A strange day in Sotavento

28/07/2023

After an eventful day and mixed results for many competitors, Sarah-Quita Offringa and William Huppert take the lead of the Fuerteventura Windsurf World Cup in Sotavento. And between foil and fin, the battle remains open between the 2 supports.

4 years after the last edition in 2019, and even 15 years for the women's slalom, the windsurfers will return to the Sotavento spot for the 35th edition of this Fuerteventura Windsurf World Cup. With winds between 20 and 25 knots, gusting to 30 at times, the competition began in the early afternoon with a slalom on a large W-shaped course. And just like in Pozo Izquierdo 2 weeks ago, the foil competitors quickly took the lead, even though the water was far from easy.
Amado Vrieswijk, the leader of the first men's final of the day, suffered a bitter experience when he exploded at the edge of the track while leading, a fall that did Maciek Rutkowski some good. The Pole won the first final of the day ahead of Johan Soe, who made a miraculous comeback in the semi-final. Many, like Pierre Mortefon, Jordy Vonk and Matteo Iachino, vacillated between fins and foils. In the second final of the day, where the main favourites were absent, Bruno Martini won ahead of Michele Becker and Amado Vrieswijk. William Huppert, Amado Vrieswijk and Pierre Mortefon were the only competitors in the day's 3 finals, finishing 1st, 2nd and 4th overall. Nicolas Goyard, victim of a heavy fall in the semi-final and a broken mast, followed by a disqualification for a premature start, also in the semi-final, didn't have it quite so good and had 4 days to comeback.

The women's competition couldn't have got off to a better start for Sarah-Quita Offringa, who won 3 of the day's 4 races. ARU-91 proves that she's as competitive and fast as ever, even if the foil competitors are never far away. Blanca Alabau, winner of Pozo Izquierdo 2 weeks ago, proved that she's still waiting in the wings by winning the last race of the day. French rider Justine Lemeteyer, who had a very consistent first day, is 2nd overall after 4 races, followed by Jenna Gibson and Marion Mortefon.
Friday is the 2nd of 5 days dedicated to the slalom discipline at this Fuerteventura Windsurf World Cup, with a slightly lighter wind forecast, which should logically favour the foil competitors.