The “Pontal de Itapuã” race is about to be considered the longest Formula Windsurfing race known. It is projected to run at least 45 miles/day in a previously known path, crossing 4 gates along the way. In 4 days reserved to the event, up to 3 races could be started, that means a potential 134 miles race.

The focus of the event is to join all sailors that appreciate long distance races, in one single annual event, that is, year-by-year consolidating itself as the biggest and safest LD race in fresh water known. Beyond this competition profile, the event consists in a big meeting of people that enjoy the windsurf itself, sharing parties, dinners, shows, a good arena facilities, and a terrific environment.

Pontal de Itapuã is a race that starts in the south of Porto Alegre city, right along the Guaiba River, through the “Itapuã State Park”- an environmental preservation area – up to the Itapuã Lighthouse, returning, by the same gates to the starting point at south urban area of Porto Alegre City. The Guaiba River is huge, but join all necessary characteristics for a safe race. The Gates chosen induces the race to a “S” track, located along channel of access to Porto Alegre harbour. Slight Changes on wind direction and intensity leads to a completelt different strategy on race, that makes the search for a better result a necessary combination of fitness, strategy and technics, testing the sailors’full profile.

The race is an individual challenge, testing everyone’s limits allowing each sailor to quit the race any monent, keeping it’s apportunities on race due to a specific classification rule, that takes into consideration the last gate reached at that day.

A second class, created for people who doesn’t have FW boards called “Sport” gives the opportunitie for other people to run a short version of the race, 14 miles, 2 days, starting the spirit of L.D. races.

The first and second edition of this race were successful, 56 and 78 pilots respectively, consolidating this race and increasing the expectations for the next year, including sailors for all South America.

Due to the distances and possible weather changes along a day, the safety is an obsessive point considered by the race organization, in such a way, all possible measures and facilities are applied, as 18 boats, 25 rescue professionals, mobile phones, radios, air support, etc. No incidents, of any kind o personal damage, have ever happened.

A geat race is expected for this year, and reports of the races progress will follow.

Ricardo Pretz

BRA 37

The link to the website is: www.raia1.com.br/itapua2004/index.htm