Small conditions in Omaeazaki

16/03/2023

The opening day of the 2023 Spicare Omaezaki Japan World Cup, which marks the first event of the unified PWA / IWT World Wave Tour, began in marginal conditions meaning the world’s best sailors had to use every ounce of skill to make the most of the small waves on offer… At the end of day one Motoko Sako leads the battle in the Women’s division, whilst only the top 8 sailors remain standing in the Men’s.

Maria Andres (Fanatic / Duotone) had been the standout sailor throughout the Women’s Single Elimination as the Spaniard made the most of the small conditions by consistently linking together stylish, snappy turns to progress into the top two. However, Andres couldn’t quite see off local legend - Motoko Sato (Starboard / Severne Sails) - in what proved to be a close fought affair. Both women picked off plenty of small waves, but Sato was able to pick the best set wave of the final to drop the biggest score of the heat with her final effort - 5.5 points - after combining three solid hits to secure her place at the top of the podium in the Single. Jane Seman showed excellent wave selection and flow to see off Pauline Katz in the losers final and currently completes the top 3.

In the Men’s division only the top 8 sailors remain at the end of day one and at the close of play Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins) has marked himself as a serious contender in Japan after launching into high stylish backloops, whilst still being able to combine powerful turns despite the marginal conditions. The Hawaiian will now face - Philip Köster (Severne / Severne Sails / Black Project Fins) - after the 5-time World Champion edged a close duel against - Jake Schettewi (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins).

Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) is the only local left standing, so all Japanese hopes now fall on his young, but very capably shoulders. The 22-year-old claimed an impressive victory against Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) in the round of 16 and will take on Antoine Martin (Starboard / North Sails) for a place in the top four.
Elsewhere, Marc Paré (Fanatic / Duotone) was able to take down Graham Ezzy (Tabou / Ezzy Sails) to setup a mouthwatering clash against Ricardo Campello (Naish / Naish Sails), whilst reigning World Champion Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) will face a tough test against Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) in the last quarterfinal.
For Friday, the Surline forecast is predicting early winds of 15-20 knots with a moderate swell.