SOMWR Movement 10 x Marignane PWA Grand Slam
The opening day of the 2021 SOMWR Movement 10 x Marignane PWA Grand Slam saw the competitors registering between 10-11am and with a light wind forecast it was a relatively mellow day with the sailors preparing their gear for the upcoming 10 days. With the wind remaining light throughout the sailors were released by 4:30pm ahead of the opening ceremony.
Current Slalom World Tour leader Nicolas Goyard (Phantom Windsurfing): “I’m feeling good, but there is not so much wind on the forecast at the moment, so we will just have to see how it goes, especially as there is the wave and freestyle to run also. From my side I’m excited to see how it goes. It’s going to be a big challenge, but I’m just going to go for it. I’m not stressed and I’m prepared for light wind foiling from the IQFoil. We don’t know how many races there will be, so I just need to be on top when it matters. I’ll give my all and see where that puts me at the end of the event. With the forecast as it is I’m expecting to just be foiling.”
Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) will be one of Goyard’s rivals for the title and the 25-time World Champion comes into Marignane off the back of victory at last weeks Défi Wind: “I’m feeling ready. Obviously I had a great result at the Défi Wind. As long as I am fighting with the guys then I’m happy. Lets see what happens - I think we should see some slalom action.”
Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) is registered for 4 disciplines here as she looks to add to her 17 world titles: “I’m probably one of the sailors that checks the forecast the least, but eventually you hear about it anyway as everyone is talking about it. I’m not feeling too stressed out - I’ve got all my gear with me, so whatever comes, comes. I’m happy to be here and see everyone again. I think we’ll be able to finish the Slalom, Foil & Freestyle it’s just the Waves which may prove tricky. My main focus is on the Freestyle & Slalom, but of course I’ll be trying to do my best in the Waves of course. If the forecast is correct and we have a light wind event then for sure I will be foiling too. I have everything to do, but the main thing is that I have my focus.”
Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone) will be hoping to add to his 3 world titles: “I also have hopes for the forecast - especially here in the Mediterranean Sea as things can change very fast - I know this from my past experiences. It’s a bit like Sylt here in the fact that something could still come towards the end of the event. Currently Sunday, looks like there’s some wind on the forecast, but we don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m ready for whatever comes. Just before coming here I had two good days in Catalunya where I also met up with Marc Paré, Josep Pons, Miguel Chapuis & Philip [Köster] - so there were a few World Cup riders sailing together.”
The forecast for tomorrow also looks quite light - although there is a small possibility of some foiling action in the afternoon, whilst Sunday currently looks reasonably windy with moderate to fresh winds forecast. The Slalom skippers’ meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow morning with a first possible start at 10:30am (GMT+1). The Wave & Freestyle fleets will receive a call tomorrow once the forecasts have been updated.