IFCA European Slalom Championships 2005


Alaçatý, June 24th 2005. The second day brought again perfect conditions for the IFCA European Slalom Championships 2005 in Alaçatý, Çeþme (Turkey). In the afternoon the breeze picked up to over 20 knots. Today the race committee set up a downwind slalom course. Two eliminations were run for the men’s fleet and one for the men and the women. Finian Maynard (KV-11, F2, Naish Sails) from the British Virgin Islands was able to defend his lead. The other leaders Allison Shreeve (AUS-911, F2, Neil Pryde) from Australia and the reigning Formula Windsurfing European Master Champion Marco Begalli (ITA-415, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) were even able to extend their domination.

In the first elimination the current Speed World record holder Finian Maynard dominated the final and won with a huge lead. On the second position followed Sam Ireland (CAN-1, Starboard, Neil Pryde) from Canada with Ben van der Steen (NED-57, Exocet, Neil Pryde) from the Netherlands on his heals. Dan Ellis (GBR-52, Fanatic, Naish Sails) from Great Britain followed in fourth position in front of Hüseyin Sert (TUR-10, F2, North).

In the second elimination the Canadian Sam Ireland scored his first bullet in this regatta. Close on his heals followed a pack of riders lead by Ben van der Steen. On the third position was Arnon Dagan (ISR-1, Fanatic, Neil Pryde) followed by Finian Maynard and Ben van der Steen.

The Formula Windsurfing Vice World Champion Allison Shreeve continued her domination in the women’s fleet with another straight victory in front of Scadi Pekdag (TUR-626, F2, Gaastra) and Cagla Kubat (TUR-75, Fanatic, Gaastra). After the second day Allison is leading with 2,1 points in front of the Turkish Champion Cagla Kubat with 6,0 points and Scadi Pekdag with 7,0 points.

Also Marco Begalli was unbeatable in the masters fleet and scored the fifth bullet in the fifth race. He is clearly leading with perfect 2,1 points. On the second position follows Leonid Judin (SAM-1, Starboard, Severne) with 6,0 point in front of Aydin Gözen (TUR-53, F2, North Sails) with 9,0 points.

The result list is getting more interesting after the second day of the IFCA European Slalom Championships. Finian Maynard is still in the lead with a total of 3,4 points. But due to his consistent performance and his victory in the last race Sam Ireland is moving closer. He is now raising the pressure on the leader with 5,7 points. On the third position follows Arnon Dagan with 7,7 points. Again Dan Ellis finds himself in a tie at the end of the day. Today he is fighting with Ben van der Steen for the fourth position. Both have 10,0 points but Ben has the better discard and therefore sneaks ahead. Place 6 brings the next tie with Marko Begalli and Hüseyin Sert fighting head to head both with 18,0 points. Hüseyin conquers the sixth position with the better discard.

For tomorrow the forecasts predict strong wind with up to 30 knots. So everybody is looking forward to some spectacular high wind slalom. The Skippers Meeting is set for 11:00 with the first possible start at 12:00. The IFCA European Slalom Championships 2005 will last until Sunday, June 26th. The closing ceremony with prize giving will take place on Sunday evening.

The official website of the event with more information is www.surfnsound.org. The IFCA European Slalom Championships 2005 are covered on www.euro-cup.org, and www.internationalwindsurfing.com. Besides the reports and the results you will also find a live ticker on www.euro-cup.org. So check out the internet!

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Sponsors and Supporters:

Hosted by: Governer of Çeşme, Alaçatı Beach Club,Municipality of Alacati Municipality of Çeşme
Organized by: Sportworks Group,Turkish Sailing Federation
Main Sponsor: JIM BEAM
Sponsors:  POWER FM, NTV, QUIKSILVER, OAKLEY, PEPSİ, ARÇELİK, ALTINYUNUS HOTEL
Supporters: Alaçatı Beach Club,Sole Mare

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