Gonzalo is the 2015 Formula Windsurfing World Champion
Four races on the final day of the event saw the completion of a 12 race series for this year's world title. Gonzalo Costa Hoevel from Argentina ended the day on the perfect score of 9 points from 12 races - 9 race wins secured him victory and his first formula windsurfing world title.
Gonzalo had been no stranger to the podium at the worlds but it was his first time on the top step - a worthy champion.
The battle for silver (2nd) and bronze (3rd) in the overall ranking was cranked to the max when young Danish rider Sebastian Kornum took what he thought was his first event win in race 9 at the start of today's racing. However he was judged to be over the line early at the start and was disqualified. Not to be deterred he fought back with a bullet in the second race of the day.
Race 11 (3rd race of the day) and the pressure was on - not only were competitors pitched into the increasingly tense personal battles, but they had to contend with winds gusting 30+ knots.
The final race of the day and Janis Preiss from Latvia, one of the most experienced competitors in the game, held his nerve and finished the race in front of Sebastian to secure second place overall in the championship.
A great day's racing and the perfect end to another fantastic championship in the Azores.
Fierce competition in prospect for 2015 Formula Windsurfing World Title
The top formula racers from around the world are gathering in Praia de Vitoria, on Terceira island, in the Portuguese Azores, for the 2015 Formula Windsurfing World Championships. The pre entry list includes multiple world champions - Steve Allen from Australia (3 times world champion) and Ross Williams from Great Britain (2 titles and the current world champion). Casper Bouman, from the Netherlands, will no doubt be wanting to add 2015 to his 2013 world title.
These 3 hold many continental titles between them, but also confirmed for Terceira are reigning South American Champion Gonzalo Costa Hoevel (from Argentina) and European Champion Sebastien Koerdel (from Germany).
Seventeen countries and three continents will be represented by their very best sailors - with national champions from each country entered.
This year's championship will be the most open yet and it is too difficult to call who will make the podium on April 12th!
Registration will take place on April 7th - followed by 5 days of racing from 8th to 12th April.
The wide range of wind conditions expected, and the tactically challenging "stadium" racing offered within the harbour, will ensure a tense few days of competition.
You will be able to follow the action via the "live ticker" on the FW website.
The Bay - "Praia da Vitoria is a city and municipality located in the eastern part of the island of Terceira , in the central group of the Azores archipelago" .....
Terceira - "Terceira is one of the nine islands of the Azores , a member of the "Central Group" . Formerly known as "Island of Our Lord Jesus Christ of Terceiras", being the administrative centre of the Terceiras islands , it was designated as the Azores . . ."
Photos, Videos and much more . . . http://azoreangateway.com/
