Défi Wind 2023
The world’s most famous long distance race started with a bang on day 1 with event title holder Nico Goyard (Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils) in the lead in the men’s, whilst current slalom Nº1 Justine Lemeteyer (FMX Racing / S2Maui / Patrik Foils / LokeFoil) continues her flying start to the year by reigning over the ladies fleet.
1400 racers, pro’s & amateurs combined, entered the 2023 Défi Wind to make it a record breaking year, and the waiting list kept increasing minutes before the start of race 1. Defi is a race for the brave, a must win competition for any pro windsurfer, the cherry on top of the cake for a champion to etch their name into windsurfing history, but it is also one challenge that any recreational sailor much experience at least once in their lifetime.
Located in the south of France, the spot of Gruissan didn’t disappoint racers in need for speed. With an average of 25 knots, the 40km long distance marathon split the huge fleet over the long sandy beach. The cloudy Tramontana added an extra challenge to the competitors with the wind being slightly off its traditional direction forcing the racers to point upwind on the first reach and having a blast on the second leg for a giant run of speed, ensuring smiles all round. Foiling was definitely a good option chosen by most of the top 100. Nicolas Goyard proved once again his dominance when it comes to pure speed on a foil. The New Caledonian racers closest challenger was by the young Danish athlete Johan Søe (FMX Racing / Point-7), who produced an impressive performance, whilst former local world champion Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins / Phantom Foils) currently completes the podium. The best racer who opted for the fin rather than foil was Jordy Vonk (Fanatic / Duotone), who took home 10th place overall. On the women’s side, it is no surprise to see the slalom vice-world champion Justine Lemeteyer claiming first place, on a foil too, leaving behind her 1366 opponents! Sara Wennekes (Starboard / Severne Sails) and Delphine Cousin Questel (FMX Racing / S2Maui) complete the top 3.
Men's Current Results 2023 Défi Wind
1st Nicolas Goyard (FRA | Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
2nd Johan Soe (DEN | FMX Racing / Point-7)
3rd Pierre Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins / Phantom Foils)
4th Nicolas Huppert (FRA | Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
5th Thomas Goyard (FRA | Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils)
6th Nicolas Warembourg (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
7th Alexandre Cousin (FRA | Patrik / Patrik Sails / Chopper Fins / Patrik Foils)
8th Antoine Albeau (FRA | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Amado Vrieswijk (NB | Future Fly Boards / Severne Sails)
10th Jordy Vonk (NED | Fanatic / Duotone)
Women's Current Results 2023 Défi Wind
1st Justine Lemeteyer (FRA |FMX Racing / S2Maui / LokeFoils)
2nd Sara Wennekes (NED | Future Fly Boards / Severne Sails)
3rd Delphine Cousin Questel (FRA | FMX Racing / S2Maui)
4th Blanca Alabau (ESP | Starboard / Severne Sails)
5th Marion Mortefon (FRA | Fanatic / Duotone / Phantom Foils)
6th Karo Van Tonder (SA | AV Boards / Severne Sails)
7th Ambre Papazian (FRA | Starboard / Severne Sails)
8th Maé Davico (FRA | Patrik / LoftSails / Patrik Foils)
9th Femke Van Der Veen (NED | Starboard / Severne Sails)
10th Jenna Gibson (GBR | Fanatic / Duotone)