Climbing The Ranks
Before Covid Jordy Vonk (Duotone Windsurfing) was quickly developing into one of the very best racers in the world - finishing fourth overall in both 2018 and 2019. However, rule changes halted Vonk’s progress for a couple of seasons, but with the return of Slalom X and solid progress on the Foil, the Flying Dutchman has fought his way back into contention. Vonk’s persistence paid off last season with the 32-year-old enjoying his best season to date on the World Tour - finishing third overall in Slalom X to earn his first overall podium, while he finished sixth on the Foil. After a landmark season, which included some lows as well as highs, namely having to retire from Fuerteventura when in the form of his life after a nasty catapult, we managed to catch up with Vonk for an interview:
Hey Jordy, this season you improved by one place in the overalls for both Slalom X and Foil Slalom (3rd and 6th respectively) - how happy were you with your overall performance?
“Very happy of course. I always feel like I can do better, but turning that feeling into results doesn’t always happen, this year I clearly did. And especially breaking the ‘no podium curse’ finally in Tenerife felt very rewarding.
“As my last PWA podium was in Korea 2019, it took a long time stepping on it again, while finishing 4th plenty of times. Maybe the way it happened going over early in the last race [in Tenerife], which luckily didn’t get run afterwards, wasn’t the most pretty way to do it….. But I feel like I deserved that beautiful trophy after coming so close before and after being forced to quit in Fuerteventura!”
For the first time in your career you also earned your first overall podium - how does it feel to finally achieve that as maybe it feels like a long time coming having got so close in Fin Slalom before the changes to the format…
"When we were doing regular slalom on the fin before Covid I was definitely on the rise finishing 4th overall in 2018 and 2019. Afterwards it took me longer to adjust to the foil than some others, so looking at pure fin slalom performance, I believe the rule changes combining with foil in 2021 really came at the worst time for me. Actually still now I believe my ‘fin level’ is still better than my foil level. “Once foil and fin got split again I was straight on my way to the podium in 2024; until the last gybe, in the last elimination of the last race of the year…. This one hurt! But I showed once again that I’m definitely a podium contender. To finally make it happen this year, even with missing out on the last day in Fuerte, really feels good! I always kept believing it was just a matter of time, turns out it was like this. ☺”
This season also sees you record your best result in the Foil Slalom - how satisfying is it for you to have made significant steps forward on the foil in the last few seasons?
“Definitely happy to step up my foil game as well, I think there’s still enough to gain as I started the season strong with fourth in Guadeloupe and simply wasn’t sharp in Japan anymore, but with the second baby arriving in summer maybe it’s not too crazy that I had other things on my mind too… but I want to work on making sure I keep my performance all year, in Guadeloupe I was taking risks and had some solid starts… that was missing in Sylt and Japan. Enough to reflect on and learn from for next year.”
What was the highlight of your season?
“My good run of form in Fuerteventura! The event and conditions were amazing and from day two to day four I think I was in the form of my life. I was flying down the first reach in every final arriving 1st or 2nd at the first mark, won back-to-back finals for the first time in my career and I simply felt confident in my sailing like I never did before. I’m sure the fact that we were racing in 30 degrees, 25-35 knots of wind, sunshine and light blue waters were helping too…. the event was an absolute dream!"
What do you think about the new rule changes for racing next season?
“Let’s maybe break down the rules changes a bit to show you my thoughts! (Editor’s note: That would be great, thanks Jordy.) Slalom X is changing from two boards and three sails for the season to two boards and three sails for each event opens up the opportunity to race in a bit lighter winds as well, Which I think is a good thing. In Tenerife we were often on the edge a lot, or missed out on racing, while with bigger gear we could have been full on. “Reducing sails for Foil Slalom I believe is right, we can create a huge wind range out of three sails, so I’m sure three sails are enough to cover all conditions and this makes it cheaper as well having two sails, masts, booms etc less equipment to travel with. I’m not a fan of reducing foil parts, they are light and easy to transport and can help us out so much creating power in light winds or gaining control if necessary in high wind. Especially since we are going 8.0 in 2027 and basically not having a 4.6 anymore as well… “The last thing I’m not a fan of are combined events, I’ve done a couple of those now and I basically hate it every time. Foil only guys are not happy because they don’t race so much, Fin only guys are not happy because they don’t race so much and guys who do both are getting tired swapping between different sailing styles and having to bring more gear. Looking at the calendar for 2026 I don’t think we will have combined events, so that’s at least awesome to see. ☺ Simply more events for each discipline would be amazing.”
What does your winter training schedule look like?
“I’ll be spending my winter on Tenerife again, due to some law changes it’s not allowed to put anchors anymore for the TWS Pro Slalom Training, but I still see Tenerife as my perfect winter destination to train. “I’m heading there 5th of January and will be staying I guess until end of March. Plenty of other guys will be there so I’m sure we will have a great time training anyway. Spending time on the fin, foil, gym, bike and catch up on some family time. Looking forward to it already!
“Thanks.”
Thanks, Jordy. Have a great winter.