Pierre Mortefon, the interview

19/08/2025

2025 was not an easy year for Pierre Mortefon. Hampered by an injury sustained on the eve of the Défi Wind, then faced with the end of his collaboration with his previous sail supplier, his season could have come to a premature end. But that was without counting on the responsiveness of NeilPryde and its designer Robert Stroj, who quickly provided him with a brand-new quiver. After a few adjustments and adaptation sessions, Pierre Mortefon struck hard: victory in his first race with this new equipment, followed by another resounding success in Tenerife. Interview behind the scenes of a fourth world title...

Windsurfjournal.com: What does this fourth Slalom X world championship title, won in 2025, mean to you, following on from your previous successes?
Pierre Mortefon: It's different! It's always very satisfying to achieve your goal, but the story is different, and so are the races! In any case, I'm really happy to have won this new title. It's still the result of a lot of hard work year after year and a well-organised team.

WJ: How did you deal with the complications caused by the weather conditions during the Tenerife Grand Slam, as well as the wait for the wave event at the same time?
PM: With experience! I'm starting to get the hang of it, and it's often the case during combined events. It's always great to be at events with other disciplines, but we know the risks, and we know that slalom isn't really a priority compared to waves and other events. Then I thought we'd be sailing more because in the Canary Islands you don't normally worry too much about the weather. We're also lucky to have a good group of French people at the World Cup, with a great atmosphere! And that's a plus, so thank you to the young people for accepting the older ones!

WJ: You won the two flagship events of the season (Fuerteventura and Tenerife) with a perfect score of two race victories. What mindset allowed you to remain so dominant throughout the season?
PM: A lot of desire, doubt, and motivation! I was also away for over a month, leaving my whole family behind, so I wasn't doing it for nothing! The harder it is, the more motivated I get! Fuerteventura is a legendary event, and I wanted to win it. Tenerife is a place where I've spent time (and where others spend even more time). I also really enjoyed the race, and that's important too!

WJ: We followed the Phantom episode, followed by NeilPryde's support. Can you tell us more about the nature of these issues and this support? And what impact did all this have on your preparation?
PM: I think everything has been said on that subject. Phantom had a claim against the PWA. And the organisation decided to take action and impose a suspension. For me, it was complicated to find myself thrown into the lion's den the day before leaving for Fuerteventura. After that, I managed things by trying to remain as professional as possible at all levels. Then I was allowed to race as planned in Fuerteventura, but a solution had to be found for Tenerife. I wanted to try to sort it out before the start of Fuerte. Things went well with the NeilPryde representatives, and I even had the chance to receive the sails personally from designer Robert Stroj. An hour after the end of Fuerteventura, I was already on the water adjusting the sails with him. I got out of the water at 8:30 p.m. and finished the bags at midnight. Thanks to them.

WJ: What exact role did Finian Maynard play in your mental preparation?
PM: It wasn't really mental preparation, it was more like support. He immediately tried to find solutions and make sure I was moving in the right direction. Of course, it was important to him because I also represent his brand, but there was more to it than that. The guy is a former runner and he knows the ins and outs, the good and the bad of the sport. So we had good conversations and discussions throughout the different phases of this story. When you feel supported, you naturally want to do well! It's great that he also got on a plane to arrive just before the awards ceremony!

WJ: What was your most intense moment on the water this season, whether in Fuerteventura or Tenerife, a memorable victory, a turnaround or a decisive race?
PM: There were lots of moments! Because in the end it was a big month of action. I think I'd pick the ninth race in Fuerteventura, where I took the lead before the last jibe. It was one of the toughest races I've ever done there. There was a nasty chop on top of the usual conditions, the wind was strong, there were some big crashes, etc.

WJ: How are you approaching the next event, a new cycle of preparation, your next goals, and what equipment will you be using in Slalom Foil?
PM: I'm going to sort all that out over the next few days before taking some time off to enjoy being with my family, rest, and recharge my batteries for the rest of the season, which promises to be just as exciting!

Source: Pierre Mortefon
Photos: @rafasoulart