On the racing side of things we have a new edition in the likes of Ben van der Steen who will join Ross Williams and Cedric Bordes to race and develop the Vapor range of sails. New to the team is Sebastian Kordel and he will be learning the program ready to input his impressions. These guys are all good friends and will team up with designer Peter Munzlinger to set a new standard on the racecourse! Valerie Arrighetti and Sarah-Quita Offringa will show the women’s side of the fleet how to get it done! Keep an eye out for the Vapors up top of the podium.
The formula class sees Ross Williams the 2012 World Title holder back on a mission to defend what he worked so hard for. The Vapor racing board has been on top of the podium since its inception and will be hard to beat. As the formula sails continue to evolve, there is nothing to stop further domination in the formula world.

The Wave Warriors are a strong force to be reckoned with.  Thomas Traversa who just advanced into the Red Bull Storm Chase 2nd stage looks to back up his victory in Denmark and continue pushing the sport to new levels. His friend and team mate Alex Mussolini who ranked 3rd place on the PWA Tour has his sights set on the number 1 slot for this year! Jamie Hancock and Phil Horrocks continue to raise the bar in the UK while showing the PWA guys they have talent that can be deadly. When it comes to the Canary Islands, local boy Dario Ojeda is capable of taking down anyone. Watch these guys as the PWA WAVE TOUR looks to be a good one for 2013.

Our dominant freestyle team continues with Tonky Frans, Kiri Thode, Antony Ruenes, Davy Scheffers and of course the women’s Freestyle World Champion Sarah Quita Offringa. Utilizing the revolutionary PURE freestyle sails the team continues its quest to be the best!

As the 2013 season approaches quickly, watch out for this friendly and powerful team.

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Photo Credits: John Carter (RedBull/PWA), Magaly Boulogne, Jose Pina, Eric Ballende, Tim Hendrics

Photo courtesy of Rob Plim

No valid races on the last day of the 2013 Qantas Downunder Pro – Formula Windsurfing Championships with 50 knot squalls battering the event for the entire day leaving the total at 5 races over the regatta.The 2013 Qantas Downunder Pro – Oceanic and Australian Formula Windsurfing Championships concluded on Saturday with an action packed 5 races taking place over the four-day regatta at picturesque Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest. The strong 46 competitors, including 3-time World Champion from Australia, Steve Allen (Starboard/Severne) who had a relaxing day today with enough lead to not actually have to sail the first race if it was started today as it would not affect his winning position.

Steve Allen took the event win as well as the Oceanic & Australian Title ahead of Jesper Vesterstrøm from Denmark, and Wilhelm Schurmann from Brasil. It was the first time Allen had won the Australian title since winning in 2008 in Brisbane again ahead of Vesterstrøm who has competed in Australia for many years. Allen said about the event after taking home the first prize of a return-ticket airfare from event sponsors Qantas Airlines:

“Stoked to be back in Australia starting the year on such a roll. My new gear is working insane, I literally rigged up new sails and won straight on them. This is the first time I’ve raced in Hawks Nest and the one day we had was really amazing; beautiful location.”

Defending Australian champion Sean O’Brien (Starboard/Severne) was the next Australian over the line and finished only 1 point from the podium behind Schurmann after a OCS (disqualified for an early start) cost him a 3rd place against Wilhelm’s 4th in Race 3. O’Brien said about the event:

“Despite not getting a chance to pick at Wilhelm today, I’m pretty happy with the result. I’m on some new sails which I literally rolled new out of the plastic at the event and was instantly on the pace. In all the years Wilhelm has raced here thats the first time I’ve managed to consistently be able to beat him around the course so that was a really cool feeling. Really love racing at this place – bring on 2014!”

Downunder Pro 2013 – Final Standings:
1. Steve Allen (Severne/Starboard)
2. Jesper Vesterstrøm (Gaastra/Gaastra)
3. Wilhelm Schurmann (Neilpryde/Starboard)
4. Sean O’Brien (Severne/Starboard)
5. Christian Justesen (Neilpryde/JP)