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2013 AZORES EUROPEAN FORMULA WINDSURFING FESTIVAL
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP for Junior, Youth, Masters and Grandmasters
29th April to 5th May 2013 - Praia da Vitoria, Ilha Terceira, Azores, Portugal
EUROPEAN CUP EVENT AND WORLD RANKING EVENT
10,000 euro PRIZE FUND
After a 13 race series in the inaugural Azores Formula Windsurfing European Cup it was national champion Miguel Martinho (POR-5) who emerged victorious, just ahead of 2012 European Cup Champion Valentin Brault (FRA-823). Miguel was also declared European Masters Champion to round off a great start to the 2013 formula racing season.
Also making the podium was seasoned campaigner Marco Begalli (ITA415), also becoming European Grand Masters Champion.
The event hosted by Clube Naval da Praia da Vitoria, on Terceira island, was sponsored by the Azores Government who are looking to secure future events as part of the tourism development plan. The World Championship is very much in their sights. The organisers are also fortunate to have the support of the national airline -TAP - who also pledged support for future events.
The event was covered for TV by the local station ; but a 28 minute programme will also feature on the Nautical Channel with the first screening scheduled for June 26th at 2100 CET. |
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| Sunny skies greeted competitors and a long distance race was on the cards. However, the promised wind failed to arrive, unstable in direction and strength, taunting the race committee who decided by mid afternoon that a BBQ provided by the organisers and sight seeing were far more favourable activities than hanging around waiting. There is every reason to expect four races in good conditions on Saturday with a great forecast. |
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Another grey day dawned in Praia da Vitoria, on Terceira island in the Azores - unusual conditions for this time of year, but is that not the same everywhere? With 3 days to go and 9 races already completed it was decided to go for 2 races back to back today and give the racers a chance to see some more of this wonderful island.
Great racing in good winds of around 20knots, tested the lightweight sailors, as reflected in today's results. Edwy Zoonekynd FRA-730 had the best day, taking the first bullet of the day and a third, whilst fellow countryman Valentin Brault took the second win.
The third discard comes into play but does not change the order of the top ten. However, Miguel Martinho's lead is now just one point over Valentin Brault who has widened the gap between him and third placed Marco Begalli to 5 points.
Just outside the top ten, Maciek Rukowski scored a second place in race 10 today. A late starter in these championships it will be interesting to see how far he makes his way up the leaderboard.
Results after 11 / Masters after 11 |
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Grey skies but windy in Terceira, Azores, for the second day of racing in the 2013 European Championships. Four good races on courses longer than the previous day, with an average time of 20 mins for the first finisher.
Sailor of the day was Miguel Martinho POR-5, 2nd overall yesterday, with two race wins that take him to the top of the leaderboard. He is now three points ahead of Valentin Brault FRA-823, who took one bullet, in second place. He in turn is three points ahead of Italian Marco Bagalli. Yoann Fleury, also with a race win, is making his way up the leaderboard from 5th to 4th.
Results Overall after 9 / Masters after 9 |
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5 races completed on the first day of racing - Valentin Brault (FRA 823) leads from Miguel Martinho (POR 5) on a tie break. Third overall is Marco Begalli (ITA 415). Full results
Grey skies but windy here in Terceira, Azores, for the second day of racing in the 2013 European Cup. Skippers meeting is at 11.00 |
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The fleet maybe be small but the competition will be fiercely contested .. not only for the European titles but also the prize fund for this leg of the 2013 European Cup.
The organisers and local community have done a great job preparing for this championships, and the competitors are being well looked after
This is the first visit to the Azores for the International Formula Windsurfing Class... maybe for any international windsurfing class? We very much hope this will be the first of a series of annual formula events to visit the shores of Azores. |
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Posted On: 24/04/2013 11:44:25 A group of Portuguese windsurfers is aiming to connect all the Azores Islands, between Flores and Santa Maria.......( more ) |  | | Posted On: 01/04/2013 11:44:13 10,000 eur prize money is up for grabs at the Azores Formula Windsurfing Festival taking place 29th April to 5th May 2013 - Praia da Vitoria, Ilha Terceira, Azores, Portugal and the pre-entry discount deadline has been extended to 14 April! ......( more ) |  | | Posted On: 11/01/2013 10:44:23 The beautiful island of Terceira in the Azores Archipelago will play host to the 2013 European Formula Windsurfing Festival. The event scheduled for 29th April to 5th May will include a round of the 2013 FW European Cup and the Junior, Youth & Masters European Championship. ......( more ) |  | |
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