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We have recieved the following press release from the PWA. It is not necessarily reflecting the position of the IFWC but to ensure a complete information about the FW scene we present it here non the less.
The International FormulaWindsurfing Class is welcoming the effords of the PWA to introduce the FW racing format also in some of their regattas. This is an obvious sign how successfull and attractive FormulaWindsurfing is. We are looking forward to a close and constructive cooperation with the PWA. Each new event is welcome as an interesting plattform for the competitors, manufacturers and media.
We hope that the PWA will work together with the Windsurfing Office that is running the world wide FW Grand Prix series with 4 events and a total prize money of EUR 175.000,00 and the continental Windsurfing Euro-Cup series with ten events and a total prize money of EUR 180.000,00 in close cooperation with the IFWC to ensure that a big worldwide calendar is realized, positive competition of the different events is supported and destoying fights are avoided.
The IFWC is the governing body for Formula Windsurfing.
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PWA Press release received 20.05.02
Following the rebirth of the PWA during 2001, the Professional Windsurfers Association will once more be complete as the single, no compromise, governing body for Professional Windsurfing Worldwide.
The PWA is pleased to announce the addition of the 2002 PWA Pan Am Cup in Puerto Rico, as the first PWA Formula racing World Cup for 2002. This Grand Prix event at the beginning of August, will herald the return of racing to the PWA circuit, making the PWA the single most recognized arena sanctioned by the ISAF, for the 3 main windsurfing disciplines, Racing, Wave Performance and Freestyle.
Phil McGain PWA Chairman- “We have been working hard to secure a stronger tour this year and with racing returning to the PWA tour in the form of Formula, we are able to deliver what the sailors, industry and media have been asking for”.
Puerto Rico Event Organizer Jaime Torres:
“Last year we had about 50 competitors. This year we expect 100 to 120 competitors. The prize money will definitely attract some exciting world talent. We expect the participation of the Current Formula World Champion Kevin Pritchard (Bic, Gaastra) and runner up French superstar Antoine Albeau (AHD, Neil Pryde). Sure to come is Neil Pryde-sponsored Wojtek Brzozowski (Starboard, Neil Pryde) from Poland, the former Formula World class Champion. Confirming also are the Argentina National Champion, Gonzalo Costa-Hoevel (Starboard, Neil Pryde), along with National Champions from Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and other Caribbean islands. The PWA will be well represented by Course Racing powerhouses Jimmy Diaz (Neil Pryde), and Micah Buzianis (North, Mistral), along with veteran Phil McGain (Gaastra). The biggest group is going to be a strong contingent of European Formula Racers which will make this event a World Class competition.”
Following on from Puerto Rico will be the Freestyle and Race Grand Slam in Canada¹s Magdalen Islands, and then the Wave and Race Grand Slam at Sylt, Germany in September.
These 3 events, that will also encompass the Formula Windsurfing World Championships in Sylt (joint FW class and PWA formula event), will represent the cutting edge of Formula Racing and will raise the profile of the discipline to a new level of professionalism and expertise.
The Canadian event, in it¹s first year on the international stage as a PWA event, will play host to 200 competitors from around the globe who will battle it out in both Formula Racing and Freestyle disciplines. Racing will see 100 120 entrants fighting for first place, with Freestyle attracting some of the biggest names in the sport to this beautiful and rugged location.
With the past success of the Sylt World Cup through our continuing relationship with MNP (Matthias Neumann), this year¹s event will no doubt be a huge windsurfing spectacular, thus cementing the bond between IWA, PWA and the Formula Class, and establishing PWA as the premier body for professional racing regatta¹s.
For details of these and other events on the PWA World Tour, visit www.pwaworldtour.com.
