One of the first most important events for the year. A gathering of young windsurfers who love to slalom sail, the future of our sport, and older windsurfers who love battling and feel that age is just numbers…the master and grandmaster competitors of our sport.
This year in Hyeres, 122 competitors under 19, and over 35, gathered to win the European Slalom titles in the Almanarre, France. From the 11th to the 16th of April the spot was able to deliver 4 full slalom races with both onshore and offshore conditions. Allowing to race with sails from 7.8 to 9.2.
Point-7 was able to have podiums in the 4 classes. In order of age class, Marco Begalli was able to win the Grandmaster, and reaching second in the master classes. Basile Jacquin winning the Youth, and Francesco Scagliola to be second in the junior. Andrea Cucchi was in battle for first place, but later had to leave due to a business meeting, missing out the last 2 races.
[mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”12″ align=”left”]It was one year had not been to one of the Ifca events, and it was a real pity. To discover so many young talents in our sport it was amazing. What was amazing was to see how some juniors were using the same sail size as I was, with 20KG less! I was almost going too overpowered racing as I could not believe that they would have sailed with the same sail size I had…unless I’m the one getting old and weak! Apart from that, I believe we need to really sit down and organize a world circuit with more events for young competitors under 19. They deserve more events with this kind of high level racing all year round. I hope I can cut time to do something about it. Regarding my racing I was happy as I was able to test the sails on a real event, and happy to have seen my team performing incredibly good. Marco Begalli, Basile Jacquin, Francesco Scagliola, Michal Polak, all the podium is an exciting result for Point-7. Too bad I had to miss 2 races, and lost the chance to compete all the way to the end, but business meeting was calling, and this is how it goes!
Andrea Cucchi ITA-1
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[mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”12″ align=”left”]I came all the way from New Caledonia and I arrived 10 days ago to take part in the AFF French Nationals and it was a good preparation for this IFCA event. We had slow start waiting for the winds but on day 3 it was nice winds and good racing, then I did pretty OK in the light winds and today I got the title. I hope I can make it to the IFCA Youth Slalom World Championships, but I will have to check with my school. It was a great even and I think I will come back next year to defend my title.
Basile Jacquin FRA-498
Winner Youth Division
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[mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”12″ align=”left”]Today was a fantastic day, the last day started smooth but then I felt like it was my day as I was so happy with my speed and I was on fire with my 9.2. In the first final I was fighting with Andrea Rosati ITA-0 and he is a sneaky one but it’s OK, he is my friend. Eric Thieme FRA-808 seemed to be giving me a hard time too, but I managed to pass him on a reach and it was OK. I am very happy with this event because it’s a good concept especially for the young competitors. It was all super fantastic.
Marco Begalli ITA-415
Winner Grand Slam Division / 2nd Master Division
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[mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”12″ align=”left”]I was 3rd in the open under 15, and among European competitors, I was 2nd. I still have to learn a lot… and grow up a bit, I’m ready to have patience and push hard.
Michał Polak POL-43
3rd Under 15 Division
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[mk_blockquote style=”line-style” font_family=”none” text_size=”12″ align=”left”]I had few bad luck, or missed the chance, but I’m happy. I won one Final and did always top results in the other finals. I’m ready to be more prepared for next event, and focus in less smaller mistakes. I just received my new sails, and it was great to win a final with them. Very motivated to train harder, and compete soon again.
Francesco Scagliola ITA-353
2nd Junior Division
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