DAY 4 – ANOTHER WINDLESS DAY IN PARADISE LEAVES BUZIAINS AND ARRIGHETTI SITTING PRETTY AT THE TOP WHILST THEIR RIVALS EAGERLY AWAIT THE RETURN OF THE MELTEMI.

With a similar forecast to the previous day, there was little hope of the Meltemi returning with enough force to allow the competitors to head out into Alacati’s beautiful bay and recommence battle today.

Those sailors that did leave the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms were met with soaring temperatures and a gentle southerly breeze to cool them down. The free keg of Foster’s beer helped to raise both the sailors and spectators spirits, but what they really want is to get back on the water and race.

With plenty of time spent on standby, we took the opportunity to talk to former world champion and current tour leader, Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) about her battle with 2009 world champion, Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft, Mystic), and the announcement of the women’s slalom final in Almanarre, France.

PWA: How do you feel about your racing so far this week?

KJ: “It started off really well with a win in the very first race. Unfortunately, I got run over in the second one, and in the two following races my starts were simply not good enough. My speed is great but with just a very short leg to the first gybe mark there’s no way to make up ground, not even with an average or ok start. With this course, starting equates to well over 50% of the whole race. Then there’s another 25% for the first gybe, after which you can only really advance or drop one position over the rest of the course.”

PWA: Were you hoping to tie up the 2010 world title here?

KJ: “I knew it would be hard for me to win here in Alacati. Naturally I’m trying to give it my best though. But, with the flat water and light wind conditions there’s really no room for error.”

PWA: Is the pressure mounting now that Alamanarre (and therefore a discard) has been announced?

KJ: “Maybe a bit for the world title, but I’m just simply so happy that this event will take place. It’ll be great fun to have a women’s only event once again, and to return to France is simply the best thing for windsurfing in Europe. Apart from that Almanarre is actually my ‘local’ beach – where I learnt to water start, gybe, and joined the world tour for my very first event! Albeit a very long time ago… So, all in all, I’m just stoked that this event is happening!”

PWA: What are your thoughts on an all female end of season finale?

KJ: “It’ll be great. The place is just perfect – easy to reach by car from all over Europe, and the conditions can be anything from light to strong winds, onshore and offshore. Plus, there are heaps of local windsurfers in the area which will guarantee a good crowd on the beach. The only real downside to the event is that it was announced at such short notice. But, all of the women I’ve spoken to are giving it their best shot to join us in Almanarre.”

PWA: So what’s your game plan for the rest of the event here in Alacati?

KJ: “Just to do my best, I can’t do anything more than that, and I can’t control anyone else. I know that my equipment works extremely well this year, so speed and control are definitely not even an issue. But, I do have to sail with a bit more of a tactical mind – stay away from possible crashes, and improve my starts to be successful in the end.”

Results After Four Races

Men

1st Micah Buzianis (JP, NeilPryde)

2nd Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde)

3rd Finian Maynard (RRD, Gaastra)

4th Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North)

5th Julien Quentel (RRD, NeilPryde)

6th Bora Kozanoglu (JP, NeilPryde)

7th Alberto Menegatti (Starboard, Simmer)

8th Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard, Simmer)

9th Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne, Mystic)

10th Enes Yilmazer (JP, NeilPryde)

Women

1st Valerie Arrighetti (Tabou, Loft, Mystic)

2nd Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne)

3rd Sarah Hebert (Naish, Naish)

4th Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard, Gaastra)

5th Fanny Aubet (JP, NeilPryde)

Eye On The Horizon

The forecast looks much more promising for the final two days of competition here in Turkey, so with any luck the racers will get their chance to hit the crystal clear waters once again.

Keep in the groove

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com

Here you can use our:

• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins

• Check live elimination ladders

• View results

• Read daily news summaries

• Browse awesome action photo galleries

There’s also a dedicated event website which can be found at www.surfnsound.org

Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via [email protected]