With the forecast calling for nuclear bolt onshore winds and pumping swells - which would make it near on impossible to run a world-class contest - it came as a relief to the sailors when they arrived early in the morning to find the wind blowing cross onshore with head high waves. During the first few heats the guys were on 4.7s, but the wind quickly backed off making 5.3s and 5.7s more the norm.

Following on from the previous day, the top 16 were scheduled to hit the water to make amends or defend their positions in the double elimination. Five sailors had already begun their charge, but many would be stopped dead in their tracks. The winner of the single elimination, Kauli Seadi (JP, NeilPryde, MFC) had been waiting patiently for 36 hours, watching his opponents closely to see who would meet him in the ultimate finale.

Fernandez Fights

With a less than perfect start to the event, having been knocked out in his second heat by an on form Camille Juban (Gun, MFC), the current tour leader and three times Pozo champion, Victor Fernandez (Fanatic, North, MFC) had his work cut out if he was to remain in contention for the title.

The Spaniard had fought his way through three heats yesterday, but had nine more to go to steal the show. Considering it's possible for a top seeded sailor to win a full double elimination after just six heats, this was a mountainous task, and one that hadn't been seen since the legendary Jason Polakow (JP, NeilPryde) tore a similar path straight through the fleet in Cabo Verde some four years ago.

A fired up Fernandez hit the water in the second heat of the day, and didn't finish until the competition was through. Perfect doubles, massive backloops, and impressive rides scored him plenty of points with the judges, whilst placing fearful thoughts in the minds of anyone that had to go against him.

Midway through the day Fernandez was looking tired, but no one could stop the port tack maestro who was on a warpath straight to the final. There were plenty of close calls, including that when he went up against his good friend and team mate, Klaas Voget (Fanatic, Simmer, MFC). But, probably the most dangerous was when he met his archrival, Philip Koster (Starboard, NeilPryde, Dakine). Having been beaten by the young German in Pozo in 2009, and again in the first double elimination final there in 2010, Fernandez knew that his run may have ended. However, Fernandez grit his teeth, matching a trademark Koster double, whilst also adding some stylish riding to advance through and fight another heat.

From that moment on, Fernandez looked like he could go all the way, and after taking the scalps off former world champion Kevin Pritchard (Starboard, Gaastra, Dakine, MFC), Canarian ripper Dany Bruch (Patrik, Severne, MFC), and triple loop dare devil Ricardo Campello (JP, NeilPryde, MFC), he took down the single elimination champion, Kauli Seadi (JP, NeilPryde, MFC). But, in accordance with PWA rules, the winner of the double elimination must beat the victor of the single twice to take the overall crown.