The world's finest windsurfers were treated to ten days of stunning weather on Westerland beach in Sylt as a high pressure lingering over Europe brought with it blazing sun, but it also prevented the flags from flying. Despite the wind and waves not making an appearance it didn't stop the event from being as amazing as ever. Hundreds of thousands of spectators made their way to the event site throughout the week to meet the stars of the PWA, see the trade stalls, listen to the interviews and to enjoy the warm weather.

The huge crowds were also treated to four astonishing tow-in freestyle competitions, SUP races, wave tow-in action, at spot of slalom racing, surfing and the world champions being crowned at the prize giving. The fleets remained patiently on standby throughout the week but were unable to take part in any official competition, therefore leaving the results and world rankings unchanged.

A round of slalom

When the flags started to flutter on the third day, the race crew wasted no time in sending the slalom fleet out to sea. Winds reading around 8-12 knots made for particularly tactful racing on the sailors largest equipment. Ten races of elimination one were completed, however it wasn't quite enough to achieve an official result.

But, it was enough to see some exceptional sailing from Ross Williams (Tabou / Gaastra), Alberto Menegatti (Starboard / Gaastra), Arnon Dagan (Tabou / Gaastra), Kurosh Kiani (Simmer / Angulo) and the flying Frenchman Cedric Bordes (Tabou / Gaastra / Mystic). The sailors destroyed their opponent's in the light wind and made their way into the next round with ease. The crowds also witnessed some upsets as big players Finian Maynard (RRD), Peter Bijl (JP / NeilPryde) and Peter Volwater (Fanatic / MauiSails) as they all went out the elimination early, fortunately for them the round didn't count towards their overall ranking.

The slalom fleet remained on standby throughout the remaining days however, the high pressure hanging over Europe refused to move, preventing any wind from building.

Freestyle and wave fleets

Bar the tow-in freestyle and wave action the fleets were unable to hit the water for any official heats, therefore leaving the results and rankings unchanged. Having sailed two insane competitions this season and walked away with first places at both events Daida Ruano Moreno (Starboard / Severne) has managed to retain the world title for another year.

Tow-in freestyle

Throughout the week the world's elite freestylers battled it out in four insane tow-in freestyle competitions. With 1000 euro's up for grabs each time, the sailors went all out trying to upstage each other with every run, much to the delight of the huge crowds.

Kicking off the week, Jose Estredo (Fanatic / North) was the man on fire behind the jet ski, wowing the judges with his super-fast burners into funnels, the world champion Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra) proved he was also handy in the light winds launching into tremendous air funnels off the back of the small waves.