The races could finally start on the third competition day here in Paros. Around 13:15 the wind was suitable enough to start racing the wind was measured between 14 and 17 knots.
The Men continue with Heat number 3 which was sailed in a little lighter winds.
With just a few cancellation the races were in flow and athletes were on their largest equipment. After a few hours the first final races were sailed with the wind blowing a bit stronger gusting up to 18 knots.
Top performances were seen by the top 10 with often real close battles from start onward and around the first 2 marks. The day before the last was long with a total of 4 eliminations completed for the men and 7 races for the women in moderate winds.
Despite the tough conditions and some course adjustments the race committee had their hands full with the race management and the rescue.
2022 IFCA Slalom World Championships in Paros - photo © IFCA / Alessandro Giovanelli / CANON
It was full on during the last races of the championship with winds blowing from 22 knots to later in the afternoon up to 28knots and more with very rough and wavy conditions. Jordy Vonk NED-69 defended his top position throughout the championship by always securing a spot in the Final heat. In the Women's category the multi Slalom Champion Jenna Gibson GBR-96 dominated from the beginning to the end by winning 10 out of the 13 races sailed.
Top 3 Women Podium 1. Jenna Gibson GBR 2. Sarah Jackson GBR 3. Andrea Vanhoorne BEL
Top 3 Men Podium 1. Jordy Vonk NED 2. Basile Jacquin NC 3. Maciek Rutkowski POL
2022 IFCA Slalom World Championships in Paros - photo © IFCA / Alessandro Giovanelli / CANON
Thanks to Paros Kite and Hellenic Speed and Slalom Windsurfing association and partners. The first Class 3 Years of service awards was handed over to both parties who managed to set up and host a Class Championship for 3 years in a row. Paros and the amazing conditions are definitely the world class locations we wish for and continue to see more racing action in the nearest future.