Fin 1 as the foils strike back

28/05/2022

The Tramontana kept blowing its rage on the south shore of France, for the happiness of more than a thousand racers in Gruissan. 2 more long distance races were held at Defi WIND, seeing a fantastic display from foiling expert Nicolas Goyard (Phantom / Phantom Sails / Phantom Foils), who won both races today, and with young French girl Justine Lemeteyer (FMX Racing / S2Maui) overruling slalom experts.

If the forecast was supposed to ease down, wind metres were still spinning with shades of red, from 30 to 35 knots. What more can we ask for real slalom conditions? The organising committee set the traditional 2 laps run along the beach with offshore wind for seemingly never-ending speed runs. With a slight westerly shift, if starboard tack was a bit tight, on port, it was a pure delight with 9 km of open reaches. Amateurs loved it as much as Björn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne Sails), who sailed with the racing flame, still burning deep in his soul. With hundreds of catapults to be recorded, the hardcore sailing conditions of day 1 reduced the fleet to “only” 1000 sailors accepting to dare the Tramontana this Friday.

Unexpectedly, in what remained to be sporty conditions, Nicolas Goyard, who was completely in the shadow on day 1, found his pace to defeat the biggest fleet of his life. Small adjustments on the wings set up, and occasional jumps to get rid of the seaweed on his giant fin, were the keys for the New Caledonian success. Loving that kind of wind strength, Saint Barth racer Antoine Questel (FMX Racing / S2Maui) seemed to be the only one on a fin, who was able to follow the rhythm set by Goyard, but the Frenchman never managed to overtake the foiler. Keeping efficiency with steady 4th-5th finishing positions, both Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) and Jordy Vonk (Fanatic / Duotone) capitalised precious points for the final results of the week: Albeau still leads the Defi ahead of 1300 competitors, Vonk being second despite a cut in the foot, and ahead of Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / Chopper Fins / LOKEFOIL), currently 3rd.

Another slalom sailor tuned in with the Tramontana, Justine Lemeteyer, who is now the overnight leader of the ladies fleet. The 19-year-old French girl managed to finish all 3 races within the top 100 overall. Marion Mortefon (Fanatic / Duotone / LOKEFOIL) failed to keep the event lead, and we even saw Delphine Cousin Questel (FMX Racing / S2Maui) sneaking into 2nd position to relegate Mortefon into 3rd, for now at least.
Day 3’s forecast shows another excellent potential for more long distance races in Gruissan, 25 to 30 knots, the ideal strength to mix foils and fins. Will Nicolas Goyard, unfortunate 22nd yesterday, achieve his Tramontada?