2025 Aruba Hi-Winds PWA Youth Slalom
First up on the agenda this morning was to decide whether to go foiling or on the fin, but in the end the decision was made to go foiling with 20-25 knot winds and perfect turquoise flat water - AKA a racer’s dream.
Foil Slalom
In the U21 Boys it was a flawless performance from Brendan Lorho (FMX Racing / S2 Maui) taking four wins from four eliminations to deservedly hold the overnight lead. The battle for second position was closely fought between Kasper Nielsen (Duotone Windsurfing / F4 Foils), Benedikt Emser (PATRIK) and Tycho Smits (Future Fly / Point-7 / Z-Foils). Equipment choice played a big part in today’s racing with Lorho risking it on the small gear, whilst Nielsen and Emser tried to play it safe on the medium sizes. As the wind increased, Nielsen and Emser struggled to lock down the power, whilst Lorho smoothly accelerated away as his risk of taking the smaller gear paid off. Just two points currently separate second to fourth, so there’s all still to play for over the remainder of the event.
In the U21 Girls, last year’s PWA Youth Foil Slalom Champion, Bobbi-Lynn De Jong (Starboard / Neilpryde) picked up where she left off - earning four wins from four races but it wasn’t all smooth sailing as she arrived very late on the first start and had to fight hard to take the win in the opening elimination. The fight between Louise van der Meulen (Starboard / Severne Sails / Z-Foils) and Kit De Jong (Starboard / Neilpryde / NeilPryde Foils) was back and forth. Kit’s gybing proved superior, sneaking ahead at the marks, but van der Meulen’s undeniable speed made for some epic battles and they finish the opening day tied on seven points.
Fin Slalom
After lunch, the wind continued to increase and the call was made to swap to Fin Slalom, and with the wind now gusting over 25 knots, the scene was set for more epic racing. In the U21 Boys, Brendan Lorho continued his success from the morning, but was challenged closely by Storm Nicolai (Starboard) - the 2024 PWA U17 Fin Slalom Champion - who not only stepped up an age group this season, but also a gear in terms of his performance. Local boy, Tame Mondria (FMX / Point 7), was consistently in third place, and continually pushed things to the limit, but he pushed things a little too hard in Elimination 2, resulting in a disqualification for a premature start.
The U21 Girls was once again dominated by Bobbi-Lynn De Jong, but neither van der Meulen, or either of her sisters - Kit or Lone De Jong - let her have it easy, constantly applying pressure and making De Jong B. couldn’t put a foot wrong. It was very close racing from all the girls and there promises to be more great racing in the days to come.
Team Bonaire continued their success in both the U17 and U15 Boys divisions with the prodigies of Taty Frans - Tycho Smits and Arxon Gomperts (Future Fly / Point-7), who are both teammates, having some fantastic battles and both lead their respective age groups at the end of the first day.
Tomorrow looks like more of the same, with the forecast showing 20-30 knots of wind all day, so make sure you’re tuned into the livestream for all the action.
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