3 questions to Enrico Marotti

11/07/2023

Winner of the slalom discipline at the Gran Canaria Windsurf World Cup in Pozo Izquierdo, Enrico Marotti is proving that he has been the man in form in recent months, despite finishing 8th in Italy last May. Now a serious contender for the world title, CRO-401 looks back on his victory in the Canaries and on the eternal debate concerning the fin/foil mix in competition.

Windsurfjournal.com: In what frame of mind did you arrive in Pozo Izquierdo, knowing that the wind could be very strong or more moderate and favourable for foiling?
Enrico Marotti: I was open to everything and I didn't focus too much on what conditions we would get, it's something I can't control. I worked really hard to know my equipment and in which conditions I can perform best with which equipment. We have had strong winds from 19 to 33 knots with big waves and rough seas. In those conditions I chose foil and I think it was the right choice.

WJ: After Japan last autumn, this is your 2nd win in 3 events in just a few months. How does this result inspire you?
EM: To win here in Pozo and to come back after a hard event for me on Lake Garda, I have to say it feels really good. At the PWA event in Torbole, when I was leading in the last final, I felt at the jibe and that was extremely costly. If I had just finished that heat, I would have been second for the event. Instead, I made a mistake and ended up eighth. I was gutted and devastated after that event. I made too many mistakes that week. Sailing Pozo so consistently in such tough conditions felt great. Two wins in three events sounds unreal, especially in this high level fleet. I keep my head down and focus on what got me here, and that is to stay humble and work hard. All the guys are sailing amazing and if I want to keep sailing at this level I have to keep working. None of this would be possible without the effort put in by the whole NeilPryde and JP Australia team. It is a team result, and we all achieve it together. Boys and girls in the office together with us on the water.

WJ: You've really turned your slalom sailing towards foiling. What do you think about this mixed fin/foil format and the many discussions about it?
EM: I think it is great. Our sport is evolving, as it has throughout its history. Nothing new. Research and development has always been the basis of our sport. New inventions have allowed us to enjoy the ocean in different ways, to be out there in much lighter winds. To spend a lot more time on the water. It turns out that this equipment also works very well in strong winds. There are very few people who are against foiling, they are just very noisy, so it seems there are a lot of them. I see it at my home spot or when I go somewhere else. People are turning more and more towards foiling. Foiling is developing fast, and it will just get better and better and easier and easier to use. I haven't turned my sailing towards foiling. I enjoy foiling, that is for sure, but I am also a really good fin sailor. I really like and enjoy both, that is the truth. In the end, most windsurfers do both and why not, they should! Make the most of the potential and opportunities our sport offers, enjoy every aspect of it. We should stop this division, there is no reason for it. We are such a small sport and should stick together. Ride or sail what you like, whatever makes you happy! If you like foiling then foiling. If you like fins, fin sail. If you like both, do both, but please stop telling each other what is better and what is worse, it is nonsense. Beauty is and always will be in the eye of the beholder! Leave the discussion, enjoy windsurfing your way!