2001 PWA Jever World Cup Sylt Wave Performance Day 1
The worlds top wave sailors arrived on the island of Sylt in Germany for the first day of the PWA Jever World Cup. The competitors were greeted by huge crowds and sunshine but unfortunately no sign of the strong winds that normally blast the man made beaches of Sylt.
The event has drawn together the best wavesailors in the world who are battling for the prestigious title of wave performance World Champion. Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Proof, Pryde) who is currently leading the wave performance rankings was looking cool, calm and collective at registration, Bjorn is no stranger to Sylt and has won this contest seven times, he will be hoping for the weather to change and see the return of the famous Sylt gale force winds. Vidar Jensen (North) who is currently ranked 2nd in the wave rankings was also looking relaxed and can’t wait to get airborne of the huge ramps that normally line up off the Sylt shoreline.
With the events of the past week in America still causing major travel difficulties, several of the top sailors have been unable to make it to Germany. Francisco Goya (Fanatic, Arrows), Josh Stone (JP, Pryde) and Levi Siver (F2, North) were some of the big names who have been forced to withdraw from the event. This is a great disappointment to some of their fans here in Germany but everyone present realises that with the current situation in America it is a credit to all of the US based sailors, including the Pritchards – Matt (AHD, Gaastra) and current Overall World Champion Kevin (Bic, Gaastra) and Josh Angulo (RRD) who have made the long trip to come and compete here in Sylt.
This years event is shaping up to be a very important leg of the Tour, the absence of some of the big names has meant that some of the lower ranked sailors have an excellent opportunity to climb up the rankings and break into the elusive top ten slots.
Tomorrows forecast looks like light winds from the east with this weather pattern staying the same for at least three days, but has everyone knows the weather in the North Sea is very unpredictable and a gambling man would surely have to put money on some strong winds at some stage during the contest.