Fuertventura’s speed spot, Matas Blancas in the south, once again delivered a fantastic week of challenging conditions that pushed the 55 strong fleet of men, women and kids to their limits. Conditions varied with riders being maxed out on their smallest 5m sails one minute to making the most of light airs on 7.8m the next.
The UK had a strong team of riders entered this year. Jim Crossley who has been here three times came out top male Brit in fifth overall. But Nigel Spriggs – his first time at the event – made a late charge and was giving Jim a run for his money towards the end. Tim Frampton struggled during the first few days but also improved as the days passed. He promised to be back next year.
As reported in a previous news piece on Windsurfing UK Zara Davis has dominated in the ladies. Her campaign went more according to plan and Zara finishes the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge as World Champ for the second year. This was despite strong challenges from her rival Anne Schindler from Germany in second and PWA rider Miriam Rasmussen in third. Zara said: ‘I was super happy to win here again, the other girls are getting quicker every year and I can’t afford to take any round for granted!’
24 year old Dutch speed star Twan Verseput is the new ISWC Speed World Champion who nailed the win with a solid performance. Twan, together with a huge junior fleet of young talented sailors from around the world, were the stars of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge.
The last word must go to Bjorn Dunkerbeck, founder of the event and last year’s ISWC World Speed Champion.’We are very happy with this year’s event, great vibe and fourth time at this site and second time hosting the world championships. Congratulations to Twan, at half my age he just had more speed than me this time. But watch out, I will be back!’
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