Ross Williams holds on (pic: PWA/Carter)
The Sylt PWA 2004 Labello Grand Slam Day 4
Wednesday September 29, 2004
It’s been a thrilling day of windsurf action as the top racers in the world have been battling it out in the light winds and glorious sunshine here in Sylt. Race one saw Micah Buzianis (F2/North Sails) go over the line early causing a restart of the race. It took two attempts to complete race one as the wind failed to stay consistent for long enough. As the race progressed it was obvious that Ross Williams (Starboard/Gaastra) was on form. His speed and tactics allowed him to pull out a healthy lead ahead of Antoine Albeau (AHD/Neil Pryde). Coming down the last reach though Williams seemed to be slowing up and Albeau blasted past him. It was almost as if Williams was unsure which side of the finish buoy he had to pass! So it was Albeau 1st Williams 2nd and Kevin Pritchard (Starboard/Gaastra) 3rd.
The racers were straight back out for race 2 of the day. Williams made no mistakes and came home in 1st place, obviously remembering what side of the line to pass on this time! Coming in 2nd was Steve Allen who was on a charge and 3rd was The Flying Camel otherwise known as Arnon Dagan (Fanatic). Albeau was down in 5th in the light winds.
Race 3 was a blinder for Williams again as he stormed around the course. Dutchman Pieter Bijl found form after a slow start to the day and blasted over the line in 2nd. Kevin Pritchard crossed the line in 3rd followed by Arnon Dagan in 4th.
The 4th and final race of the day was an intensive battle right from the start with the top 5 sailors neck and neck for most of the race. Williams pulled out a small lead but Steve Allen was right on his tail ready to pounce. All the final reach towards the finish and with no more than 100 meters left Allen took his chance and sailed below Williams and nudged out in front to claim the race win. Williams had to settle for 2nd, Kevin Pritchard for 3rd and Pieter Bijl showed his face again in 4th. Antoine Albeau was down in 6th place, which must have been hurting him.
So as it stands midway through the event Ross Williams is leading, Steve Allen is in 2nd and Kevin Pritchard is in 3rd. Albeau is hanging on to 4th place. You can guarantee that he will be fired up and on the come back trail.
