MONDIAL DU VENT PWA FREESTYLE QUALIFIER, DAY 4

Light Winds Demand An Innovative Response From Creatively Inspired Sailors

Tuesday April 22, 2003
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Once again, the blue skies and sunshine of the Southern French town of
Leucate have not failed to disappoint visitors to the Mondial Du Vent here
at La Franqui beach. The contest awoke to glassy seas and a rapidly
clearing sky, which brought no more than a gentle breeze to tease the
flags and banners.

In response to this less than perfect start, the sailors of the PWA set
about finding fun replacements to keep them occupied whilst waiting for
the wind.

Bonaire hero, Tonky Frans (Gaastra, AHD) was seen cruising town, looking
like a relative giant on a 30cm skateboard, whilst Venezuelan, PWA
Freestyle number 2, Ricardo Campello (Neil Pryde, JP) and fellow
countryman Alexis Zaballa (North, Mistral) put on a display of aerial
freestyle on dry land. The two South Americans were hooked up to the
bungee apparatus and launched skywards attached to their freestyle kit!
Much to the appreciation of the watching crowds.

Race director Olaf Van Tol, decided to put on a little display on the
water, with a light wind freestyle contest. There were many worthy
performances with quite a few sailors demonstrating impressive skill, but
in the end the final honors went to:

1. Tonky Frans (Gaastra, AHD)
2. Pascal Joly (Arrows, F2)
3. Remko De Weerd (Gaastra, fanatic)

Weather forecasts do not look too promising for the rest of the week, but
PWA regular and local hotshot, Julien Taboulet (Neil Pryde, JP) told us
"Anything can happen here, even a day like this can get windy very quick.

Anything could happen!"