The Formula Windsurfing Youth World Championships Formula Windsurfing Junior & Master Championships 2004 had perfect start on Wednesday. Blue sky and bright sunshine invited numerous spectators to Dranske village on the island of Ruegen. And they were not disappointed: The remains of the hurricane “Frances” reached Ruegen island just in time for the event. Wind speeds reaching up to over 30 knots were a hard challenge for many competitors. Nonetheless Race Director Bruno de Wannemaeker from Belgium was able to run three races for each fleet which ensured a valid World Championships already after the first day.
Already before the first starting signal it became obvious that the Formula Windsurfing Championships in Dranske would be a great success. 98 competitors from 13 different countries marked a new participation record and brought a bright smile on the face of the organizers and the representatives of the International Formula Windsurfing Class.
The winner of the Youth Fleet will win the official ISAF title “Formula Windsurfing Youth World Champion 2004“. The young French Florent Renard (FRA-539) had a perfect start. He was able to dominate all three races of the day and is therefore leading with an optimum of 2,1 points. On the second place follows the German talent Vincent Langer (GER-122) from Kiel with 10,0 points. On his heals we find Johan Eimind Vegard (NOR-169) from Norway with 16 points.
In the Senior Fleet the German Racers were able to take advantage of their home support: After the first day Thade Behrends (GER-94) is leading in front of Denis Standhardt (GER-189). In the Senior Fleet the Masters (competitors above 35 years) are fighting for the official IFWC title „Formula Windsurfing Master Champion 2004“. The leader of the German master fleet Klaus Sausen (GER-35) has the best chances to win this title. At the moment he is on place 3 as best master.
In the Junior Fleet the Dutch hotshot Dorian van Rijsselberghe (NED-82) was able to fully dominate his opponents. He won all three races and is leading with the optimum of 2,1 points. Maciej Rutkowski (POL-232) was able to defend a second place with 9,0 points against one of the best German Rookies, Dennis Müller (GER-289). They are fighting for the official IFWC title „Formula Windsurfing Junior Champion 2004“.
The minimum goal of the event was already achieved on the first day: A valid result for the World Championships with three official races. But there are several more races to come. Everyday a maximum of four races per fleet (Junior fleet – 3) is allowed and the maximum of races per fleet is limited to 15 (for Junior fleet to 12).
On the evening of the opening day windsurfers, trainers, organizers sponsors and spectators relaxed at the welcome party. For Thursday the skippers meeting is set for 09:30 with the first possible start at 10:30. The Formula Windsurfing Championships 2004 continue until Sunday, September 19th 2004. Then the new World Champions will be crowned at the prize giving.
