Tuesday April 16, 2002

For the fifth year Leucate is hosting the Le Mondial du Vent [16 to the 21
April 2002], first of 2002’s PWA Freestyle Qualifier events. This first freestyle
world cup event will start in La Franqui, a world famous site for freestylers
in Leucate. It is a "Grande Première" for French media and
TV to welcome sailors from eight different nations.

A tremendous crowd is expected to watch the professional sailors on the beach.
200,000 people came to visit Leucate for last years Mondial du vent, during
Easter. They were here to be entertained by the spectacular aerial maneuvers
performed by world-class sailors participating in the event.

Some of the best in the world will be here; Antoine Albeau (F-192, Neil Pryde/AHD),
the 2001 free style world champion, Julien Taboulet (F-100, JP/Neil Pryde) ranked
5th 2001, the flying Norwegian Vidar Jensen (N-44, North Sails) ranked 4th 2001.

Martin Van Genhooven (KC-25, North Sails/AHD), Eric Girard (KC-63, Starboard),
Sylvain Puig (F-74, North Sails), Bruno André, Mathieu Bonno, Bieuzy
Mauffret and two young newcomers 16 year-olds will compete on the famous beach
of La Franqui for the 2002 event.

Five International and two French judges will decide who will be the best Freestyle
sailor of the week.