After a promising start to the day here in Vargas the wind and waves failed
to reach a consistent enough level to allow any official competition sailing.
This morning looked like we were on – head high hollow waves and wind blowing
from the northeast. However by the time the breeze had fully kicked in around
noon, high tide seemed to dissipate the swell.

Despite the lack of official competition there was still some hot free sailing
going down. Dutch sailor Erik Troostheide (Mistral, North) was amongst the first
to hit the water this morning. With a light offshore breeze and a smack-able
shore break, ‘Toasty’ was pleasing the crowds and fellow sailors with some sick
aerials.

Eric Troostheide (Mistral, North)
"I was lucky this morning. It was beautiful, slightly offshore but light
winds. I got a gust and managed to get a huge back loop – jump of the day I
hear. It was fun sailing, Vargas is super fun, the waves were super hollow,
it was just a shame we didn’t get the thing finished"

Ex world champion Kevin Pritchard (Bic, Gaastra) was also ripping toady and
making the most of a valuable practice session before his next heat against
the Argentinean wave guru Francisco Goya (Fanatic, Arrows).

Kevin Pritchard (Bic, Gaastra)
"I haven¹t heard any forecasts, I hope we get it tomorrow. It was
a long day at the beach and a lot of waiting. It looked very promising, we had
surf this morning at low tide and wind this afternoon but we couldn¹t get
the combination. I have Cisco in the next round so that should be a walk in
the park for me!"

Francisco Goya (Fanatic, Arrows)
"This morning was looking good. It looked like a promising day. It is still
not over. Tell Pritchard I like his attitude!"

British number one sailor Nik Baker managed to score a couple of nice waves
during the afternoon session. He was also keeping a beady eye on his next opponent
Kauli Seadi (Naish boards, Naish sails) of Brazil. Both sailors are currently
looking very strong contenders here in Vargas and their heat promises to be
explosive!

Nik Baker (Mistral, North)
"I hope it happens tomorrow. It has been a bit of a frustrating day today.
I looked out the window this morning and the fans were going round. The wind
was in the right direction and there were some great waves. I thought within
an hour or two we would be on. It has been a bit of a waiting game. We have
been on the beach for ten hours today. The forecast is not so good for tomorrow
but you never know with this place"

American sailor, Josh Angulo patriotically raised the ‘stars and stripes’ flag
from his pit area this morning. Angulo is fired up to do well here in Vargas
and will face Greg Allaway of Australia if conditions co-operate tomorrow.

Josh Angulo
"We are still waiting but hopefully tomorrow will happen. I have two flags
flying from my pit area. I have got to represent man! Both my countries America
and Cape Verde, I am proud of being a dual citizen! I have Grubby in the next
round he is ripping so I will have to do my best"

With one day remaining here in Vargas it looks like the competition may go
down to the wire. We have already scored with epic down the line action in the
North of the island three days ago. If the forecast co-operates a day of ballistic
Vargas jumping could make one hell of a finish to the first wave event on this
year’s PWA world tour.