PWA World Cup Guincho Wave Contest 2006 – Preview

Estoril’s Atlantic coast is preparing to once again play host to the who’s who of professional windsurfing. From the 6th to the 11th of June, the finest wave sailors in the world will descend upon the beautiful Praia do Guincho to face each other in competition.

Now in the second year since its rebirth, the Guincho World Cup will be the first chance for the world to see just who is in the running for the 2006 Wave Crown. In the men’s fleet, all eyes will be on 2005 World Champion, Kauli Seadi (Quatro / Naish) to see if he can uphold the promise he has shown in recent years as the next wave sailing legend. Looking to topple the young Brazilian will be 2005 event winner Matt Pritchard (Tabou / Gaastra), 2005 Wave number two Nik Baker (Mistral / North), former World Champions, Josh Angulo, Kevin Pritchard (Starboard / Maui Sails), Scott McKercher (Starboard / Severne) and Jason Polakow (JP, Neil Pryde) as well as the next generation of talent such as Victor Fernandez (Fanatic, Simmer), Alex Mussolini (JP / Neil Pryde), Moroccan sensation Boujmaa Guilloul (Starboard / Severne) and three times Freestyle World Champion Ricardo Campello (JP / Neil Pryde).

Joining the men at this year’s event will be the ever growing women’s division, headed up of course by the infinitely talented Daida and Iballa Moreno (Mistral / North). Leading the challenge against the Canarian duo, will be World Tour veteran Karin Jaggi (F2 / North), 2005 Rookie of the Year Junko Nagoshi (F2 / Simmer), Anne Marie Reichman (Naish / Naish) and Nayra Alonso (Fanatic / Severne) to name but a few.

Last years contest demonstrated exceptional conditions with everything from strong starboard tack side shore winds, to light side on port tack. Check out the images from last year’s event HERE

The variety and quality of the conditions mean that the eventual winners will need to demonstrate the ability to sail in whatever the Atlantic can throw at them. The fun begins on the 6th June so be sure to check out www.pwaworldtour.com for all the action as it happens.