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| SENSINI
AND BOUMAN RULE THE WORLD The most incredible day of windsurfing of this millennium. The First RS:X world championships has been a great success, Firstly the biggest fleet in 20 plus years, secondly not a general recall in any race, period. And last of all, the closest racing ever seen in windsurfing history. The crowd was out in force here in Torbole. People traveled miles to experience the happening. Novice windsurfers staring out at the spectacle. Local families playing on the stony beach. Just a lot of people. The papers, television and radio stations all had news of the event plastered in every corner of the tabloids. So the spectators were very in tune with the program. Sailors even signing autographs.  The
Men’s Medal race was held at 13:50, with a building breeze peaking
at around 18 knots. Full planing conditions. The course was moved inside
to the inner bay. Police watercraft were scouting the perimeter to keep
the scores of spectator craft out of the race area. The ten competitors
all had their race faces on. Ready to sail a windward leeward 1 course.
Make or brake time was upon them. The start gun sounded, and the fleet split
into no definite side, all head down full noise racing. Miarczinski Przemek(POL)
better known as Pont was flying he reached first mark first.followed by
Casper Bouman(NED) Tom Ashley(NZL) Joeri Van Dijk.(NED) and Nick Dempsey(GBR).
Pont lead from start to finish. And the battle for 1st was really on. All
Casper had to do was keep in front of Tom. As the scores are doubled in
the Medal round. There was not more than 10 board lengths in the top 6 places.
The people on the spectator boats could be heard load and clear. Cheers
for all the sailors competing. In the end Pont won the race, but it was
Casper who was to win the battle. Tom came in a credible 3rd, with Joeri
in 4th. Press Boats mobbed the Dutch coach boat of Casper. All the Dutch
team members were all jumping around their boats. Dutch television sent
film directly to Holland. By the time Casper had reached the shore, a telegram
from the Dutch royal family had arrived to congratulate him on this amazing
achievement. A very excited group all chanting “HUP Holland” The
other competitor all sailed up and congratulated Casper, a great show of
the amazing competitive spirit these guys have. The
women started about 15 minutes after the last finisher in the men’s
medal race. A slight increase in wind strength, and even more spectators.
All jockeying to get a glimpse of Alessandra Sensini(ITA). The same course
was used as before, windward leeward 1. It was not such an easy race as
in the men’s. The fleet was really split. All but Faustine Merret were
off the line clean. Crossing some ten seconds behind t6he group. The top
mark rounding saw Barbara Kendall(NZL) and Alessandra Sensini locked together
nearly colliding words were exchanged but there was no infringements. Next
to round was Marina Alabau(ESP), and then a grouping of Charline Picon(FRA)
and Romy Kinzl(GER).The reaches were a speed track, and as the women sped down towards the water front of Torbole, the police had to sound their sirens to keep the masses of spectator boats out of the course. Barbara dropped back letting Marina through, as they rounded the bottom mark. Alessandra continued to lead, as they back markers caught up causing a bunch up on the way back upwind. The lead changed again. Marina had a lucky shift and squeezed past Alessandra, She held the lead going into the slalom finish. Both closed in on the first jibe mark, Marina pumped and planed into turn two. Alessandra got stuck in the jibe and lost maybe 15 board lengths. It was all Marina. The crowd were going completely bonkers. The mass of coach, jury, race committee and press boats neared the finish line. As Marina lead to the finish. Alessandra bit here bottom lip and in an interview afterwards, said “I just closed her eyes and pumped like crazy”. When she finally opened her eyes she had pumped over marina and with only metres to go, crossed in first place. Now Italians are loud at the best of times, well you should have heard the throng ocheers and then the chorus of the national anthem. Such an emotional moment. Alessandra was screaming at the top of her voice, Her coach and young nephew were right on the spot to give embraces and kisses Italian style. An Italian flag was produced, and Alessandra decided to do a lap of honour on one of the Police jet skis, screaming in Italian, :Three colours, three colours”. Once on the beach the press photographers mobbed her, and well that was the last we saw of her until the Prize giving. The sailors that didn’t qualify for the medal rounds had an opportunity to participate a long distance which had was a rabbit start. Gebi being the rabbit. And all had a great time. The prize giving was a fan fare of prizes. Beautiful glass trophies for the long distance. Accompanied by local wine. The top ten men and women all got trophies, a print from a famous local artist. And more wine. The top three men and women all received a very cool looking trophy which looked like a hand holding up a globe engraved and etched in real gold. It must be said that the Circolo Surf Torbole have done a fantastic job during the championship, all the race committee and the jury, worked extremely hard. All the sailors have walked away with an amazing life experience. In the weeks ahead check in to see the video of the event, a heap more photos, and more profiles on the sailors. Thanks everybody for checking in. Thanks Belly 10/02/06 |