Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam

Day 8: Simon The Squirrel Takes A Look At Title Race Implications If Things Were To Remain As They Are

With a think layer of cloud to start Day 8 of the Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam the wind never really kicked in and while the skies cleared during the afternoon, the racing remained on hold for the whole day, meaning the rankings are the same as they were.

After the first lay day during the racing, we managed to catch up with Simon the squirrel, who was kind enough to take a look at the implications of what would happen to the overall rankings if things were to stay as they are…

Title Race

Matteo Iachino (Starboard / Severne / Shamal Sunglasses) came into Fuerteventura with the title race lead, but with the Italian in second place behind Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) the two heavyweights would leave Fuerte tied on 40,400 points - meaning that the title race would basically come down to a straight fight between who performs better at the last event of the year in Sylt, Germany, at the end of September. 

The only time either Iachino or Albeau have finished outside the top 2 this season was in Costa Brava - where just one elimination was completed - and you’d expect to see them battling it out for the final victory of the season in order to win the ultimate prize. Iachino is hunting world title No.2, while Albeau is looking to win his 25th world crown.

Away from the title race - Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins) - who is currently ranked 3rd here would consolidate his place as No.3 in the world and while it looks unlikely that anyone will be able to deny him a place on the overall podium, it is also unlikely that the Frenchman can challenge for the title, unless both Iachino and Albeau have a shocker in Sylt. Mortefon trails the top 2 by 600 points, while has a safety net of 800 points to the next closest rival, which would be Pascal Toselli (JP / Loftsails / Chopper Fins) in 4th.

Behind the top 4 - Jordy Vonk (Fanatic / Duotone) would rise one place to 5th after making another bright start here. The Flying Dutchman has taken his sailing to a new level this season and is firmly on course to record his 5th top 10 results in a row, while also looking to set to earn a place in the overall top 10 for the first time in his career. 

The overall top 10 would be completed by - Julien Quentel (Patrik / Avanti), Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails / Shamal Sunglasses), Cyril Moussilmani (RRD / Severne), Finian Maynard (I-99) and Mateus Isaac (JP / NeilPryde) - 6th-10th - with one event to go.

The forecast for tomorrow predicts less gradient wind, but clearer skies, so that in theory should offer a better chance of the wind materialising. The skippers’ meeting will be held at 11am with the action commencing from 12pm (GMT+1) onwards.

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

Current Rankings 2018 Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam - Men’s Slalom
*After Four Eliminations

1st Antoine Albeau (FRA - RRD / NeilPryde)

2nd Matteo Iachino (ITA - Starboard / Severne / Shamal Sunglasses) 

3rd Pierre Mortefon (FRA - Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins)

4th Jordy Vonk (NED - Fanatic / Duotone)

5th Ross Williams (GBR - Tabou / GA Sails / Shamal Sunglasses)

6th Julien Quentel (SXM - Patrik / Avanti)

7th Arnon Dagan (ISR - RRD / NeilPryde)

8th Cyril Moussilmani (FRA - RRD / Severne)

9th Antoine Questel (FRA - Starboard / S2Maui)

10th Finian Maynard (KV - I-99)

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