Light winds and a small swell off the coast of the sunny Western Australian town of Lancelin today has meant the world’s best windsurfers have the pressure on tomorrow to show their best form when the competition takes off in earnest.
Wave sailing is one of the most spectacular forms of the sport and approximately 70 competitors will sail tomorrow in heats to out-manoeuvre each other with the highest aerials or radical wave sailing.
Event organiser Rob Goyen said conditions were expected to improve tomorrow with the start time planned for noon and competition lasting until approximately 6pm.
“Winds of 15 to 20kn are forecast tomorrow so it’s looking good for some spectacular wave competition.
“Everyone’s here, the excitement is building and competitors are amped to get out on the water.
“Competition will be fierce with last year’s winners back to contest their titles and some newcomers here to challenge their skills against the world’s best.”
Perth’s Ben Severne is back to defend his 2010 Lancelin Ocean Classic wave sailing title with last year’s second place winner and past European Champion Peter Volwater his closest rival.
On Saturday the Ledge Point to Lancelin Marathon will see at least 400 windsurfers from around the globe fly downwind along the coast, including 2010 winner and past and World Windsurfing Championship winner Bjorn Dunkerbeck. For many it is a case of just finishing the 25km course and others will fight for a share of the $25,000 total prize pool.
Back to contest the women’s slalom title on Sunday will be world’s best female windsurfer Karin Jaggi from Switzerland.
Presented by KineticIT, The Lancelin Ocean Classic has been held since 1986, and is made possible thanks to the enthusiastic Lancelin community, Eventscorp, Bendigo Bank, Endeavour Tavern, Shire of Gingin, 92.9, and a team of dedicated volunteers.
Lancelin’s population of 800 can swell to more than 4000 over the four days of the event with competitors, spectators, media and supporters descending on the crayfishing town, which boasts long stretches of white sand beaches ideal for all forms of watersports and water-based activities.
For event details visit www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au
