ISA Speedsurfing Grand Prix Fuerteventura 2006 – Day 1

The first days of the Fuerteventura Grand Prix saw difficult conditions for the 87 competitors from all around the world. Winds gusting up to 35 knots and breaking waves on the speedcourse made it hard for everyone.

The Silverfleet was sent out first to battle for the 10 qualifying places to upgrade to the gold fleet. Some of the PWA Slalom competitors, who entered the event after the registration period, also had to go through this qualification system.

As expected, Gonzalo Costa Hovel (ARG, F2), Arnon Dagan (ISR, Fanatic), Steve Thorp (GBR) and other experienced riders showed their talent and qualified easily. The last place from the silver fleet went to Daniel  Hasulyo from Hungary (Starboard). He is just 12 years old and with a speed of 23.15 knots the new Hungarian record holder, pending WSSRC ratification.

In the womens fleet, Karin Jaggi (SUI, F2, North) defeated Valerie Ghibaudo (FRA, T1) and Allison Shreeve (AUS, F2).

The gold fleet race saw the battle of the worlds fastest windsurfers in very technical conditions. Finian Maynard (BVI, F2) this time was able to defeat his big opponent Bjorn Dunkerbeck (AND, T1, North) who became third. Patrik Diethelm (ITA, F2, North) with an incredible performance on a production Missile XS snatched the second place in front of Bjorn. The french Mussilmany brothers then took places four and five.

In addition, three national records where set pending WSSRC ratification: Gonzalo Costa Hoevel for Argentina with a speed of 35.73 knots, Arnon Dagan for Israel with a speed of 35.60 knots and Spatharis Vangelis fr Greece with a speed of 32.90 knots. Of course everyone hopes for better water conditions during the next week to rise these marks again.

Racing continues tomorrow woth round two of the Speedsurfing Grand Prix 2006.

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