Patrice Belbeoc h, the interview
On 29 May, a new breed of competitor will take the start of the Défi Wind in Gruissan, all equipped with their Windsurfer LTs! The initiator of this project, Patrice Belbeoc'h talks to Windsurfjournal.com about the genesis of this new category and his affection for this timeless support.
Windsurfjournal.com: How did the idea of creating a separate Windsurfer LT category within the Défi Wind come about?
Patrice Belbeoc'h: The Défi is the biggest gathering of windsurfers in the world, with several nationalities represented. And why not include windsurfers, since Windsurfer originated with this type of craft? I spoke to Philippe Bru about it, and he thought it was an excellent idea. A lot of Windsurfers sail in strong winds and regularly reach speeds of over 25 knots. For me, this sport deserves to be present at this event, the aim being to promote windsurfing over this long distance. The ultimate goal is of course to succeed in the Défi, but also to support Philippe Bru and the event if the wind conditions are too weak for official rounds.
WJ: In 2008, as soon as this support (re)appeared, you immediately decided to have a model in the Exocet colours.
PB: I'd already created a similar project with the Kona One. What I like about the Windsurfer LT are the class rules which, in my opinion, are at the origin of the success of windsurfing. It's a question of an identical support for everyone and fairness in the races, which are done by weight category, which, in my opinion, is very logical.
WJ: You're a fan of this sport yourself, what do you think are the virtues of the Windsurfer LT as a sailor?
PB: I'd say the simplicity and ease of the support. What's more, the board is really fun when there's wind, even, and especially, without footstraps. It's really a ride where you learn a lot about your footing. The feeling of gliding is really there, whatever the strength of the wind.
WJ: At the Défi Wind, the challenge will be huge with this support. What do you think will be the keys to performing well on the Windsurfer LT during this event?
PB : I know that the board has a huge range of uses. Strong winds won't necessarily be a problem, I think, especially as the Windsurfer participants can have access to a smaller sail. Now, the Défi remains a challenge, whatever the level and the support for everyone.
WJ: Compared to the original model, there's a G10 fin and a 5.0 sail instead of the traditional 5.7, what are the reasons for this?
PB: First and foremost, we want to promote windsurfing, but also the Windsurfer class. The aim is for the Windsurfer participants to also take part in this windsurfing festival. So we're not in the same race format as an official Windsurfer competition. The G10 fin provides control and keeps the board in line on crosswinds. The 5.0 offers a solution if the wind becomes too strong for the 5.7, here we estimate a higher range of use of 10 to 15 knots whatever the level. The G10 fin should make it possible to sail the course without drifting, especially with a very ‘square’ Tramontane.
WJ: You yourself will be taking part in the Défi Wind in Windsurfer LT. What are your ambitions in this category, but also in the general ranking?
PB : For me, the aim is to take part in this festival and to promote any type of craft. I've already taken up the challenge in the past with different types of support which surprised people, but in the end, I think it's still a great way of promoting the sport. As far as the fin category is concerned, I think the frontrunners with a Windsurfer LT should be in the middle of the ranking. The board is capable of reaching 30 knots, but it's still a very simple board with no footstraps. Let's just say that a complete course will already be a success for this first participation.
WJ: More than 40 competitors have already signed up, which is a great reward for a category that is being represented for the first time in Gruissan?
PB: To date, we've already had 48 entries. That's quite a fleet for this first launch. We had set ourselves a target of 40 participants for the first year, and I think this is the start of a great adventure.
Source: Patrice Belbeoc'h
Photos: Timm Fleissgarten/Exocet
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