For 28 years running the Sylt world cup has been the largest and most spectacular windsurfing event on the planet. Featuring all three of the main disciplines, competition is spread over ten days. The event attracts well over 200,000 spectators to witness to worlds best slalom sailors hurl themselves around the race course, see the freestylers spin their way through each heat and watch the wave fleet launching into the most death-defying jumps.
Due to the exposed location of the island, the weather conditions on Westerland beach can range from ferocious wind and waves to flat calm freestyle and slalom heaven. Sylt is the final challenge for many of the worlds best and it takes a true all-rounder to secure a victory on its testing waters.
Off the water there will be plenty to keep the crowds entertained including clinics from the pros, a multitude of surf shops, autograph signings, the Panasonic surf simulator, plenty of parties and much much more.
What's the deal?
The ten day super grand slam will take place between 23rd September to the 2nd October, marking the seventh and final event on the men's slalom and freestyle tour, the fourth event on the men's wave tour and the third stop on the women's wave tour. The sailors will be spinning, flying and going full throttle for a taste of the ?105,000 prize money and those super important end of season world ranking points, that will determine once and for all where the sailors finish.
Men's Slalom
Having sailed an exceptional year Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear) has already been announced the 2011 world slalom champion, with four event wins out of six. But, he will no doubt be in Sylt to stamp down his authority on the fleet one last time before the competition season is over.
Having been knocked off the top spot for the first time in five years, Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) is likely to be more fired up than ever to secure his second place finish. However with the likes of Ben Van Der Steen (Starboard / Loft / Mystic) hot on his heels, he will have to make sure he sails an incredible week to keep his position.
Battling it out for fourth and fifth place Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard / North) and Finian Maynard (RRD) will be charging around the course and hitting the start-lines at full speed to outdo each other.
Also in the mix and fighting to keep their top ten positions, Micah Buzianis (JP / NeilPryde), Peter Volwater (Fanatic / MauiSails), Julien Quentel (RRD / NeilPryde), Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun / Dakine) and Jimmy Diaz (Starboard / North) will be launching themselves down the straights, and flying around the corners.
As the slalom season comes to a close, expect the sailors to be pushing the starts harder than ever, pile-ups at the marks and a spectacular show of speed and agility.
Mawson, TAS
