lost valuable ground in the title race after 9th and 7th place finishes today. However, they are certainly not out of the equation heading into Maui, while Traversa now also has an outside shot at the title after his victory earlier today.

Antoine Martin’s (JP / NeilPryde) fine season continues with the 25-year-old earning his best result in a double elimination on the world tour - 5th - which equals his result from Tenerife, where only a single could be completed. That result sees Martin ranked 6th with an event to go.

Elsewhere, Adam Lewis records his best result of the year - 6th - while Marc Paré shares joint 7th with Stone, while Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails), Campello, Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde) and Klaas Voget (Fanatic / Duotone) complete the top ten here. Both Denel and Voget both fought back from the first round of the double elimination.

Freestyle

Sylt has produced hardcore freestyle conditions for the last few years, and today was no different with strong winds, waves, chop and a lot of current making competing extremely difficult for the world’s best freestylers. However, while conditions may have been tricky to compete in, it also produced the most spectacular Freestyle of the year with huge moves being thrown down by the elite of the freestyle world.

By the end of Day 4, the Freestyle world title race has been turned on its head with both Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti) and Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) being eliminated from the single elimination in the second round (joint 9th). Meanwhile, their two rivals - Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) - both negotiated their way into the winners’ final and whoever won that final would take the world title race lead. In the end, Vrieswijk claimed a dominant victory in the final to take the world tour lead, but both he and Van Broeckhoven will now face a nail biting wait to see how Schmit and Caers perform in the double as their world title fate remains out of their control. 

If either Schmit or Caers is able to climb back into the top 6 then Vrieswijk/Van Broeckhoven are powerless to prevent them from winning a maiden world title. However, in order for Schmit/Caers to recover into at least 6th place they will have to win 4 consecutive heats, which is no mean feet. 

Elsewhere, Adrien Bosson (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins) was at his explosive best today and he currently completes the podium after beating Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails), who had earlier defeated Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone), in the losers’ final. 

van der Eyken also deserves great credit for his sportsmanship today as he continually caddied for several sailors to help them combat the extreme and tiring conditions, and really epitomised that sporting mantra.

Jacopo Testa (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360), Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde), Balz Müller (MB-Boards / Severne Sails) and Gollito currently share 5th place.

With lighter winds expected for Tuesday the Freestyle sailors have been given a later skippers’ meeting of 12pm (GMT+2) with a first possible start at 12:30pm. However, with the waves expected to drop quite rapidly overnight, there is plenty of potential to complete the first Foil eliminations of the event. Particularly in the afternoon with 10-13 knot north to northwesterly winds expected. The Foil fleet will meet at 10am with the action commencing from 11am onwards.
To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) 
3rd Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
4th Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Wave 

1st Thomas Traversa (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER | Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Antoine Martin (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
6th Adam Lewis (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Jaeger Stone (AUS | Starboard / Severne / SWOX)
7th Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
9th Alex Mussolini (ESP | RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN | Brunotti Boards)
9th Jules Denel (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Klaas Voget (GER | Fanatic / Duotone)

Result Single Elimination 2019 Mercedes-Benz Windsurf World Cup Sylt - Men's Freestyle

1st Amado Vrieswijk (NB | JP / Severne)
2nd Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | Starboard / GUNSAILS)
3rd Adrien Bosson (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Dieter van der Eyken (BEL | Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Sam Esteve (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
5th Balz Müller (SUI | MB-Boards / Severne)
5th Jacopo Testa (ITA | RRD / RRD Sails / AL360)
5th Gollito Estredo (VEN | Fanatic / Duotone)
 

Wave

Men’s

The main news of the day is that current world tour leader - Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) - is out of the single elimination in joint 9th place after suffering defeat to Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) in Heat 12b. The 34-year-old wasn’t particularly happy with the conditions and struggled to find the wave scores he required, but Martin looked extremely impressive - picking off plenty of waves and showing excellent timing to perform critical turns and aerials to deservedly advance as he continues to enjoy his best year on tour. The 25-year-old came into Sylt ranked joint 7th and is already guaranteed his third top 10 result in a row.

Martin will now face Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX) in Heat 14b after the Brit dispatched of Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) with an excellent display. Lewis showed plenty of aggression and took a lot of risk to throw powerful turns and aerials. With Lewis guaranteed at least 5th place in the single elimination the 31-year-old is already guaranteed his best result of the season no matter what happens.

With Campello out of the single elimination that potentially opens up the title race for Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX), Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) and Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), who now all stand to gain valuable ground, but Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) also fell today against Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails), who remains in the race to defend his event title from last year and looks to be in dangerous form. 

Victor Fernandez, who is 4th in the current world rankings, has already secured his place in the top 4 of the single elimination after negotiating his way past two potentially very tricky heats against Julian Salmonn (Bruch Boards / GUNSAILS) and Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails). The reigning world champion showed off plenty of well-timed full rail turns to progress and he will now face Traversa in the semifinals.

With Stone pitted against Köster in the quarterfinals, one of the world title hopefuls is guaranteed to be eliminated in joint 5th in the single elimination and Heat 14a could yet prove to be a pivotal point in this seasons title race. Stone eliminated Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone) earlier today, while Köster defeated Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails). A couple of attempts were made to run Heat 14, but on both occasions the conditions were deemed unsuitable and it was therefore cancelled.

There is still a long way to go in this wave contest with the double elimination to come, but Campello is now under severe pressure to mount a come back or his title challenge for 2019 would take a major dent with no discards this year.

The wave fleet will meet at 7:30am (GMT+2) for the skippers’ meeting on Monday morning with 29-34 west-north-west winds predicted and expected to stay for the duration of the day, so Monday should see a full day of action. The Freestyle fleet will meet at 10am with a first possible start at 10:30am. 

The Foil fleet have a skippers’ meeting at 12pm, but realistically the chances of them competing tomorrow is extremely slim.
To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result Single Elimination 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
3rd Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails)
4th Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Martine Hunter (KA Sail)
5th Steffi Wahl (Sailloft Hamburg)
5th Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins)

Wave

Women’s

At the end of the first day of competition in Sylt - Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) - has hauled herself back into title race contention after claiming a convincing victory in the single elimination ahead of current world tour leader - Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360). 

The Aruban was at her brilliant best today and she dominated proceedings - setting 3 out of the 4 highest wave scores - including a superb 9 point wave - as well as also recording 4 out of the top 5 highest jump scores. Offringa won the event here last year and clearly demonstrated why with her performance today. If things were to remain as they are at the moment then Offringa would close to within just 200 points of Sniady heading into Maui - where she is also the defending event champion.

Sniady will be happy to have secured her place in a third final of the season - having previously never made a final - but was then out of sync with the conditions in the final as some times happens. However, Sniady is already guaranteed her third consecutive podium as she continues to enjoy her best season on the world tour.

At this stage, Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails) completes the podium after defeating Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) in the battle for third and fourth. The German showed excellent wave selection and execution to prevail as the 22-year-old aims to secure back-to-back podiums in Sylt.

On her way to earning her best result in a wave single elimination - Maaike Huvermann - caused without doubt the biggest upset of the day by taking down reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) - in Heat 5b before earning 4th place. You certainly wouldn’t rule Iballa out from storming back through the double still, but things have just become a whole lot harder for the 10-time world champion.

Iballa currently shares 5th place with Marine Hunter (KA Sail), Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins) and Steffi Wahl (Sailloft Hamburg).

Men’s

The opening round of the men’s single elimination was also completed with Sylt producing hollow, punchy waves for the world’s best men to take advantage of - although there were some broken masts along the way.

Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails), who we mentioned in the preview, has a great Sylt record in recent years - kicked off his campaign this year by posting the highest heat score of the day - 22.85 points - as he defeated Miguel Chapuis (JP / NeilPryde). The Spaniard landed a big one-foot backloop, while pinging several trademark frontside 360s to eventually earn the highest single wave score also - 8.95 points. Mussolini will now face - Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) - after the young Spaniard produced an excellent display against - Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde) to advance.

All of the title contenders - Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards), Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX), Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) and Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) are all safely into the round of 16, but Stone was the pick of the top seeds in the opening round. The Australian landed a massive goiter - the only one of the day - to earn 8 points, while also stomping a perfect double forward and tweaking a frontside air. Stone posted the second highest scoring heat of the day - 21.57 points - and early indications show he could be a major threat for the event title, having secured his first victory on the world tour last month in Tenerife. 

However, Arthur Arutkin (Fanatic / Duotone), who was Stone’s opponent, will feel slightly aggrieved as he posted the 6th highest heat of the day, and still found himself on the losing side of the heat. The young Frenchman would have advanced through the majority of the other first round heats, but just got unlucky with his draw!

Elsewhere, Julian Salmonn (Bruch Boards / GUNSAILS) completed the double over his boss - Dany Bruch (Bruch Boards / GA Sails / AL360) after also prevailing against Bruch in Tenerife. Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) took down Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails), who came through the trials. Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone) survived against last year’s giant killer - Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails) - while Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone) progressed against Graham Ezzy (Tabou / Ezzy Sails).

Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails) enjoyed a successful day - posting the third highest Freestyle heat of the day - before eliminating Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX) in Heat 6a. Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX) negotiated his way past a potentially very tricky draw against Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / KA Sail), 16-year-old Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) claimed a big scalp by defeating Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde), while Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) progressed from a tight heat against Klaas Voget (Fanatic / Duotone).

Elsewhere, Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing), deserves a mention for his performance in the Qualification Round. The New Caledonian showed a fearless approach against Sylt’s heavy, thick waves and landed sick aerials and critical turns to deservedly earn his place in the main draw, before being eliminated by reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone).

Men’s

Freestyle

At the beginning of the day, the contortionists of the windsurfing world took centre stage in typically difficult Sylt freestyle conditions, but as the first round progressed, so did the conditions and the scores.

The two main title contenders, Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti), Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7), survived the first round unscathed. Schmit faced easily the hardest first round test of any of the title contenders, but successfully negotiated his way past former world champion - Kiri Thode (Severne / Severne Sails) - despite only undergoing knee surgery several weeks ago. Caers also produced a proficient display to advance and will now face Balz Müller (MB-Boards / Severne), whilst Schmit will face another former Freestyle world champion in the shape of Dieter van der Eyken.

Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails) kept his slim world title hopes alive by defeating Aron Etmon (Starboard / Severne) and will now face Jacopo Testa (RRD / RRD Sails) in Heat 9a. Meanwhile, fellow world title hopeful Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) will take on Riccardo Marca (Fanatic / Duotone) after the Italian defeated Davy Scheffers (Tabou / GA Sails). The Dutchman performed 3 port tack moves outside the area, which ultimately cost him a place in the next round. Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) also safely advances into the round of 32.

Heat 8a between - Nicolas Akgazciyan (JP / NeilPryde) and Antoine Albert (Goya Windsurfing) - produced the highest scoring, and tightest, heat of the day with just 0.3 of a point separating them by the end of the heat. Albert posted the highest score of the day - 122.5 points - but Akgazciyan was incredibly unlucky as he posted the second highest scoring heat of the first round - 122.3 points - but was still eliminated. Next up for Albert, is Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone), who received a bye through the first round. 

Elsewhere, Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde), Francesco Cappuzzo (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360), Giovanni Passani (Tabou / GA Sails) are all into the next round.

The forecast for Sunday shows plenty of potential for more competition with the wind expected to remain side shore from the left. The only slight question mark remains over the amount of rain expected during the afternoon and early evening - 4.1-6.7mm - but the sailors will meet again tomorrow morning.

Skippers Meeting Times For Sunday | (All Times GMT+2)

- Foil 8:30am - first possible start 9:30am
- Wave & Freestyle 9am - first possible start 9:30am 

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result Single Elimination 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup - Women's Wave

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)
3rd Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails)
4th Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Martine Hunter (KA Sail)
5th Steffi Wahl (Sailloft Hamburg)
5th Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails)
5th Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins)

A total of 104 competitors have registered for this year’s edition with 29 freestylers, 31 foil sailors, 12 women’s wave sailors and 32 men’s wave sailors (4 of which will come through the trials) signing up. The official opening ceremony was then held shortly before 4pm to conclude a relaxed opening day.

A quick look at the Freestyle Single Elimination shows a daunting first round heat for world title hopeful Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti), who has been pitted against former Freestyle World Champion - Kiri Thode (Severne / Severne Sails), while his world title rivals have been handed much easier draws on paper with Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) up against Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde, Steven van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) takes on Ezri Heijmans, while Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) receives a bye into the next round. 

With a promising looking forecast for the weekend the Wave and Freestyle fleets will meet at 8:30am (GMT+2) for their first skippers’ meeting of the week with a first possible start at 9am. Meanwhile, the skippers’ meeting for the Foil fleet will be held at 10:30am with a first possible start at 12pm. The forecast for tomorrow currently predicts 20-27 knots winds from the southwest, so Saturday should see the start of either the Wave of the Freestyle Single Eliminations.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Germany — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Some say that variety is the spice of life and in this sense, Sylt never disappoints as you never quite know what to expect — thanks to the huge variety of conditions that this wonderful island can produce. In strong onshore winds, a colossal shore break develops — ready to crush the hopes of any unsuspecting competitors — along with powerful waves of up to three or four meters in size, which provide amazing wave sailing conditions, whilst producing a real challenge for the slalom and freestyle fleets. On the other hand, Sylt can also produce great racing and freestyle conditions, when offshore winds grace the island with their presence, although it can then be bitterly cold. One thing is for sure, to win here you need to be the complete all rounder who is willing to have their mettle tested to breaking point. 

Ones To Watch

Men’s

Freestyle

Title Race Connotations

The Men’s Freestyle World title race looks as though it will be a two-horse race between joint world tour leaders - Youp Schmit (I-99 / Avanti) and Yentel Caers (I-99 / Point-7) - who are both on 19,600 points, which gives them a 550 point cushion over their next closest challengers - Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) - who are tied in third on 19,050 points.

However, as the opening two events have shown almost anything can happen and there are certainly no foregone conclusions here - particularly as Schmit has faced a race against time just to be here after knee surgery, while both sailors have never finished better than 5th here.

Schmit Sylt Record:              Caers Sylt Record:
Best Result: 5th 2012            Best Result: 5th 2016
2018: 17th                              2018: 7th - but coming back from injury                
2017: 9th                                2017: 6th 
2016: 17th                              2016: 5th
2015: 11th                              2015: 11th        
2014: Injured                          2014: 17th
                
Single Elimination Scenario 

- A top 4 finish or better for either Schmit or Caers would guarantee one of them the title no matter the results elsewhere. In the event that both sailors were to qualify for the top 4 then the title would then be decided by whoever finishes higher. 

- If either sailor finishes 4th or better in the single then one of them will win the title as the worse they could finish in the double is 5th, which gives an unassailable lead. For example, 5th place (9,600 points) in the double would leave Schmit or Caers on 29,100 points and a victory for either Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) or Steven Van Broeckhoven (Starboard / GUNSAILS) would only see them reach 29,050 points.

- In order for Vrieswijk or Van Broeckhoven to have a shot at the title with just a single elimination, they would need Schmit/Caers to finish 5th or worse and win the single elimination themselves. 

- In the unlikely, but certainly not impossible event, that Schmit/Caers were to finish joint 9th in the single, then joint 5th place or better for Vrieswijk/Van Broeckhoven would see them move into the lead.

- Outside Chance

However, in the above scenario where Schmit/Caers finish joint 9th in the single - that would then bring Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails) into the equation, as if the Frenchman was the win the single elimination, then Vrieswijk or Van Broeckhoven would be required to finish second in order to stay ahead.

Double Elimination Scenario

- A top 6 finish or better for Schmit/Caers would guarantee one of them the world title. If both finish in the top 6 then whoever beats who would win the world title.

- If Schmit/Caers were to finish joint 7th - then Vrieswijk or Van Broeckhoven could still win the title by finishing at least second. In the event of a Vrieswijk/Van Broeckhoven final, whoever beats who would win the world title.

Foil

The race for the 2019 Men’s Foil PWA World Championship is going to be incredibly tight with just 300 points covering 1st-9th meaning that any of those sailors realistically have a shot at the title.

Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil) comes into the final Foil event of the year leading on countback having finished 3rd in Costa Brava, but Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL), who won the opening event of the year in Japan), Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne / Starboard Foil) and Alexandre Cousin (Patrik / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) are all on 19,500 points after two events.

Just behind the leading quartet are the Goyard brother’s - Thomas Goyard (FMX Racing / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils), who won the last event in Costa Brava, and Nicolas Goyard (Tabou / GA Sails / Phantom Foils), and they are just 100 points further back on 19,400 points. If the Foiling is mainly upwind/downwind then that would make Thomas the heavy favourite given his dominance in Costa Brava. However, a blend of both upwind/down and Foil Slalom would throw the race wide open.

Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil) and Sebastian Kornum (JP / NeilPryde) next in line in 7th and 8th place, but on 19,300 points they remain very much in the title race as does Julien Bontemps (JP / NeilPryde), who finished second in Costa Brava, on 19,200 points. With such a tightly sprung field a positive start is likely to going to prove very important as there really is no margin for error.

Wave

Women’s

Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360) comes into the penultimate wave event of the year as the current world tour leader after securing back-to-back second places in Gran Canaria & Tenerife. The Pole is currently enjoying her best year to date on the world tour with her hard work paying off and she will be determined to defend her lead.

However, she will face a stern test with reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins - waiting in the wings and trailing by just 115 points after bouncing back from 4th place in Pozo with an excellent victory - despite not being 100% fit in Tenerife. That victory throws Iballa right back into world title contention, and another victory here would make winning 6 world titles on the bounce a real possibility with the season finale to come in Ho’okipa, Maui.

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) has shown moments of brilliance in the opening two events, but so far this season, on the wave tour at least, she hasn’t peaked at the pinnacle moments. The Aruban comes into Sylt in third place after two-third place finishes and will know that defending her event title here from 2018 will be imperative to keeping her faint world title hopes alive for 2019.

Outside from the current top 3, the next biggest threat is likely to be Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails), who missed the opening event of the year but then secured an excellent fourth place in Tenerife. The 22-year-old finished third her in 2018 - her best result to date - and should be there or there about again.

Elsewhere, keep an eye out for Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins), who are currently ranked 4th and 5th respectively, 14-year-old Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone), Arrianne Aukes (Fanatic / Duotone / Maui Ultra Fins) and Steffi Wahl (Sailloft Hamburg), who is just returning from a foot injury which forced her to miss the opening two events of the season.

Men’s

Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) currently leads the men’s Wave World Tour as the 33-year-old continues his quest to win his first wave world title - having won 3 Freestyle world titles at the start of his career. Last year Campello just missed out on the event and world title with Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) staging a superb come back to thwart Campello’s world title aspirations. A second place again here would stand Campello in good stead heading into the season finale, but you can expect to see the Venezuelan/Brazilian gunning for the top again as he aims for his second victory of the season.

Coming into Sylt - Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX) - is Campello’s closest rival with the Australian leaping into second place in the overall rankings after claiming his first victory on the world tour in Tenerife. Stone has earned one podium here in the last 3 years, while his worst result here since 2016 is 5th, so you can expect to see him at the business end of the contest again as he looks to stay in the hunt for the 2019 title.

Just behind the front two then come 4-time world champion and German hero - Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) - reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) and both will be looking to notch up their opening wins of the season to thrust themselves firmly back into contention heading into Maui. Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) is then a place further back in 5th, but with the Brazilian currently trailing Campello by 3,517 points at the halfway stage, nothing short of a victory will do here.

Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails) has a phenomenal record in Sylt with the Spaniard winning here in 2016, while finishing 4th for the past two years, which will make him a real threat again, while defending event champion Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails), seems to have rekindled his competition flame - making him an obvious threat too.

The top 10 is currently completed by Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) - 7th - who is enjoying his best season to date on the world tour. The same is also true of Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) in 9th, while the German crowd will be gunning for Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde).

Elsewhere, keep an eye out for Julian Salmonn (Bruch Boards / GUNSAILS), Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX), Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone), Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX), Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails) and Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / KA Sail), who complete the top 16 at this stage.

With a solid forecast to come the next 10 days promised to be action packed with a variety of the world’s best windsurfing. Make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing action by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com between 27th September to 6th October - here you’ll be able to watch everything as it happens via the PWA live stream.

Iachino has shown all the qualities needed to add to his sole world title from 2016, and with opportunities on two fronts, the Italian is perfectly poised to do just that. You can see the first part of Iachino’s world title quest by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com between the 27th September - 6th October, while you’ll be able to follow his progress for a second Slalom world crown between the 18th-23rd November in New Caledonia. For now though you can read our short interview with Matteo below…

Hey Matteo, congrats on winning your second event of the season in Denmark - how was the week as a whole for you?

“Thanks Chris! The week has been really tough but a really good racing week. It has been really hard psychologically.”

Denmark threw pretty much every kind of condition you can imagine at you guys, but whereas others seemed to have some weaknesses exposed you performed exceptionally across all the conditions - how pleasing was that for you?

“It has been a great event. As you said we raced in any kind of condition and that makes this event one to remember. It allows you to show your performance all round and to win it has been really good.”

Of the conditions that we had in Denmark, which were you favourite? And were there any conditions which you possibly felt less effective in?

“I love high wind and choppy wavy waters. The adrenaline you get out of racing on a 5.5m full power is second to nothing I know. The second elimination of the windy rainy day has been my favourite. Big chop and 5.5m full power. I personally don’t like much the dead flat waters with offshore light winds but we're professional windsurfers and we have to be ready to compete in anything… unluckily also in that kind of condition.”

Winning in Hvide Sande now means that you lead both the Foil and Slalom World Tours with an event to go in each… which is an incredible feat - how does that feel? And how are you feeling heading into the final stages of the season?

“It feels amazing. It shows once again to myself that hard work pays off. This year and all the last years I’ve been working so hard in and out of the water and being at the top of the two racing disciplines in the PWA has a really big meaning for me. I’ll keep working hard and enjoying windsurfing as I did until now and I’ll give my best in Sylt and Noumea.”

Thanks, Matteo. See you in Sylt.

You can stay up to date with Matteo iachino’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @MatteoIachinoProWindsurfer
Instagram: @matteoita140_official

The 22-year-old spends plenty of time sailing around Kiel, Germany, and Klitmøller, Denmark, and the latter is where her latest video comes from. 

Lina Erpenstein: “Impressions from my autumn sessions in Cold Hawaii, Denmark.
Filmed by Steffi Wahl and Windsurfing.tv , Vilma Vicente.
Equipment: Severne Nano 72 and 77 and Severne Sails S-1.
Music: Fingertips - Vera Blue”

You can see Lina Erpenstein’s latest video ‘ Green In Grey’ @ https://youtu.be/K2NBg_IAdR8

As we’ve seen in the past skills learned from Freestyle often transfer extremely well to other disciplines - particularly in waves - but up to now, Brødholt has made more of an impact on the racecourse after earning her first Slalom podium in Marignane, France, earlier this year, making her just one of a handful of sailors to have achieved podiums across multiple disciplines in recent years. The 30-year-old is well known for her upbeat, light-hearted attitude, but don't let that fool you as once the green flag is raised she switches her focus entirely and wants to win just as badly as anyone! We recently caught up with Oda to take our 20 Questions Interview:

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

It gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom and challenges you to the max quite often. Training hard for a move and then landing it is the best feeling! 
 
2. What quality do you like most in other people?

People who are real and not taking themselves too seriously. It’s also interesting to meet people with a special passion for something that is unusual. 
 
3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Batten tension conversations -no one really knows.
 
4. What do you most like in yourself?

I make things happen if I start on something. 
 
5. What do you dislike in yourself?

The view of myself in a yoga class #talentless.
 
6. What has been your best moment on tour?

Podium in slalom in France- that was just cool.
 
7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

Flying to Asia, doing one slalom race and getting plastic caught on my fin in the only counting race. I got over it pretty fast, but it just felt like a waste of time/life and sad to see so much plastic in the ocean.
 
8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

If people tell you some moves are too hard to learn, don’t listen to that. With the right technique and training, you can do it too! 
 
9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“Take your windsurf gear and discover the world.” from Svein Rasmussen, Starboard’s owner.
 
10. What would be your perfect day?

Have the van ready and packed, wake up, drive from Norway to Varberg in Sweden with proper loud music and sail a whole day of freestyle and wave sessions with my friends! I love that place so much! 

11. Do you have any superstitions?

I used to have many… it’s better now! Back in the days, I had plenty of things I had to do before a handball game... I would never play a game without the number 13 on my handball shirt and I had to wear two different socks during training and handball games. That would bring my team a lot of luck... I was convinced! 

Nowadays I’m more relaxed and don’t worry much about it… as long as I have my necklace while sailing (for the luck again), and I’m counting till 13 million times… that can be for different reasons… haha! 
 
12. Which living person do you most admire?

At the moment I admire skater Nyjah Huston. Skills from the hills!
 
13. What is your greatest fear?

Not being able to live the life I have now - windsurfing as much as I want.
 
14. What is your most treasured possession?

Must be my necklace shaped like a sail- it’s been with me my whole windsurf career.
 
15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

Probably extended my handball career and still play professional handball now and studied longer.
 
16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

Lofoten in Norway - epic place.
 
17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

Aruba, Peru and Dahkla!
 
18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Petter Northug (former cross country skier from Norway) - I would like to tell him to start competing again. The sport died for me after he stopped competing last year. He is a human machine!
 
19. First App you open in the morning?

Windguru
 
20. A phrase you live by?

“Make sure to have less floor time than Sarah-Quita Offringa while doing burpees at the Crossfit trainings.”

Thanks, Oda.

You can stay up to date with all of Oda Brødholt’s latest news and adventures via her Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @odajohannewindsurfing
Instagram: @odajohanne_windsurfing

After the completion of the Canaries leg of the tour the Italian stayed in El Médano, Tenerife, for a while longer to enjoy some more summer waves, which you can see @ vimeo.com/360256535

Caterina Stenta: “Wave after wave we enjoyed another summer in Tenerife together with my brother Ivano Stenta.
Filmed and edited by Bartek the7pixels.”

“Windsurfshow is back! This time Julien and Sam ride in Tahiti on the island of Raiatea during the the Raiatea gliss festival.”

You can see Mas and Esteve exploding through their tow-in repertoire over some of Tahiti’s stunning lagoons @ https://youtu.be/QZScRnFosOQ

Justyna Sniady: “The first two stops of the 2019 PWA Wave World Tour have been a dream come true for me. Check out my new "Living the Dream" video that is pretty much a recap of how it all happened.

I hope you enjoy this doc style video. Make sure to watch until the end for the CRASH PART in OUTTAKES.

Big thanks to Rafa @rafasoulart Alfie Hart from Windsurfing.TV and PWA World Tour Windsurfing Live Stream Crew for all the footage.

Congratulations  to all the other ladies for sailing at an amazing level this year - female windsurfing is looking epic atm.

Thanks again to all my family and friends for cheering me on and to all my sponsors Simmer Style Mystic GoPro HERO Polska F45 Training Claremont @Max Active Squad AL360 Windsurfing Tools for playing a part in my dream coming true.”

You can see Justyna Sniady ‘Living The Dream’ @ https://vimeo.com/359958595

Slalom

Women’s

Having not competed at a PWA Slalom World Cup for over 12 months there were some question marks about how Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) would fare in Denmark. However, after a slight mistake in the opening elimination Offringa then looked at her elusive best as she reminded everyone why she has won 4 Slalom world titles. The 28-year-old completed two hat-tricks in Denmark and finished the event as the worthy champion having won 7 out of the 11 eliminations completed!

Reigning world champion and current world tour leader - Delphine Cousin Questel (Starboard / S2Maui) - sailed another extremely consistent event with the 28-year-old only finishing outside the top 3 once in 11 races, however, she couldn’t quite find a way to reel in Offringa, which brings Cousin Questel’s winning streak to an end. Second place in Hvide Sande means that Cousin Questel will head into the final event of the year in New Caledonia in a commanding pole position - 300 points ahead of Marion Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone).

Marion Mortefon remains second in the overall rankings after battling well in Denmark over the last 6 days. Mortefon bounced back from a minor blip in Eliminations 7 and 8 to recover and clinch the final place on the podium ahead of Jenna Gibson (Fanatic / Duotone) with Mortefon winning her first race of the week in the final race of the event.

Gibson may be slightly disappointed to miss out on a maiden podium having held third place for the majority of the event, but the Brit should still be very pleased with her best result yet - 4th.

Lena Erdil (Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins) was in the wars in the opening 5 eliminations with the Turk continuing being caught up in carnage at the first mark, which put Erdil on the back foot. However, the 30-year-old dug deep and recovered extremely well to climb back into 5th place, which may not be the result she wanted, but given the fact that she is still on her way back from injury, it still represents a solid result. Erdil showed in several races why she is usually a podium and title contender as she finished second on four occasions and if she was back to full fitness may have even converted those into bullets.

Fifth place in Denmark means Erdil will head into New Caledonia fourth in the overall rankings, but very much still in the hunt for a place on the prestigious podium as she is now just 200 points behind current world No.3 Maëlle Guilbaud (Patrik / LoftSails), who finished 6th in Denmark after an indifferent week.

Men’s

Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne) walks away from Denmark not only as the event champion, but also the new world tour leader with one event to go after winning a thrilling battle against Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins), which saw the two heavyweights fighting it out until the final day. Iachino ended the week with an 88.9% qualifying record for winners’ final having reached the top 8 in all but one of the 9 Eliminations completed. Iachino now leads the world title race on countback with both he and Mortefon on 30,400 points with an event to go.

After enjoying a perfect day on Day 4 it looked as though it may be Mortefon who would go on to win the event and take the world tour lead, but having won both eliminations on Day 4, Mortefon then only managed to qualify for one winners’ finals out of the last 3 eliminations, which ultimately swung the event in Iachino’s favour. A solid second place in Denmark means that the 30-year-old will head to New Caledonia with every chance of winning his first world title.

The 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup is an event that will live long in the memory of Maciek Rutkowski (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) after the Pole earned his first podium on the world tour and Rutkowski did it in the best style possible by winning the last elimination of the week, which was also his first bullet on the world tour. In the last couple of events, Rutkowski really looks to have taken his sailing to the next level both mentally and physically as even when things haven’t gone his way he has remained calm and bounced back brilliantly. Rutkowski’s third place here sees him climb into the overall top 10 for the first time this season.

Julien Quentel (Patrik / GUNSAILS) may have got off to a less than ideal start to the event after a 16th and a quarterfinal exit, but the 33-year-old then recovered excellently to earn his second consecutive 4th place on the world tour, which sees Quentel climb 4 places in the overall rankings - 8th to 4th.

After contracting a mystery virus in 2018, which eventually led to an early retirement for the season last year, it has been a long and hard road back for Marco Lang (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins). However, after the last 6 days, it seems like that come back may be complete with the Austrian finishing in a superb 5th place, which is his best result since winning in Sylt 2017 and finishing 4th in New Caledonia. Lang qualified for the top 16 in 7 out of the 9 eliminations completed, while also qualifying for the winners’ final on 3 occasions as he started to demonstrate the kind of form which he showed at the end of the 2017 season. Lang is now ranked 11th and has every chance of breaking into the overall top 10 in the season finale.

Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails) was in with a chance of the podium for much of the event, but eventually finished in 6th place after being disqualified in the semi-finals of the last elimination. The Brit raced superbly at the start of the event, but then just tailed off slightly towards the end. Williams still climbs one place in the overalls to 6th place after recording his best result of the season thus far.

Elsewhere, Antoine Questel (I-99 / S2Maui) gains three places in the overall rankings rising to 7th after a solid second place in Hvide Sande, while Tristan Algret (Starboard / Severne / Chopper Fins) walks away with his second top 10 result of the year - 8th - which keeps him in the hunt to break into the overall top 10 for the first time in his career - also currently 8th. 

Damien Arnoux was just one of the fledgling young talents to catch the eye over the last 6 days. The young Frenchman had a week of firsts with the 21-year-old reaching the top 16 in an elimination for the first time on the opening day. Arnoux then won his first losers’ finals before going one better and reaching his first winners’ final - eventually finishing 5th in Elimination 7 - while finishing 9th overall - his first top 10 finish on the world tour. 20-year-old Martin Møller Hovda (Starboard / Severne) also qualified for his first winners’ final.

Gunnar Asmussen (Starboard / Severne) completes the top 10 after going on a fantastic run, which saw the German qualify for 4 consecutive winners’ finals between Eliminations 5-8, and was ranked as a high as 6th at one stage. However, a quarterfinal exit in the last elimination saw him lose a few places. 

Elsewhere, Enrico Marotti (JP / NeilPryde) had a real mixed bag of results, but the Croat was understandably emotional after winning his first elimination on the world tour in Elimination 8, while a 6th place in the next ace saw Marotti recover to 13th in the overall rankings.

After a flying start, Ben van der Steen (Goya Windsurfing / GUNSAILS) just misses out on a place in the top 10 - 11th - but looked to be in much better form and deservedly walks away with his best result of the season.

Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) and Jordy Vonk (Fanatic / Duotone) came into Denmark as the world No.1 and No.2, but both had weeks to forget after finishing 12th and 22nd respectively. That means Albeau drops to 3rd in the overall rankings, while losing valuable ground in the title race, while Vonk slips to 5th,

The top 16 is completed by Basile Jacquin (I-99 / Point-7), Ethan Westera (Tabou / GA Sails) and Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails) - 14th-16th.

The last 6 days have certainly been memorable and we hope that you’ve enjoyed watching the world’s best racers going head-to-head as much as we have. The PWA would like to extend their thanks to Katrine and her team for all of their hard work and also to the locals for their fantastic hospitality - we hope to return in 2019!

For a full recap of everything that happened in Denmark — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Where’s Next on the PWA World Tour?

In just under two weeks from now the men’s and women’s wave fleets, plus the men’s Freestyle and Foil fleets will meet for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sylt PWA World Cup, which takes place between the 27th September to the 6th October. 

Result 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Women’s Slalom

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Delphine Cousin Questel (FRA | Starboard / S2Maui)
3rd Marion Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone)
4th Jenna Gibson (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Lena Erdil (TUR | Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins)
6th Maëlle Guilbaud (FRA | Patrik / Loftsails)
7th Oda Brødholt (NOR | Starboard / Severne)
8th Fulya Ünlü (TUR | Starboard / Severne)
9th Océane Lescadieu (NC | S2Maui)
10th Marianne Rautelin (FIN | Patrik / Loftsails)

Result 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Men’s Slalom

1st Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne) 
2nd Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
3rd Maciek Rutkowski (POL | FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) 
4th Julien Quentel (SXM | Patrik / GUNSAILS)
5th Marco Lang (AUT | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
6th Ross Williams (GBR | Tabou / GA Sails)
7th Antoine Questel (FRA | I-99 / S2Maui)
8th Tristan Algret (GPE | Starboard / Severne / Chopper Fins)
9th Damien Arnoux (FRA | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
10th Gunnar Asmussen (GER | Starboard / Severne)

Women’s

With Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde /Maui Ultra Fins) already having the event title wrapped up, the main battle in the women’s fleet on the final day was between Jenna Gibson (Fanatic / Duotone) and Marion Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone) for the final place on the podium.

Gibson, who was hoping to earn her first podium on the world tour, started the day with a 3.3 point advantage over Mortefon, but soon saw her podium aspirations wilt away as she crashed into the back of Fulya Ünlü at the opening buoy in the winners’ final. Take nothing away from Mortefon though, who produced her best performance of the week In the last race of the event. The 27-year-old led into the first mark and then fended off heavy pressure from Lena Erdil (Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins) to claim her first victory of the week while ensuring she claimed the final place on the podium.

With Offringa already having secured the top spot on the podium, it was then a bit of an anticlimax to see the Aruban go over the start line early in the last winners’ final - leading to Offringa being disqualified. However, it was still a dominant victory for the 4-time slalom world champion, who looked as though she’d never been away from the racecourse over the last 6 days.

Delphine Cousin Questel (Starboard / S2Maui) finished Elimination 11 in third place, which sees the reigning world champion maintain her world tour lead heading into the final event of the season.

After a disappointing middle of the event - Lena Erdil - will be pleased to have signed off the event with an excellent second place, which sees her finish in a clear 5th place.

We’ll take a look at the implications for the overall rankings in the event summary.

Men’s 

Entering the final day of the 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup, the battle for the event title was down to a two-horse race between fellow world title contenders - Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne) and Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins) - whoever would win out of the two heavyweights would then take the world title lead heading into the final event of the year in New Caledonia.

The Italian held a 4 point advantage at the start of proceedings and he would be able to breathe easy before the start of the last winners’ final with Mortefon being disqualified from the opening semifinal along with Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails), Antoine Questel (I-99 / S2Maui) and Damien Arnoux (Simmer / Simmer Sails), which effectively handed Iachino the event win and the world tour lead. The final event of the year is now set to provide a thrilling finale with Iachino and Mortefon both on 30,400 points - Iachino only leads on countback having won two events to Mortefon’s one.

With Williams eliminated in the semifinals that also made the fight for the final place of the podium a two-man race between Maciek Rutkowski (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails), who was looking to earn his first podium, and Julien Quentel (Patrik / GUNSAILS). 

In order for Rutkowski to defend his third place from the overnight rankings he would need to finish no worse than 3 places behind Quentel, but in the end the Pole would leave the result in no doubt by leading from start to finish in Elimination 9 to earn his first bullet on the world tour, whilst deservedly claiming his first podium to cap a fantastic week.

Quentel ends the week in a solid fourth place, while Marco Lang (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins) earns his best result since 2017 - 5th - after finishing fifth in the last race of the week.

The top 10 is completed by Ross Williams, Antoine Questel (I-99 / S2Maui), Tristan Algret (Starboard / Severne / Chopper Fins), Damien Arnoux (Simmer / Simmer Sails), who earns his first top 10 finish on the world tour and Gunnar Asmussen (Starboard / Severne). We’ll take a look at the full results in the event summary.

That concludes what has been a fantastic week of racing in Hvide Sande with the sailors facing the arguably their toughest test of the season with such a diverse range of conditions on offer - from light to flat to nuclear windy and extremely choppy.

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Denmark — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Women’s Slalom

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Delphine Cousin Questel (FRA | Starboard / S2Maui)
3rd Marion Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone)
4th Jenna Gibson (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Lena Erdil (TUR | Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins)
6th Maëlle Guilbaud (FRA | Patrik / Loftsails)
7th Oda Brødholt (NOR | Starboard / Severne)
8th Fulya Ünlü (TUR | Starboard / Severne)
9th Océane Lescadieu (NC | S2Maui)
10th Marianne Rautelin (FIN | Patrik / Loftsails)

Result 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Men’s Slalom

1st Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne) 
2nd Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
3rd Maciek Rutkowski (POL | FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) 
4th Julien Quentel (SXM | Patrik / GUNSAILS)
5th Marco Lang (AUT | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
6th Ross Williams (GBR | Tabou / GA Sails)
7th Antoine Questel (FRA | I-99 / S2Maui)
8th Tristan Algret (GPE | Starboard / Severne / Chopper Fins)
9th Damien Arnoux (FRA | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
10th Gunnar Asmussen (GER | Starboard / Severne)

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) all but has the event title wrapped up with a day to spare after producing a truly dominant performance today, which saw the Aruban not only complete her second hat-trick of the week, but also go on to claim a four-timer after winning all three eliminations today. 

Elimination 9 was perhaps Offringa’s most impressive victory with the 28-year-old pulling off an outstanding comeback after recovering from an early coming together with Cousin Questel as they approached the first buoy. Offringa rounded the second mark in fourth place and then continued to eat up the water in front of her to deny Lena Erdil (Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins) a first bullet of the week. 

Having not competed on the racecourse for over a year there may have been a few question marks about how Offringa would cope returning to the competitive scene during the middle of the season, but she has destroyed the field here thus far, winning 70% of the races completed up to now (7 out of 10), which gives Offringa an almost unassailable 9.5 point lead heading into the final day.

Delphine Cousin Questel (Starboard / S2Maui) cemented her second place after a second and two third places, but the reigning world champion and current world tour leader may be slightly disappointed not to have landed a blow against Offringa today having closed to within just 1.3 points at one stage yesterday. In terms of the world title race, Cousin Questel remains firmly in the driving seat with her closest rival Marion Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone) currently ranked 4th here.

While the event title is seemingly already decided, there is still an intriguing battle between Jenna Gibson (Fanatic / Duotone) and Mortefon for the final place on the podium. Before the completion of Elimination 10 there was just 0.3 of a point separating the two women, but Gibson ends the day with a 3.3 point cushion after securing a brilliant second place - her best result since Elimination 4 - and that looks to be the battle to watch tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Lena Erdil remains in 5th place, but enjoyed a decent day on the water with a second, a 6th and a 4th. In fact, there were no changes to the top 7 positions in the women’s fleet after today’s racing.

Men’s 

Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins) started the penultimate day of racing with a 2.3 point advantage over Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne) after winning both races yesterday, but at the close of play today the Frenchman has seen that lead erode and turn into a 4 point deficit after only managing a 10th and a 7th place.

With Mortefon missing out on the opening winners’ final, Iachino then rubbed salt into the wound by winning Elimination 7 - the Italian’s third bullet of the week - and the 29-year-old is now in a dominant position heading into the final day, not only in terms of the event title race, but also the world title race too, as whoever wins this event will take the overall lead with an event to go. 

After a disappointing day yesterday - Maciek Rutkowski (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) - bounced back well today as the Pole qualified for both winners’ finals and with the way the other results unfolded that sees Rutkowski move back into the podium positions - 3rd - having been ranked 6th at the start of the day. 

However, Rutkowski’s quest for a maiden podium on the world tour is not done quite yet with Julien Quentel (Patrik / GUNSAILS) and Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails) still firmly in the hunt for third place - both men currently trail Rutkowski by just 3 points, so there is still all to play for heading into the final day.

Elsewhere, Gunnar Asmussen (Starboard / Severne) climbs a further 3 places to 6th in the current event rankings after qualifying for both winners’ finals again today. The German has now qualified for the top 8 in each of the last 4 races. Without jumping the gun in Elimination 7 Asmussen could realistically have been in with a shot at the podium, but that now seems out of his reach.

Marco Lang (Fanatic / Duotone) remains 7th after two top 16 finishes, while after a poor day yesterday Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) bounced back with a second and a 6th to rise from 18th to 8th, which could yet prove important in the world title race if it were to come down to discards as his two main rivals - Mortefon and Iachino hold a 12th and 25th as their discards. 

The top 10 is currently completed by Antoine Questel (I-99 / S2Maui), who falls 3 places to 9th, and Damien Arnoux (Simmer / Simmer Sails), who continues to go from strength-to-strength this week. The young Frenchman qualified for his first losers’ finals at the start of the week and today he booked his place in his first winners’ final - eventually finishing 5th. 

After such a bright start to the week, Ben van der Steen (Goya Windsurfing / GUNSAILS) drops outside of the top 10 for the first time - 11th - after a second round and quarterfinal exit today, while Tristan Algret (Starboard / Severne / Chopper Fins) and Ingmar Daldorf (Tabou / GA Sails) also lose their place in the top 10 - dropping to 12th and 15th respectively. 

Up to now, Enrico Marotti (JP / NeilPryde) has had a very inconsistent week, but today in Elimination 8 everything clicked into place as the Croat clinched his first bullet on the world tour with a commanding display. That victory sees Marotti climb to 16th in the overall rankings, while in the same elimination Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne) earned his best finish in a slalom elimination - second!

The forecast for the final day of the 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup looks lighter than the previous four days with 13-15 knots during the morning, but it is expected to increase during the afternoon which should hopefully allow for at least one more elimination in the men’s and women’s fleets to be completed. The skippers’ meeting has been called for 10am (GMT+2) tomorrow morning with the racing commencing from 11am onwards. 

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Denmark — including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Current Ranking 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Women’s Slalom
*After 10 Eliminations

1st Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Delphine Cousin Questel (FRA | Starboard / S2Maui)
3rd Jenna Gibson (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone)
4th Marion Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone)
5th Lena Erdil (TUR | Starboard / Point-7 / AL360 / Chopper Fins)
6th Oda Brødholt (NOR | Starboard / Severne)
7th Maëlle Guilbaud (FRA | Patrik / Loftsails)
8th Fulya Ünlü (TUR | Starboard / Severne)
9th Océane Lescadieu (NC | S2Maui)
10th Marianne Rautelin (FIN | Patrik / Loftsails)

Current Ranking 2019 Hvide Sande PWA World Cup - Men’s Slalom
*After 8 Eliminations

1st Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / Severne) 
2nd Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
3rd Maciek Rutkowski (POL | FMX Racing / Challenger Sails) 
4th Julien Quentel (SXM | Patrik / GUNSAILS)
5th Ross Williams (GBR | Tabou / GA Sails)
6th Gunnar Asmussen (GER | Starboard / Severne)
7th Marco Lang (AUT | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)
8th Antoine Albeau (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Antoine Questel (FRA | I-99 / S2Maui) 
10th Damien Arnoux (FRA | Simmer / Simmer Sails)