The newly-established Windfreaks Association started, in coordination with Windsurfing Curacao, the new season on Sunday, September 13th with a long distance race on Spanish Waters. During this first race many young talented windsurfers entered the scene. Among them, Jean-Patrick van der Wolde (14) who ended up first in the category for Ages 17 and Younger. It was a long and exciting match between Rafael de Windt (15) and Steve Max (11) fighting for a second and third place in this category. The battle turned out advantageous for De Windt and Max was third.
Although the wind was very light, the race was challenging. The Freestyle competition planned for after lunch had to be postponed. In the Fun Boards class, Mylene de Vries first crossed the finish line, followed by father and son Ivan and Oscar Etmon on a tandem board. Rogier Heijst came in third. In the Formula class, Perry van der Wolde beat Fulco de Vries, second, and Hilde Tuinbeek, third.
After lunch the winners of the season-opening races and the overall winners of the past season were announced. A total of six races counted to the results of the latter. Overall champions in age category up to 15 years were Steven Max (1) Didier van der Horst (2) and Kaj van der Lubbe (3). Category up to 18 years: Victor Wederfoort (1), Felix Martina (2) and Alex da Costa Gomez (3).
In the category 18+ it turned out that women can be very fast as well. Hilde Tuinbeek triumphed over Perry van der Wolde (2) and Remco Osnabrugge (3). All prize winners received a gift certificate from Windsurfing Curacao. Windfreaks plans to organize club races every month from now on to keep the local windsurf youngsters involved and competitively trained. Windfreaks can be contacted by phone number +599 9 690 1026, or at www.windsurfingcuracao.com
Upcoming windsurf events in Curaçao
11/07/2009 Heineken Regatta Curaçao Level A
12/20/2009 Windfreaks Downwind Slalom Level A
12/27/2009 End of the Year race Level A
01/31/2010 Windfreaks Course Race Level A
02/22/2010 Windfreaks Freestyle and Course race Level A
03/07/2010 Windfreaks Downwind slalom Level B/C
03/14/2010 Windfreaks Downwind slalom Level A
04/01/2010 Curaçao International Challenge level A/B/C
05/16/2010 Windfreaks Freestyle and Course race Level A
06/13/2010 Windfreaks Freestyle and downwind Slalom Level A
