Defi WIND

May 15, 2026

Day 1: Jordy Vonk and Jenna Gibson tame ferocious 45 knot Tramontana to lead Defi after opening race

What a race! The Defi WIND 2026 started in explosive manner with a strong Tramontana in fury, with some gusts up to 45 knots minutes before the rabbit boat opened the start line. On fin, Jordy Vonk (Duotone Windsurfing) made a solid statement claiming first place while speed expert Jenna Gibson (Duotone Windsurfing) leads the ladies division. On a foil, Alexis Mathis (Tabou / GA Sails) and Justine Lemeteyer (PATRIK / PATRIK SAILS / PATRIK Foils), the 2025 PWA Foil World Champion, secured first positions in what we can easily call an uncomfortable, stormy race.

1,350 racers entered this year’s Defi in Gruissan, South of France. The Defi is a unique format of racing where amateurs and professionals compete together, all on the same fleet, all on the same course. It is a mix of parties, boat show on the beach, serious racing for many, or the challenge to complete the 40km long distance race for others. Tramontana is the local wind, well known for its intensity. Today, lady Tramontana showed her most fierce face under dark threatening clouds in the last minutes of the countdown…

Frantic action on Day 1

After a start sharp on time, the rabbit-boat opened the 900 metre long starting line. The conditions eased a bit to a solid 35 knots all over the course with bright sunshine. Defi was blessed by the gods of wind. While some competitors wisely decided to stay safe on the beach, 1199 racers tried to challenge an angry Tramontana. That first race turned into a Barkley race on the water, extreme, where only 622 competitors reached the finishing line.

The infamous rabbit start

It took 32 minutes for Vonk to finish his race, 45 seconds ahead of world champion Matteo Iachino (Starboard / NeilPryde). Two and a half hours later, as a real gentleman racer, Vonk was welcoming the last finisher back on the beach, fulfilling the spirit of the pro-am competition that the Defi Wind represents.

The next couple of days show an interesting forecast with plenty of Tramontana on offer, 30 knots everyday, all we need for a good bunch of exciting races, which will be much more accessible for all. The latest forecast for Gruissan can be found HERE.
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Defi WIND Fin Ranking After 1 Race - Men’s

Defi WIND Fin Ranking After 1 Race - Women’s

1st Jenna Gibson (GBR | Duotone Windsurfing)
2nd Mae Davico (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils)
3rd Marion Mortefon (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils)
4th Bobbi-Lynn De Jong (NB | Starboard / NeilPryde)
5th Femke Van Der Veen (NED | Starboard / Severne Sails)

Defi WIND Unlimited Ranking After 1 Race - Men’s

1st Alexis Mathis (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | Future Fly / North Sails / Z Foils)
3rd John Soukos (GRE | WeOne / Challenger Sails / PATRIK Foils)
4th Colin Hérmitant (Exocet / Loftsails)
5th Antoine Albeau (FRA | Severne Windsurfing)

Defi WIND Unlimited Ranking After 1 Race - Women’s

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