The 20th anniversary of Aruba Hi Winds held June 26- July 3 is over and once again Team Bonaire dominated. They are back from a stunning display of talent and camaraderie. Over 70 Bonairean flew to Aruba to compete in slalom (Racing) and freestyle competitions. This monumental effort led by super Mom Jessy Sint Jago and many others too numerous to mention proves this team is serious about competition. The planning involves a fund raiser whereas each person sells raffle tickets in an effort to raise money to defray the high costs of travel, accommodations, food, gear transport and more. Then a container is filled to the gills with gear and sent by boat to Aruba.  Parents take off work, kids pack and off they go to Aruba. Once in Aruba the team sets up camps and trains until it’s their chance to compete. By day the winds were gusting to over 30 mph. It was the first Hi Winds in the last few years to see this mega wind blow thru the island making for challenging conditions. Bonaire held on placing in most races in the top 3 spots. Even  Patun Saragoza showed age does not impact his performance placing him numero uno in the Masters Slalom races. Angulo riders Jaeger Sint Jago and Payo Soleano showed their stuff placing 1st and 2nd in the junior division.  Juvannie Agostien has taken on a career in diving but proved he is still a wiz above water placing 3rd in the Men’s Overall.  Whitney Rudolph pumps out the charm and comedic relief at any time but also shows he is a force to be reckoned with placing 1st in the Sports Fleet. Bonaire completely dominated the Super Kids Fleet providing a glimpse of what’s to come at Pro Kids being held in Bonaire Aug. 3-6.  In the Big Kids fleet it was mostly Bonaire.  What else can we expect when we have an entire nation supporting, sponsoring and cheering on their national windsurf team. Be proud Bonaire and look out windsurf kids. When Bonaire hits the water nothing can stop them.  Photos and results courtesy of http://www.prokidsfreestyle.com/hiwinds2006.html. 

Results MEN Overall

Results MASTER Overall

Results SPORTS Overall

Results JUNIORS Overall