Winds returned today allowing for the popular long distance races held in
front of Fisherman’s Huts. Local sailor Michel de Jong, ARU-11 was rigging
his biggest sail, a 6.7 meter. In the typical racing much larger sails are
used but with the typical conditions in Aruba, most local and regional
sailors do no possess the rigs necessary for proper competition. Long
distance racing will be held for two days thus allowing several races for
the fastest to dominate.
Long Distance Results for today:
Men
1. Taty Frans NB 9
2. Daniel Badell V 170
3. Ryan Lampe ARU 5
Masters
1. Patun Saragoza NB 8
Ricardo Albisu A 22
Ricardo de Weever ARU 92
Women
1. Manou Becker ARU 3
2. Janet Ziekenoppasser ARU 83
3. Tatja Becker ARU 28
Junior
1. Javier Sint Jago ARU 21
2. Choko Frans, NB 6
3. Quincy Offringa ARU 10
The Kids, Super Kids and New Kids had their own long distance races run by
Frank Eelens. The competition was tight in the Super Kids category. Kiran
Badloe, NB- 94 and his buddy and rival, Amada Vrieswikjk, NB 20, exchanged
front spot throughout the race. Kiran suffered a twisted ankle in the last
heat while team mate Jurgen Saragoza, NB 117 also suffered a slight
injury. Local hot shot Brunno Matarozzi, ARU- 43 offered some stiff
competition. In keeping with family tradition Bjorn Saragoza, NB 11 won
top spot in the Kids Long Distance Race. He was ahead by two laps planing
fast and furious throughout the heats. Speed must be in the genes of this
young talent. His father, former Olympian Patoun Sargoza placed in the top
third in today’s long distance as well as being ahead in the Masters
Slalom races.
After lunch compliments of Taco Bell, the crowd pleaser, Freestyle
commenced with sporadic gusty winds. Who will be crowned King of the
Huts? Sailors had a four minutes to show their stuff in this single ladder
elimination. Pressure was on. It was clearly a battle between the ABC
islands with a few international sailors in the mix. Local favorite Wim
Eelens threw the first forward loop of the day. His spocks and vulcans
dazzled the crowds. Venezuelan windsurf rock star, Alexis Zaballa, V-41 is
no stranger to Hi Winds. Alexis was the 2001 winner of the freestyle here
in Aruba. He is ranked 17 in the world for Freestyle but today, he was
outmaneuvered by a young gun. It was 14 year old Kiri Thode from Bonaire
who wowed the crowd with his new move called the Gecko Flaka. This light
wind Flaka was named by Ann Phelan after she saw him create this new move
on Bonaire this past Spring. Judges here in Aruba didn’t even know what to
call it but by the end of the PWA tour, this move will be a familiar name
as Kiri advances and emerges as one of the brightest stars in freestyle.
It’s all in the family today at Hi Wind. Brothers Choko and Taty Frans
battled it out with Kiri all battling for the coveted first place. In the
end it was Taty’s two year experience in the PWA tour as well as his
finely honed skills that earned him first place. Tonight he and cousin
Kiri head to Europe to join the PWA tour.
The kite surf competition commenced at 5 PM under the sparkling blue
Arubian sky. There was a dazzling display of aerial tricks including rail
grabs, superman, board flips and table tops. Jeroen Roevros from Holland
got the biggest air in most of the stunts while locals Lysander Loefstok,
Andrew Arends and Armando Wester proved have what it takes to impress the
crowd. Aruba has potential to be one of the hottest venue for kite
competition. The crowds loved the show and wanted more. It was the perfect
way to end the day.
Sundays schedule includes Queen, Prince and Kid of the Huts competition as
well as more long distance races. BULA will have another spectacular
bikini contest at 2:00 PM.
Sponsors: Corona Extra, Aruba Tourism Authority, Dunkin Donuts, Coca Cola,
Sailboard Vacations, Aruba Boardsailing Productions, Zenitel, Aruba Aloe,
BULA, Kukoo Kunuku, Bread Boutique, The Pelican Nest, Kokoa Bar and
Restaurant, Koninklijke Marine, Adventure Golf, Moomba Beach, Taco Bell,
Tattoo Party Cruises, Columbian Emeralds, Dufry, More for Less, Super Food
