The Rehasport Clinic Formula Windsurfing World Championships has kicked off in style here in Puck, Poland with 57 competitors from 15 countries already completing 5 races today. That sounds like a lot, but with the schedule of 30 races to be sailed everything can still change.
Short exciting racing and the conditions fitting the occasion with 20kts and 25*C made the day a good one for all. And what a mixture we have here. Foiling, as exciting as it is, has brought fresh blood to the class with the youngest of competitors being just 13 and competing on the same starting line with some windsurfing legends including the Olympic gold medallist Marina Alabau.
Linda Falkiewicz, who sails Techno293 at her home club in Sopot was very excited about the day. She finished all the races and had a great big smile on her face at the end of the day.
“This is my second foiling event, the first one was last week. This is a new experience, it is tough, but I’m having a lot of fun and I’m sure this will help my windsurfing in the future. I’m a little scared of the conditions, the wind is very strong, but at the end of the day I can say it was great fun, but I prefer when it is windy. I finished all my races today, which is actually the goal for me at this championship. I enjoy foiling and can’t wait to get back to it later, but the most important events for me this year will be on the Techno293 – the Polish Championships and Worlds later this year.”
Fingers crossed for Lidia and the rest of the competitors.
After day one it is Steve Allen (AUS) ahead of Elia Colombo (SUI) and Wojtek Brzozowski (POL)
