Citroën Windsurf World Cup Sylt
The opening day of the 2024 Citroën Windsurf World Cup Sylt saw the sailors registering for the next nine days of competition during the morning, before preparing their gear in preparation for tomorrow, which looks set to be an extremely windy one with the forecast currently predicting winds of up to 38 knots.
Throughout the day several sailors took the opportunity to warm up as strong port tack winds and Sylt’s typically chunky waves provided some fun conditions.
Earlier in the day we caught up with Justine Lemeteyer (FMX Racing / S2Maui) and Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails), who lead the Women’s Foil Slalom and Wave rankings respectively, while we also managed to grab a word with Daniele Benedetti (FMX Racing / Challenger Sails), who leads the Men’s Foil Slalom and Victor Fernandez (Duotone Windsurfing), who is firmly in the hunt for a fourth world title:
Justine Lemeteyer: “It’s my first time on the island ! It’s a spot that looks like my place (I am coming from North of France) with waves, shorebreak and current, but more extreme… I am happy that the girls are gonna race here and I am excited to see how I will perform in these conditions which are really different from Fuerteventura.
Since Fuerteventura I competed in two world championships. One in iQFOiL and one in fin slalom where I finished second. I also went to Hawaii to develop next year’s S2Maui sails. I have recovered from the trip and time difference and I am ready to go battle it out on the water!"
Lina Erpenstein: “I’m pretty excited for the World Cup Sylt. We have a crazy forecast ahead of us and it’s hard to say which conditions we will get. Since Tenerife I’ve been very busy with my studies as it’s the final year of my medical degree and exams are approaching fast. Honestly I don’t know how this can be my best year on tour ever as most of my time goes into my studies at the moment. Something must have clicked this season going from 3rd and 4th places to winning events, but I honestly don’t feel like I’m doing anything different. Either way it’s very exciting and I’m happy and proud of where I am at the moment. Still Sylt is a black box and anything can happen here, so for sure it’s going to be an interesting week!“
Daniel Benedetti: “I’m feeling good and prepared for the event, I just can’t wait to race again.
I managed to win the Fuerteventura World Cup, and now it’s time to race again here in Sylt. Honestly I don’t feel so much pressure, because the championship is still long with two events to go, but I will try to do my best and maybe repeat what I did in Fuerte.
Competing here in Sylt is really challenging because of the waves, also just getting in and out is not so easy because of the shorebreak, so it’s also really important to choose the right set up for every elimination.
I have been in Lake Garda for the last few weeks preparing for the event, so I feel ready to rock! As I mentioned before the championship is still long, so there is lot way to go, but it’s the first time for me to be leading the Tour and I think it’s normal to have a bit of pressure, but I also like it.”
Last season things didn’t really go your way, but this season it seems like you are back to your very best… did you make any changes to your approach and/or what do you think has made the difference?
Victor Fernandez: "Last year I missed the first event in Japan and then a few things did not go my way, but that's how it can be when you compete, so you always learn. This year I was windsurfing a lot and I am just having fun."
Historically you’ve got a great track record competing in Sylt - what do you think of Sylt?
"I like competing here, I like when conditions change as it is challenging. This is my 24th year coming to Sylt so I have windsurfed here in many different conditions over the years. I am felling well, I was in Mauritius with my family for 2 weeks and I windsurfed everyday. Then I went home to Spain for a week and I sailed at my home spot which is super fun. I am ready to compete here."
The Freestyle and Wave sailors will meet bright and early tomorrow morning at 07:30am (GMT+2) for the skippers’ meeting with the action commencing from 08:00am onwards.
You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Sylt — including live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
Also if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on our Social Media Channels:
- Facebook: @PWAWorldTourWindsurfing
- Instagram: @pwaworldtour
- X: @pwaworldtour
- YouTube: @pwaworldtour