4th untill 11th of August 2011 London prepares for the Olympic games 2012

I arrived quite earlie already in weymouth on the 25th to be able to train here with the best of the world. Just the Britsch had a big suprise for us as we couldn't get onto the venue till the 30st. So after two days of looking for another place I found at the little harbour Ferry Bridge a place to store my equipment and to entre the water. As also did some other teams like Argetina, Mexico, Thailand and Venuzuela.
But again bad luck. They day after I arrived and when I wanted to get ready I noticed someone had hit my board the evening before so big holes in my board. Lucky and very happy the coach of Argentinia helpt me to fix the board but another day not on the water and stuck to the running on shore.
After 3 days I finaly could go on the water, from this moment I had some nice training days with the other teams. One day we did very short races with many starts and the other day with 8 teams we did long races in very light wind conditions.
Then the 30st we moved the gear over the water to the venue after a short training.
After the registration, where you get your accreditation we where aloud to entre the venue. The new sailing club of Weymouth & Portland was built in 2005 is very nice, well organised and a lot of space.
For the boats there are special places where to put the boats by country. For the windsurfers there is a special tent where all the equipment can be stored in during the event, so doesn't need to be outside all week.
On the 2nd of August I was sceduled for the mesearment. This means I had to go across the street with al my gear to a special tent where they check all the gear, if it has the correct serie numbers, sizes and weight. My board was 18,8 with all the extra's on it and was only 400 gr more then the minimum what was aloud, so not bad at all.

 Day 1- Practise day. Today we had only a practise race this is meant for us to know where the course will be set and for the organisation to see if everything works. For me it was a tof day ar the organisation decided to put the course of the RSX not in between the walls but far outside at Weymouth Bay West. So I went out at the same time as the men and arrived after more then a hour at the course area. I wasn't aloud to go in as the men where still starting. They only went till the upwind mark. After 2 hours waiting and have some support from the rescue crew, the women fleet finaly had there start. We got LR2. My start was oke. It was non planning conditions and about 8 knots. After 1,5 lap everyone decided to stop and go back on the coach boats to shore. One of the rescue boats brought me all the way back what already took 25 min. don't want to think how long it would have taken me without boat upwind back! 

Day 2- 4th of August we had the first real racing day. It was a long night, as outside it was all night storm and rain and the tent was moving a lot. Also in the morning it kept raining but lucky for us the rain finaly stopped at the moment we preparing the gear. It was a nice breeze today side shore so wouldn't be to hard to get to the start today, as it was going to be again at Weymouth Bay west, so far away. It took me 25 min. this time. I was again to earlie but at least was able to follow the men's race from the water. Around 14.00 hour we had our start. Today LS2, so two times upwind mark with a slalom at the finish. My start was oke, daggerboard down, mast track position eight, sail closes. All does things Im not used to any of this in the slalom. After 100m everyone went back to planning settings. Oh, no I need to, but lucky everything went in one time, so didn't cost to much time. I decided to go to the right what later was a good desicion. For my level I was racing realy what I could. I was tiered but clocked at 38 minutes my finish. I was sure I made it in time, last but I finshed. The second race started just after I finished I had not enough time to rest but wanted to try. But now I was to tiered and didn't make it on time. Back to the shore I got my "own" support boat. Back on shore I heard the others saying it was tof conditions, very tecnical and tactic racing today and the second race was to long. So overall I was happy about my own performance today. (www.saling.org)

Day 3- Today we where sailing late in afternoon. First start at 15.00 hour in Nothe Bay, just outside the walls……Light wind conditions. 
Day 4- Official we should have sailed again on the far outside course, but somehow they changed the scedule and we where planned at Portland Bay for 14.00 hour. So I was quite happy about that. First of all it was later in the day so could rest longer and much easier to get to the course.

Day 5- Today we had a reserve day scedule and as we did all 6 races in the last three days we had a day off, what was nice. Just to rest and also some little sightseeing in the area.

Day 6- Also today we had to sail in the harbour. I had a great start in planning conditions. We had a LS3. For me was going to be very difficuilt to make three rounds on time, with a slalom at the finsish. I don't know how I did, but I finshed on time. Completly tiered but so happy I did. To tell the true it was just 5 sec. left on the watch but I did. 
The second race of the day I decided to start and to see how far I would get, but knew I gave everything already. I had not so good start as the first run but was trying to get the layliens of the rest. The first round I wasn't doing to bad, but lost to much in the second round that I could keep up. So at the end I lost to much and didn't make the time. At least I tried and didn't gave up before like some other did.
 

Day 7- Again a day at the Northe, first start planned at 14.00 hour. But already on shore we heard many problems with the men starts. Everything was on late. At 15.00 hour the AP flag on shore went down for the women and I had 45 minutes to go to the start. Some bad luck as at that moment I broke my batten and wisser. The Brazilian coach told me just to try and see how far I could go. So I did. Again we also had many starts, think 5 times Ap flag up in last few seconds. So for sure I trained my starts this day. Then we had to move the course again and we where racing. I was good on the line between Spain and Poland who where 1st and 2nd placed at that moment. Just this time Spain didn't do good so not very good to folllow at this time. Anyway at the upwind mark almost no wind so very tricky course area, very shifty wind too. Then pomping all the way down wind to make another lap after the gate. I was pulling the sail as much I could on the down wind and hanging as much I could under my boom upwind and Yes still the Blue Flag was up after I passed the finsh line. Crazy but for me it's all about the time now. 
Second race we had on the inside of the harbour as we had a few tries and didn't work with the wind. Inside the harbour I felt comfortable even with my broken gear I thought this is last race and I will show I can do this. I had not the best start but could hold the laylines of the others longer then the other races. I was very close behind the rest and finshed…
Out of 10 race I made: two times DNF, few 28, two times 27 and even a 25, so on this level I'm quite happy with my results as know I'm just starting and the rest is doing this for many more years then me. Each day closer to the time of the first one. In begin 15 min behind and last races less then 10 min. and more competion with the countries like Argentinia, Denmark and Portugal.

For me this event was a good training for the PANAM games, to check the location and of course to see my level against the rest in the world. The last I know is still far but not impossible. 

A very special thanks to the people in the rescue boats and in the tracking room , as they been supporting me  a lot this week and cheering for me, so guys thanks and hope to see you all next year.

My next competion will be the PANAM games in October.

25th Aruba Hi winds.

Day 1- It's one of the events I like the most. It's a very nice place to sail, The people always friendly and a lot of parties. Check out for more info: Aruba Hi winds
Today the registartaion took part but I arrived late because of work. 
I arrived safe on Aruba with Insel Air who helpend by sponsoring me again. Patun picked me up at the airport in Aruba. From there we went to the Busters Garage. Here was the opening ceremonie be held. After a nice dinner there wherry some speeces and we had some chats wit other participaints.
After all was done we went to Aruba Holliday appartements wat was very close to the beach.

Day 2- First day of slalom competion. After a goodnight sleep we went on time to thé beach to get the gear ready. As my gear was stil there but had to put the fins back on and prepair the rigs.
At the skippers meeting they told I was in heat #9. The course was a downwind 4 jibes slalom wit pretty long legs.
Going to the start I felt oké on my 6.6m2 and 97l board, but not much later the wind was picking up and whlie the heats continue it was geting only stronger, but no time to change gear. So all I could do was to hold on. It was not enough. My start was good. Some how we got a recall, but second start still good, just fell at one of the jibes.  I finishend 5th. 
The seconde ellimination I had changes my sail to a Maui Sails 5.9m2 and now thé wind droppend a lot, I had not enough power to get my topspeed. I was at place 3 buut fel in because a guy from the otter heat (grandmasters) was lating at one of the marks and I fel in. I finishend 4th, what was for me a very disapointed start of the vent, but I new many more heats wil follow, this week.

Day 3- When I arrived at the beach, I could see it wasn't to windy as the other days. I went on the water to test to see how it was out there. In Aruba it's very difficuilt to tell on the beach how the wind is out on the water. It was good i went out to see as I couldn't move with my 6.6m2, so quick back to the beach to change to my 7.8m2. Now I was moving. It felt good for me. 
But then they started with heat # 6 as there we stopped the day before and over and over Oscar the race director made them and other heats start, without any result. I seen the AP flag up many times and every try ending with a cancel the race flag. We tried for almost 2 hours, without any result. Then back to the beach for lunch.
After lunch at 14.00 hour they wantend us again on the water. With same results many times tryng to start, even heat 3 and 4 who already had done ellimination 3? And me in the women class heat # 9, just standing in the water and wattig, crazy. After one hour the race commitee gave up. I was upset as this are conditions I know I'm strong, but when others have no big sails you never will sail 12 knots light wind courses. As I did the full course after they canchelled and I was planning all way trough with my 107l and 7.8m2.
As we finished earlier then expected we had tem to jump in the pool at the appartements.

Day 4- Today we had the long distance on the scedule and it seems to be very winti out there. We went at 9.45 hour to the beach to get prepaired. Then they told me that we noot going to do the long distance but slalom because we didn't do any the day before. I oculdn't believe it. How can you change just before racing the compleet different discipline. Anyway couldn't change it, so no big board and sail, Back to the gear I can also gold in big chop and around the marks. We started and now the heat's where follow up very quick after another. 
I was on the 86l and 5.9m2 a combination I never used before on races and i only tried out onsen in Bonaire. Just because thé wind never is so strong to use. Now it was god. I was ronding thé marks nice and manage to have a 2-2-2. Then I started to get tiered I think. As we had no break. So the last two elliminations I finishend twice in 4th place. But overall I was happy about me results from toddy. As Nicole was sailing strong and me on the small gear, wat isn't my favorite.

Day 5- Today we did do the longdistance. And the wind wasn't as strong as the day before. I decided to go 6.6m2 and 107l board. This was thé perfect set up, because many people couldn't keep planning all the way through the marks and I did. So many people stopped while I was passing with speed. I just made a little bit to wide jibe in the first round so finished 2nd in my categorie and tink 4 overall. 
The seconde long distance was for me a very bad start as fell in the starling time and wit about 70 sails around you, No fun as you have very "dirty" wind. But the same happend as the race before, I still had speed where others didn't had. I passed many people and finished again 2nd. I was quite oke as now I was in 2nd place overall, after a bad start of the event.
After we doen wit racing there was a kite long distance and freestyle competion. The freestyle comeption was won by Choco Frans who won $ 1000,- on cash money. 
During the weekend there was a big crowed on the beach to watch the competions and of course to join the Amstel bright happy hours. 

Day 6- Already the last day of the competion. Today I wanted to make sure not to loose my 2nd place as wasn't possible to reach 1st place anymore.
I was starling strong all day, just perfect timing. I started at the pin. 
Now because I had suchs a good starts and felt good with the gear i was flying. But i relaised very late I was going around mark 4 instead of mark 2. I couldn't believe it. Later I saw it was a bit more opwind and so var I hardly could see buut the other girls did so a DNF for me.
In the seconde race something happend. I was in 3rd positron sailing "free" to he finish line and just a couple of meters before I saw a nice lillte fellow stikking gis had out of the water. I big slam of me a second later. I hit a TURTLE with about 50 km/ h. Who can ever think about that. After I got back on the board I velt not great buut passed the line to go back to the start. While I did I saw my harnesline was broken.
At the start Patun (he was for sure not lossing his 1st place) was so kind to give me his harnesline so I could continue for one more race.
I had such a good race but velt thé presure behind me. I couldn't keep my heat cool and fel at the last mark and went forum 1st to 4th place. 
Back to the beach and noot knowing wat this score was going to do wit my overall position.
We cleaned up everything on the beach. Bords and bas back in the bas, ready to go home. 
In afternoon we went to Bula Surf shop to get of course the Dushi yiu t-shirts and many other cool stuff.  
In the evening we had the pricegiving at the shopping mall.
It was again a good event for Bonaire. Many of us in the prices and for me lilttle unexpected stil in 2nd place. Was happy as wasn't my best event, but worked hard to get this results.

May 30st.- I'm now in almere and traing with Esther de Geus, she is the twin sister from Lilian with whom I was competing in Medemblik.

Today we packed the California (a small little VW camper). We managed to get two full RSX sets inside. It was almost impossible. Esther had to hang/ sit between the gear and the litlte kitchen so she could tell me the way to drive. Today we decided to go to Almere Haven (strand), it's also where the windsurf club is. It was very gusty from nothing, so pumping conditions to planning conditions every 5 minutes. For me a very good traing to keep changing the settings and re-act quick on the gust. Another problem was the seaweat. It was dragging behind my daggerboard or fin all the time and I had to make all different moves to get it off or when nothing ws working even jump in the water. But it was nice a sunny so no problem.
We did twice a sesion and I do understand now more the pumping and when you do what.

* Esther between all the RSX gear in the VW.              

 Two RSX sets in the van.

May 31st.- Raining day in Holland again. Now I remember again how the weather was in Holland. I prever the constant 32 degrees in Bonaire and when it rains it's only for maybe 10 minutes. Normaly.
Today is the plan to go to Muiderzand. So we will see. 

The plan changed a bit as there was a gate which blocked the road to the area in Muiderberg we wanted to windsurf, so we went to Pampus instead. It was not a bad dission. We rigged under the big windmills and not much later we sailed out the little bay. I had some grass behind me so had to stop to get it away and in beginning a big problem with my harness but when everything was set correct I was feeling good. 

I couldn't get so much upwind as Esther so after a little chat on the water what to change it went already muchs better and could hold the same course and speed as here. We been going upwind for almost 1 hour and almost reach the otehrside Uitdam. Then we started to train our downwind tecknic. It is for me the most difficuilt part as the wind dropped and was messarble windlimit for planning downwind, but got some runs, so was nice. Close to shore we had some nice speed runs in the bay and then we quickly de-rigged and put everything in the van to get home and have some dinner made by Jeroen the brother of the twins.

21st of May- This is an intresting event for me as in all the years living on Bonaire not realy been back on the Dutch ground except the airport. Also for me the first time sailing in Holland…
Today I arrived with KLM and everything went very smooth. Had an upgrade to Economic comfort class and because of that I was completly fit when I arrived. The father of the Dutch RSX twin sisters Esther and Lilian de Geus picked me up from the aiport. And who was thinking: 2x I sonics, 4x mast, 1x sail, 1x boom, 1x RSX board and RSX 8.5m2 sail are not fitting in and on top of a Opel Safira. I tell it went pretty easy
It is very nice to see the two girls and the rest of the family again. I met them last year at the PWA in Costa Brava. They both where in the Dutch RSX talent team. Esther had to take it a bit more easy because of school, but Lilian is still trying to qualify for Olympics London 2011.  
In the afternoon we went to check out first the Catamaran sailing club in Almere and after the windsurf club, but both places no wind. What a shame as Esther and me wanted to train together already today.

22nd of May- Tommorrow me and Lilian will drive to Medenblik to register and to do one afternoon sesion. I'm realy excited to hit the water. Hopefully it will not feel to cold.

For more info about the event and updates check: Delta Lloyd regatta 2011

23rd of May- Today we went late in the morning to Medenblik. The car full with windsurf gear but also for sleeping. I go camping!!! At the event side I met already quite quick my friend from Mexcio Demita and later also here coach Adrian and of course seen Bruno and Erik, the guys from the judging.
Lilian told me to be on teh water at 13.30 hour to join there training with the Dutch talents. 
I was just at the course area and was hearing a sound I don't like to hear, so when I looked to my mast it looked not the way it should have. It broke, so problem first of all I have only now one very old mast left to use and second how I was going back to shore. Lucky there was a girl from China who was going to tell here coach, in this time another boat arrived. Funny but this was Dorien the coach from the Dutch team, so this was not the best way to meet her, but was very happy she could help me to get back to shore. Later we did the registration and had a short meeting with Dorien about the day and coming days

* my 3 pieces of mast right now!!!

* Meeting with the Dutch team

Me- Lilian- Mark- Jort- Dorien-Kiran  

Since its introduction in 2006, each successive iSonic range brought with it two or three new upgrades, four at most. From 2010 to 2011 however, the latest iSonics boast no less than six upgrades over their predecessors.

This big jump was made possible by a new internal R&D methodology that allowed the team to start their research at an earlier stage than before. Remi Vila, new head of racing development at Starboard, partnered with Cyril Moussilmani, Björn Dunkerbeck, Kevin Pritchard and Jimmy Diaz to kick-start the 2011 cycle with a strong influx of fresh energy and new ideas very early in the season. Add to this extended R&D time the experience of Tiesda You, Svein Rasmussen and Jim Drake, and the 2011 iSonics are born.

Introducing six upgrades for the sixth iSonic generation.

* Windsurf team Bonaire is performing great Patun Saragoza and Monique Meijer World champions Master slalom 2011 and Amado Vrieswijk 3rd U17 (last year world champion U15). 

A small island in the Caribean with only 14.000 people living. Since 10-10-'10 is part of Holland had already some freestyle world champions, but now also some slalom world champions.
This year for me it seems that all the small pieces of the puzzle fall together, after my qualification for the PANAM games in the Olympic class RSX, I'm now also IFCA world champion slalom 2011 in the master class.

* Monique Meijer (Bonaire), Constantino Saragoza (Bonaire), Joris Bosman (Nederland), Nikaj Droop (Nederland), Sergio Mehl (Argentinië) en Diego Domenianni (Verenigde Staten).

 Patun and Monique celebrating there victory!!!

THANKS TO:

16-4-'11 Two years ago the IFCA world cup was at Bonaire (for me some good memories).
Now this year they going to do the IFCA in Curacao after two years of practise during the Curacao Challenge been held at Mambo beach they moved to St Joris baai.
This time I was flying with Insel Air. It was a bit later then expected but I was with all three boardbags in once at Curacao. Insel was so nice to be our sponsor for this event and they organized it very well. 

17-04-'11 After a very slow start today, then I mean staying in bed till 9 aa.m. and having a breakfast we waited for the afternoon breeze. So around 14.00 hour we packed the car and drove to ST. Joris baai with only one set of windsurf gear as it was go BIG or stay home wind. So it means for the people who don't surf, very light wind and then you take your biggest board and biggest sail. For me it is my 8.5m2 RSX sail and 111 liter I -sonic. At the event side I met as always all the people I know from the other competions, but also Ben van der Steen was there already and Alice Arturik I both know from the PWA tour. Then of course the locals, like Jean Patrick and his father Perry, Ed and his wife Carola, Fulco etc etc. One big family. 
I was pretty quick to go on the water and test my new combination. It felt a bit funny but with a bit more downhaul, to get a twist in my sail it's a possible combination with the light wind we will have this week.

18-04-'11 After a very relaxing moring we drove to St. Joris baai. At the entrance of the area we noticed we could see Bonaire in the far distance. Little bit later on the drith road we met Myles. One of the grand masters and we know eachother already for a while. So always nice to see windsurf (friends). 

* Jurgen NB-117, Aron CUR 2, Myles USA 213, Me NB-28, Patoun NB-8

I took some time to organize my gear bags at the event side, there is not much place yet and no shade so was a bit of a puzzle but at the end "The Dutch windsurfteam" accept me in there own made "gearbox". In the afternoon I was for more then two hours on the water and doing some testing with Aron, Patoun, Amado and Wolfgang. The wind was still very light, guess about 10 knots and a lot of holes. Myles let me test his new Starboard 127 liter I sonic. This was the biggest slalom board I ever tried. Oh that was nice without doing anything I was "flying". Of course you would think why my biggest board is then 107. Very simple with the wind like today we never will start a race….

After the windsurfsession we found some place in the new container, so all the gear is safe and also dry inside from now.

19-04-'11 Last day to test, last day to practice before the World is going to start. In the morning we checked our gear, talked with (new) friends etc. At 12.00 hour we went on the water.I took the Go Pro to make some cool movies. I was testing with Patun NB-8, Juan V-103, Sergio Arg-05 and Wolfgang AUS-3. I felt better on my gear then the other days, so it seems I get used to a big sail 8.5m2 on a relative small board 111 liters. Special when I look to all the Master men, who will be in the same heat, They sail with 9.5m2 and 135 liters.After a little break we went out again and had some better wind so we could realy plain. Not to long dough as we have races starting tommorrow, so didn't want to get to tiered and the plan was to go home and relaxe a bit before the opening ceremony.

Back at home I helped the boys to sticker there numbers and sponsorstickers in the sail.
The IFCA Slalom World Championships on Curacao has officially started with a grand opening ceremony. With 85 competitors from 16 different countries from 4 different continents, this is the biggest windsurfing event on Curacao since the 90’s.
During the opening ceremony there were various prominent speakers, such as Prime Minister Schotte, Minister of Education and Sports Lionel Jansen, President of the IFCA and main sponsors Albert Heijn and InselAir. They all had a similar message: the unique accomplishment of the organization and the Curacao windsurf community to be able to organize such a big international event.
The ministers officially opened the Surf Town, which features various shops, bars and entertainment. Afterwards there was a DJ and completely in style: a campfire on the beach. It was a nice evening.

Day 1- The weatherforecast wasn't promising a lot. The trees outside the house where nearly moving. At 8.30 hour we where already in the car to the eventside. Later I realised it was far to earlie. The skippers meeting was at 10.00 hour.
There haven’t been any races on Day 1. The wind stayed steady around 8 knots (a minimum of 11 knots is needed). Predictions for the next couple of days are looking good though.
The lay-day gave the volunteers and organization the time to relax after the big opening ceremony. The Surf Town has been perfected for the expected crowds this Easter weekend. The competitors enjoyed themselves with some wake-boarding and Stand UP Paddle-boarding (offered by local windsurf school Windsurfing Curacao).
If you want to know who is competing in which class, check the complete Entry List.

Day 2- thursday all day no wind. I went wakeboarding with Jurgen, Kenny and Oscar. We had the best fun ever. All of use where able to have some nice rides and Marcello was so nice to give us a very long try. Thanks for that. 
The racecomitee came over to ask for his boat, as they needed the starting floating dock to be on the right spot, across from the beach. 
Back on the shore I heard Bonaire team won the SUP competion. Great job guys!!!
It was a little hope of sailing this afternoon but it wasn't going to happen.
At 16.30 hour I saw Milles coming in with his 10m2 and 127 liters Starboard I sonic. He asked me if I liked to try. You don't need to say that twice.
It was fun as I was planning easy with 8 knots. At 17.00 hour they canchelled the races and the race commitee was going to pick up the marks. They checked straight away the wind and where a bit in a shock when they seen me flying on the water. Later when I was back on the we had a great laugh about it.

Day -3 After a whole morning waiting we had a SUP board competion. We had 4 teams United Nations, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba. First it was United Nations vs Bonaire. Patun and Amado went very good. I was the last and had to keep my position but it was not so easy as I thought. Ed was to strong for me, so Bonaire lost the SUP competion this time. Curacao vs Aruba was a easy win for Aruba. Then the final United Nations vs Aruba. Aruba was to strong for United Nations.  

We had a very short skippers meeting in the afternoon. Just to let us know that we where going to make an IFCA world cup start, but again not enough wind so we had a fun race. All the competertives together +/- 70. It was one big chaos. I had still one minute on the start watch when I show them pomping on the startline. So I went full speed from the back of the field and tried to stay as muchs as possible up wind from the other sailors. It was perfect tactick. I was passing one after the other. At the mark I rounded as close that I was moving the mark over the noise of the board but again not stopping. After rounding the four marks I was suprised as was 5th on the finish and that with suchs a bad start and 70 people on the same course, so nice feeling for the real races going to start.

 

Results funrace:
1 Open Class and overall: Ben Vandersteen – NED 57
1 Youth: Jocelyn de Souza – FRA 873
1 Junior: Amado Vrieswijk – NB 20
1 Master: Patrik Schmelzer – GER 127
1 Women: Monique Meyer – NB 28 

Day 4- I was around 9.00 hour at the eventside and waited till 11.00 for the skippers meeting. Not muchs news this time. Around 14.00 hour they tried to start us, but the starting area was realy gusty and course wasn't correct se we where sent back to the beach. In this time they changed the course again and only kept 2 jibe marks in the water.
At 16.40 hour (last moment the A.P. flag) went down and we all run to get the gear ready again. I was aso very suprised that we where going to start racing right now. I wasn't dreaming it was going to happen and right now. I had a good start and was in third position from the start to the finish. I was very happy as I was going to the half finals. 
In the half finals I was around place 4 together with Patun on the start. He was faster to the first mark and I stayed in 5th position, but was wondering what Patun was doing in my heat? So at the finsh I realized I was 4th in my heat, so going to the FINALS.
Then the first start of the final was crazy the sun was already down and they even tried to start us after a recall (two people over earlie). I hardly could see the marks on the water and we where sent back to shore in the dark. Wow what a day. Who expected this morning to going to race and then I ended up in the finall and will be top 6 now!!!  

Now time to sleep, tommorrow first start MASTER final.—> Results day 4

Day 5- The wind conditions were far from great, which is unusual on Curacao this time of year. During 5 possible days of racing, it was only possible to race one late afternoon. During the final day the windpredictions were great, but in reality the wind didn’t show up. On Day 4 all the classes, except one (the Masters), completed an elimination round. The final heat of the Masters could not be sailed on the final day. The competitors did go to the starting line for a last chance, but no luck. Still, the race directors and competitors managed to sail one elimination round so official World Champions could be crowned. This meant that by official IFCA rules there are six World Champions in the Masters class.

Results Masters
1. Sergio Mehl (Argentina)
1. Monique Meijer (Bonaire)
1. Constantino Saragoza (Bonaire)
1. Joris Bosman (the Netherlands)
1. Nikaj Droop (the Netherlands)
1. Diego Domenianni (USA)

Youth – U20
1. Gutek Kurczewski (Poland)
2. Jocelyn de Souza (France)
3. Jordy Vonk (the Netherlands)

Junior – U17 (+U15)
1. Jean Patrick van der Wolde (Curacao)
2. Justin Denel (France)
3. Amado Vrieswijk (Bonaire)

Junior – U13
1. Delano Moreno (Curacao)
2. Alex Halank (Australia)
3. Jean Paul da Silva de Goes (Curacao)

Sports Class

1. Ben van der Steen (the Netherlands)  
2. Behrend Veenhuizen (Curacao)
3. Remo Osnabrugge (Curacao)

Thanks to everyone who made this event happening and a special thanks to my sponosrs Starboard, Insel Air and Windsurf Place Bonaire

Day 1-(5-3-'11) I went this morning with Insell Air on the straight flight from Bonaire to Miami. In Miami I know the way on the airport pretty well as been traveling the past 6 weeks already 6 times there. 
So at costumers I took again the most left line as less people there in the cew, is a bit hidden.

After the bagage claim I went quick to the foodcorner and the Red coach bus. As I decided to go by bus from Miami to Orlando. It was muchs cheaper and so I also could look a bit around. I ended up in the most luxuer bus I ever seen. A person told me it's a big limousion. I think she was right in that, the seats could go all the way straight, your own power, tv and most crazy thing free wifi all drive long. This all for only $50,- At the busstop in Orlando there was a free shuttle bus to the International airport, 1 mile away.  
From the airport I had to take the Cocoa beach shuttle, this was not so easy as I hoped. It all took a while with other passangers, not knowing where my resort was, a defect pay machine etc. But finaly more then 3 hours later I was at the resort. Oh even got at the pizza place a free pizza. Maybe I looked so poor and tiered after all the traveling today….

Now on my nice comfi bed in the motorhome, ready to sleep very close to the oceaan. Oh this is so nice…Thanks people who made this possible for me this week…! 

Day 2- I woke up around 7.30 in the morning and after a walk to the ocean site to see the sea by daylight, I couldn't wish a better way to wake up.

After I just had to cross the road to get to the resort and to find the others. I had a quick breakfast and found my gear and got everything ready. At 9.00 we had a skippers meeting, what was nice as I missed the first two racing days and was going to join on the final day.

The first race I was following others to see where the marks where etc. When I started the second loop I had a lot of trouble to keep my gear in controle. The wind was picking up. I managed to finish 3rd in the open class. The second race I knew the course, knew the angle and because it where planning conditions it was good racing for me and finshed 2nd. Then the last race of the day I had a pretty good start, was rounding all the marks in first place and so finshed in first position. I was very happy about me results. Not that I had to do anything with the racing results, but more for me to see I did realy improved the last 1,5 month.
Back on the shore who got a very nice lunch. When everyone cleaned his gear and the results where checked and printed we had the price giving and say bye to new friends again.
Tommorrow plan is to go surfing and in afternoon RSX so great scedule…

* All compertives Banana river resort race march 2011

* RSX girls Margot, Solvig, Laurance and Myself

 *Me at the end of the day at the oceanside. 

Day 3-  Today Dominique made us a very nice breakfast, pancakes with strawberries, blue berries and some sirop. Very nice and that just a few meters away from the river where the dolphins where playing around not far from the shore. I think I have nothing to complain about….

At 10.00 o clock we hit the water, but not as you probably expect om the RSX but this time on a surf board. We where going to do surfing and SUP ( Stand up peddle boarding). 
The waves where about 1 meter and very close to another. So had to time realy well to get out and I managed to do some short runes in the shallow water, close to the shore as I still have respect to the sea.
Dominique, Andre and me went out for lunch. Cheeseburger and coke not realy in the diet, but once in a while nice.
Later in the afternoon I did a training with Laurance together. In the downwind I was able to point down muchs more but in the upwind I was fighting all over with the sail. So I have to work muchs harder on my upwind. Realy strainges as two months ago it was the otherway around. It was very nice to train together, so you working harde, you can see the angle but also you can see what needs to get better.
In the evening we had a dinner together and after a little hang out I went to my bed for a goodnight sleep.

Day 4- Another day in paradise. Today I was going to meet Susan. She is Dominique's personal fitness trainer. It was oke if I did the training together so I was able to work out as well and to see how a normal work out morning looks like in the gym.
Today we worked on the upperbody, so arms, shoulders etc. Everytime the same exercise 4 times and trying to make sesions of 8-12 and then chaning machine or exersice again.
I was bit worried about my own strenght as never been in the gym, but it seems it wasn't to bad. Was follow pretty good. Oke sometimes it was bit to heavy, but……I'm starting.
In the afternoon I did again an RSX sesion with Laurance and this time finaly I was able to practise in light wind. I learned a lot about going downwind butterflying, it's a technic going down the wind with out lossing to much speed. In the upwind we did do 1 minute pomping 30 sec. in the harness lines and so on, for 20 minutes. Was tiering but for me was good to see how to do this and was feeling better and better. After working for one hour we where basicly in front of the club and we started to practise to stay on the line or even move the board backwards. I got here wet, as for me this was the hardest part of everything. All the time the board was going everywhere I didn't wanted it to go, but finaly at the end I manage to stay on the line or even move back, not perfect yet, but getting there. So now I can have light wind start and be on the line too

After we cleaned everything I watched a beautifull sunset and was thinking why time always goes so fast when you having fun…2 more days here and then my training week is over already….. 

Day 5- Yesterday Dominique told me to be ready to go on the water at 9 am so Laurance could have one more training with use before going back to Montreal. So I was having my breakfast etc and still nobody downstairs. I was oke then i start at least to get my gear ready so I will not waiste my time. Just when I was rolling out my sail Dominique called me to get upstairs. 
My " lifetime" coach changed plans….see the pictures ——>

It wasn't because there was no wind. So we missed out our morning sesion on the water.
In the afternoon I did go out with Dominique. Oeps it was hard working.
I changed my boom as my sails seems to be bigger then the rest? And of we go, going upwind to the bridge, oh it wasn't easy. I felt still my arms from the work out the day before, the board was going like a horse up all the time, I couldn't close the sail…I started to change all the settings but the wind was increase how closer who got to the bridge, crazy.
The tags where going good. On the downwind I could follow much better and in the gust was even faster, closer to the club we did some shorter parts and jibing and real close to the club we went back to the shore on daggerboard and it seems in lighter wind Im better then in stronger windspecial upwind so know where to work on.

Day 6- Last day already. The whole night it has been raining with thuder and lightning…and it still was raining when I woke up. 
After breakfast Dominique wnet to the fitness centre and I went myself in the gymroom at the resort where I been doing 1 hour training for myself. 30 minutes on the rowning machine and 30 minutes with the dumbles and that while whatching a windsurf movie on the laptop
In the afternoon it was still a bit chilly but at least it was dry. We checked out the ocean side and it was time to play in the wave one more time. So full suite on and a grap one of the surfboards. This time I enjoyed a lot, the waves where still big but now Dominique told me how to get out trough the big waves. Not muchs later I was riding for the first time in my life a big wave and managed to stand on the board all the way to the beach going bit side ways on the wave. Oh this was a great feeling, This was asking for more, so back out peddling again and agian to get new waves. Of course a few times been knocked over too, but it was fun. After 1,5 hour I felt my arms and started to feel cold. Dominique still playing in the waves. After a realy nice and ht shower I packed my RSX gear in the bag ready to go home.
Now in my bed thinking back on a wonderfull week here at Banana River Resort – Cocoa Beach Florida.
I hardly can keeop my eyes open to type so means also that I reach my goal and that was training hard to see how i can get better and stronger on the RSX, so muchs expereince to take home again.

 

Day 7- Earlie wake up to get the last things ready for again a full day of traveling. Gul picked me up and drove me all the way to Miami with here mother, so tehy helped me out and they could visit Miami at the same time.
The night I needed to spent again at Curacao and it was nice I could stay with Petra and there son's.

The next event will be not an RSX evnt but the IFCA World cup slalom in Curacao (april), so see you all back then. Hangloose. 

Day 1- After 3 flights, a bus, ferryboat and a taxi ride I finaly arrived in Cozumel- Mexico. Together with Jan Sebastian, his father and Dominique from Canada.
We going to stay this week in Hotel Fontan about 2 km from the event side. It was dark when we arrived but it seems a very nice place, our rooms are on the ground floor and right at the swimmingpool and sea.
Now I very tiered and will go to sleep- goodnight.

 

Day 2- It was a short night as I have 2 hours time differents and so i was awake at 6am and couldn't sleep anymore. In the mroning there was a perss conference where some of the athletics had to be, so was intresting to be.
We rented this morning a scooter so me and Dominique going to event side by scooter and also do some sightseeing this week.
In afternoon we did two sesions of training. The wind was very light special in the late afternoon and a lot of seagrass in the water. The first session I was with Dominique and Cuba. The second time I went out with Demita and some guys from Mexico, I do like as in Bonaire all the time being alone on the water isn't easy to train.
In the evening we went with Neven and his family to the main square in town for dinner, it was a nice day.

Day 3- Ready, steady, enjoy … North American championship 2011 in Techno, RS:X, Formula experience and Raceboard. Host of the event is beatiful island of Cozumel in Mexico. Find out more about the perfect windsurfing conditions here and great travel destinations that island has to offer. http://www.windsurfmexico.com/

Today was first sightseeing in the morning with Neven fom USA and his family. We went to see the ruines in the middle of the island what was very intresting, later in the day we went on the water.
I was training with Dominique (Can 5) and Cuba and later on with Demita who also did some video and photo shooting. It was a nice and usefull day. 

Day 4- Today was going to be the practise race. I didn't feel very well, so we stayed for an hour in the room to relaxe and then I felt better. First we did registration and messearment, everything was oke. We went for lunch back to the hotel where we had a plate of pasta. Then we went back to the eventside for the practise race. It's good to do so you know where the course will be etc. I did the complete course, to feel the current, winddirrection, finding the marks….Etc. It was a good training and was happy i did the full course. 
Quick de-rigged my gear, as in the vening we had the opening ceremonie.
When we arrived in the centre of Cozumel for the openeing they told me I had to carry my flag. What was a bit of suprise and as my country starts with A, I had to go first. I was more nervous then before a strart of a race. The opening was very nice, with some talks and some dances too. After we had some drinks and food in a restuarant with all the other competertives.
For me the races can start, waited long enough for it….

Day 5- As good as it gets … First days of racing, perfect conditions, incredible "playground" for competitors, perfect scores for the local favorites. See for yourself ….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO6i0s6yy_A

I was a bit restless in the morning at breakfast, as this was going to be my first test to see if i can beat does girls from Cuba and Uruguay and to get my spot for the PANAM. Of course we not the only once, we have Dominique from Canada, Demita from Mexico as many other girls from Mexico to compete against.
I was ready with my gear before the most, did some stretching in the shade and waited patiente for the first start.
I did a little mistake at the first start as I'm so used to do a planning start, but non of the other girls did so got stock in the group without wind, so quick daggerboard down. Then I was on my way, but get a big fall caused by a powerboat in front of me wich gave big waves and so my board digged into a wave and me haed first down into the water, after fall a few more times and worked hard to get back. I finished in the first race 5th. 
Then the second race I did amazing. The start wasn't that good, but at the upwind mark already catch many girls, then on the downwind even more. I stayed more in the shallow water so not to fall in the big waves and somehow this was the perfect strategie for me, as at the finish line Demita waited for me and told me I was 2nd in this race. I was very supridsed! Dominique broke a harnassline and went back to the beach to fix it so couldn't finsh and I was muchs faster then the others. So I was of course very happy.
The last and third race I did well. I finished 4th, still my start not so good and made a mistake at the upwind mark as the current is very strong there, but was happy with my score.

I can look back to a very nice racing day (5th- 2nd and 4th) and overall 3rd after one day (and in front of Cuba and Uruguay) with two more days to go. So will have a goodnight sleep now.

Day 6- Another day in paradise. I woke up this morning and for a moment i thought I did dream I was on 3rd place, but no it wasn't a dream. It was real! So today was going to be toff day, to keep that place. With 6 races we would have a discard and Dominique should move up at least to the 2nd spot.
So my plan was to work hard and try to do all the best.
Unfortantly the race commitee decided to put a small blue flag under the OUT flag and I was so stuppit not to ask what that blue flag was meaning. I fnished as first overall, but then i realized we had to do two times the outer loop instead of once. I couldn't make it in the time limit so a DNF. I was very disapointed about it as I did race well again as was in 4th position, at the mark. Lucky later I could use this race as discard.
The 2nd and 3rd race of the day I raced very good but the other girls too, so was a real competion till the end of the race end even at the last downwind mark up to the finish line it was a fight who was going to be first over the line between Cuba 2, Mex 4 and me.
After this day I was one point behind Mex 4 and egeal points with Cuba on 4th position, so you could say we where all fighting still for the 3rd place, the podium, what was going to be very intresting for the last day.

Day 7- Already the last day of the event. The wind was a bit stronger in the morning then the other days and increased a lot during the day. I did a lot of extra downhaul after some advice from Dominique. We had real planning conditions today, so no daggerboard use at all today. My starts went fine, tactics was doing very good also special in the upwind where I was rounding most of the time in 3rd place just during the race in the last bit I lost a bit. Mex 4 sailed very strong this day and kept her 3rd place.

For me–> I was happy!!! I surfed a very good event and learned again a lot. To sail with 2-3 meter waves, with very strong current and with current going in two different directions in one course, completed all 9 races and many many tactics.
But most important for me I did QUALIFY MYSELF FOR THE PANAM- Mexico 2011.

 * Me being very happy going to PANAM games in MEXICO October 2011  (together with USA, CAN, MEX, BRA, ARG and CUBA)