Preseason Buildup

Reigning World Champion Victor Fernandez looks ahead to the start of the season

The start of the 2017 PWA Wave World Tour is now just a month away and the world’s best wave sailors are stepping up their preparation to make sure they are all set for the start of the season. Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / NorthSails / Shamal Windsurfing Sunglasses) will come into the 2017 season as the defending world champion having won his second world title last year - adding to his previous title from 2010. We recently caught up with Victor for an interview to see how he’s feeling ahead of his title defence.

Hey Victor, how are you and how’s your winter been? 

I’m very well, thanks. Winter has been amazing. I spent lots of time on Maui, 3 weeks in Cape Town and one and half months at home in Almerimar. Time went very fast but I’ve sailed a lot this winter so I can´t complain. 

It’s not long until the start of the new season now - how are you feeling about the start of your title defence? 

Well, I’m feeling good. I’m sailing a lot and I love how my new Fanatic boards and North Windsurf sails are working. My motivation is 100% to start the tour this year so I can´t ask for anything else.

Does it feel any different to you coming into the start of the season as the defending world champion for the first time since 2010 when you won your first world title? 

I feel great, I think every year is different because we start from zero, so I just try to be as prepared as possible every year for Gran Canaria. I’m so happy that I have won my 2nd title after 6 years, so I just hope to get another title in the next 6 years, haha…

It seems like a lot of the sailors are already heading for Pozo - when are you heading there? 

I’m already in Pozo since June 4th. I always like to come here very early to get used to the spot, food, etc… and I also have a lot of friends here so it also feels like home to me as I’ve been coming to Pozo since I’m 14 years old every summer for 2 months.

Does it take a while to adjust and get used to sailing in Pozo again? 

It takes a bit of time but I really like sailing here as the wind is always there. Even here in Pozo conditions change a lot with the tides, wind direction and everyday I learn something new.

Last year saw you and Philip [Köster] meet in the final again and you managed to defeat him on home waters - are you ready for another battle for the event and world title? 

I would love to make another final for sure, it’s always a dream to make a PWA final with the super high level these days and for sure Philip is one of the toughest competitors here. but before the final there is a lot work to do get up there so I just want to sail as well as I can in every heat and enjoy every moment.

Last year you said that you thought that Philip was the favourite coming into the event - who do you think is the favourite for 2017?  

Well, I think Philip is still the man to beat here, his jumping and wave riding skills in Pozo are amazing but there are many other guys too, like Marcilio [Browne], Ricardo [Campello], Jaeger [Stone], Alex [Mussolini], Alessio [Stillrich] and many others are pushing really hard.

Who’s your favourite for the girls comp? 

I would say Daida [Moreno], I saw here sailing a few days ago and she looks very well prepared.

Thanks Victor.

You can stay up to date with all of Victor Fernandez’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @victore42 

Instagram: @victore42 

Twitter: @victore42