Manuela Jungo (SUI) shined as well during her heat against Judith Roetman, throwing down a notable S-Bend and Blind Judge 5. Jalou Langeree (NED) later advanced past Jungo.

As winds continued to hold, Sebastian Garat (FRA) and Alex Soto (DR) advanced in the early heats. Soto advanced in his face-off against Sam Light (UK); however, Light received much praise on the beach for his stylish S-Bend to Blind.

By heat #41, winds began to decrease as Garat and Marc Jacobs (NZ) tried their hardest to perform in the heavy current and light wind. This heat was soon cancelled once both competitors exited the water to run upwind.  Interestingly, the highest score of the day went to Kevin Langeree for a Late Back Mobe, earning the total highest score in his first heat of 44.57. Unfortunately, the winds never increased enough to allow for further freestyle heats. As a result, the final rankings of the single eliminations held for this event.

The wind, was however, good enough for racing, and with the positive energy on the beach only building, the breeze held on to provide racers the perfect opportunity for the next competition. The sixth race of the O’Neill Kiteboard World Cup commenced in 11-14 knots of wind at 1:45. Starting on a downwind tack upon crossing the starting line, racers cut up into the wind – the best men in the sport engaging in a fight to the end. All but one competitor started on starboard, the packed fleet led by Adam Koch (USA), Riccardo Leccese (COL), and Olivier Dansin (FRA).

Shortly into the beginning of the race, Koch broke further upwind than Leccese, while Kerneur took an early first tack, hoping to gain ground towards the upwind buoy. For Kerneur, this strategy did not quite work out as planned, as he was forced to tack again to make his first mark. After this point, the fleet began to spread out, Lake moving into the lead, with Koch second and Leccese third.

The eventual downwind tack stood out as an amazingly close stretch, – the top three racers at each other’s heels. Attempting to gain on the leading competitors, Rolf Van Der Vlugt, Julien Kerneur, and Olivier Dansin raced close together as well.  At this moment, tactical sailing was at its best as racers maneuvered with all of their mental and physical might. Katja Roose (NED) also stayed in perfect placement throughout the race, ahead of numerous male competitors and, as usual, earning much respect on the course. The other women did well in this race also, with strong sailing and well-thought out approaches.

Finally, in the last minutes of the race – heavy fog overhead – Koch made the cleanest lay line, gaining an even greater lead. Onlookers held their breath as Koch pushed through the finish line, followed by Leccese and Lake.

The seventh race started soon after, the racers this time reaching upwind towards their mark on a shorter course. Kerneur and Lake initially took noticeably different lines from the rest, while the others held similar paths. Pushing forward in the first minutes were Koch, Leccese, Lake, and Dansin. The rest of the fleet flowed with the pack, making both slight movements and major line changes throughout the duration. The last moments of the race proved to be incredibly eventful, as Koch rounded his mark first – Lake close behind. Leccese, on the other hand, found his kite in the water after flying it low and trying to gain speed, which caused him to fall back significantly, allowing Kerneur and Dansin to edge up in the rankings.  The final results of this race were Koch, Lake, and Kerneur in the first three positions. (Final race rankings may be viewed below).

Overall the O’Neill Kiteboard World Cup proved to be an amazing event. With all the excitement of big freestyle action coupled with amazing racing performances, the PKRA’s fourth official tour stop of the year finished with great result. In the evening, the top competitors accepted their awards, exuding much appreciation and pride.

FINAL RESULTS

FREESTYLE MEN:

1. Alex Pastor
2. Alberto Rondina
3. Youri Zoon

FREESTYLE WOMEN:

1. Bruna Kajiya
2. Gisela Pulido
3. Karolina Winkowska

RACE MEN:

1. Adam Koch
2. Bryan Lake
3. Riccardo Leccese

RACE WOMEN:

1. Katja Roose
2. Nuria Goma
3. Jessica Sickinger

In time, the winds began to build slightly, and the race directed attempted a first starting time of 2:05. Unfortunately, the conditions became highly variable and the race was cancelled before it began. After an hour passed, the winds returned, measuring 10 knots.  The racers then took off at the sound of the horn, ferociously fighting for the best placement and strategizing the best line of attack.

Right from the beginning, Adam Koch (USA) and Riccardo Leccese (COL) took very different tacks, one starting on port and the other on  starboard. This made for an interesting beginning, with others such as Bryan Lake (USA) and Julien Kerneur (FRA) not far behind.  By the first mark, it was clear that Leccese chose the appropriate path, as he rounded the buoy with ease. Koch, on the other hand, was forced to make a short tack back to get around his mark.

As the race progressed, a greater distance was made between Leccese and Rolf Van Der Vlugt (NED), who followed in second. Unfortunately, a collision on the second lap between Bryan Lake (USA) and Van Der Vlugt took these top-riders out of their leading positions, allowing Julien Kerneur and Adam Koch to edge into second and third place (this collision was later protested.) At this time, Nuria Goma’s (ESP) kite also went down, which forced her to forfeit the 5^th race.  Later, in recalling the race, Koch commented that it was a challenging competition and revealed that rounding each mark was perhaps the most difficult part, as this transition in light wind can turn out to be all luck – a puff of wind making or breaking one’s chance of pulling through with success.

Finally, the competitors crossed the finish line after a hard fought battle in tough conditions and strong current. Leccese completed the race with a sizeable lead, while Koch and Kerneur took part in the closest finish yet – Kerneur just inches ahead of Koch. This race ended in seven knots, and several competitors did not finish. In fact, Katja Roose (NED) turned out to be the only woman to finish the race.

Day 6 looks to have good wind in the morning, decreasing throughout the day. Competitors will arrive at the event site early on to take advantage of this possible morning blow. In addition, the livestream will also continue to broadcast the action and feature exclusive interviews and insights with host, Dave Tyburski.