PWA Catalunya World Cup
The clouds that covered the skies of the spectacular Catalunyan coastline put a stop to any thermal from taking effect on day two of competition. The 4-12 knot breeze tempted many of the sailors onto the water but it was never really consistent enough for racing to take place despite the race crew making every effort to try and get heat 7 of the men’s race 2 started.
This leaves the event standings unchanged with Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne, Mystic) and Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft, Mystic) out in front of their respective fleets for the time being. And, Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) and Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) with a sharp eye on the forecast.
Whilst the sailors were stuck on standby we took the opportunity to speak to the living legend, and current event leader, Bjorn Dunkerbeck.
PWA: How have you kept your motivation levels so high throughout your 25 years of competing on the world tour?
BD: “First of all I’ve found a great balance between free sailing and competition. But also, if I don’t go windsurfing for a few days, I find that I really want to go out again. Basically I’ve kept the fun factor in my windsurfing throughout all of those years, and I’ve also kept that same thing in competition. I just really enjoy windsurfing.”
PWA: How have you found it adapting to different gear throughout the years?
BD: “Well, I worked with four different sail designers when I worked with Pryde, with Kai Hopf at North, and now with Ben Severne. And, I probably worked with a few others in between, so about eight in total. So it’s pretty much a way of life for me. Each time I moved, it wasn’t because I wanted to, that’s just how the situations unfolded. Plus, when I have changed I’ve made sure that I work really hard, and the combination I have now is really strong. The team are young and motivated which is a great situation for me to be in. I think we’re going to make extremely good sails for the next few years.”
PWA: Do you still have the same feelings when you hit the racecourse as you did when you were competing against guys like Robby Naish in the early days?
BD: “The feelings have changed throughout the years as I’ve grown up. I was just a kid back then, so there have been huge changes. Now I’m one of the oldest one’s on the course, but I’m probably the most experienced too. I also think I’m one of the guys that’s having the most fun out there as well!”
PWA: Which events do you really look forward to each year on the tour?
BD: “The one’s that are warm and have the most wind. Gran Canaria and Turkey have been very good the last few years, but I also enjoy Sylt because of the huge crowds and the variety of conditions we get there.”
PWA: Lastly, how much longer will you compete for?
BD: “For as long as I still enjoy it, and as long as my body can handle getting me onto the podium!”
The organisers remain hopeful that the front forecast to come through tomorrow will bring stronger winds without the need of a thermal boost!
Results After Race One
Men:
1st Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne, Mystic) 0.7pts
2nd Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) 2.0pts
3rd Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) 3.0pts
4th Ross Williams (Tabou, Gaastra) 4.0pts
5th Peter Volwater (Fanatic, MauiSails) 5.0pts
Women:
1st Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft, Mystic) 0.7pts
2nd Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) 2.0pts
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra) 3.0pts
Live GPS Tracking
When the action is heating up here in Catalunya, be sure to follow this link HERE where you’ll be able to track some of the world’s fastest windsurfers as they hammer their way round the racecourse at breakneck speeds.
Stay In The Groove
For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com
Here you can use our:
• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins
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• View results
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Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via info@no-spam-pleasepwaworldtour.com