Fly! ANA Yokosuka PWA World Cup

For the majority of the week the forecast has suggested that Tuesday would produce the best racing conditions of the event, unfortunately though, that’s not how things panned out with heavy rain squalls playing havoc with the wind, and ultimately, it was not possible to complete any racing on the penultimate day of the 2019 Fly! ANA Yokosuka PWA World Cup.

We caught up with current Foiling Vice-World Champion - Sebastian Kördel (Starboard / GA Sails / Starboard Foil) - who sits in 2nd place tied on 11 points with event leader - Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) - we asked him how disappointing it was to have no racing on the most promising day according to the forecast: “It’s very disappointing as I really wanted to show that it was not a one hit wonder in France to be in the podium in Slalom. 

It’s disappointing that the wind didn’t come through, but on the other hand we just have to take what we can get and not lose our minds over the situation. You just have to accept it."

We also asked Kördel about what he thought about the racing so far this week as the Foiling here in Japan has arguably seen the lightest conditions we have ever raced in - the German had this to say: “It’s obviously been very light, but it’s been good and tight racing for me. I enjoyed the racing factor in it - it’s been tight all the time and been a solid fight throughout constantly trying to edge out just that little bit more to edge in front of people - I was overtaking people on the reaches, which I enjoyed a lot - just passing people feels great. 

But on the other hand I had this feeling that if we had just 2 or 3 knots more then it would’ve been really fun and you are not suffocating all the time.”

When asked about how happy he is with his own performance so far this week, Kördel said: “I think I’ve done well in a tough foiling fleet - especially when you consider the light winds and all the RSX guys who are competing here - they obviously have quite an advantage with the body type they have for these conditions. When the wind is this light it’s even more important to be light, so I make my equipment as light as possible. I have a special custom boom which is just 2.8kg compared to my Slalom boom which is 4.7kg.” 

Last year must have been quite disappointing for you slalom-wise - how pleasing was it for you to earn a podium in France?

“It was the ******* best (laughing). I can tell you know I had some difficult talks with my sponsors after that year because I was doing so well in Foiling - almost becoming world champion - but then completely blowing it in the Slalom, so there were some contradictory views on how my career would develop over the next few years, but I’m happy that I stood my ground and told them that I am doing what I’m doing. It just the best feeling ever to come back like this when someone is doubting you and make the podium. That felt pretty good!”

Thanks, Basti. Good luck heading into the final day.

All hopes are now pinned on tomorrow, which offers 8-12 knot south-southeast winds and much clearer skies, which could yet still allow further racing to be completed. The sailors will meet again for a final time tomorrow morning at 8:30am (GMT+8) with the action commencing from 9:30am onwards. 

To stay up to date with all the latest developments from Japan — 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 Fly! ANA Yokosuka PWA World Cup - Women’s Foil
*After 6 Eliminations

1st Delphine Cousin Questel (FRA - Starboard / S2Maui / Starboard Foil)
2nd Marina Alabau (ESP - Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
3rd Marion Mortefon (FRA - Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL)
4th Blanca Alabau (ESP - Starboard / Severne / Starboard Foil)
5th Helle Oppedal (DEN - Fanatic / Duotone)

Current Ranking 2019 Fly! ANA Yokosuka PWA World Cup - Men’s Foil
*After 3 Eliminations

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