Defi Wind 2026: Endurance test at 45 knots - Jordy Vonk and Jenna Gibson triumph

The Defi Wind 2026 began with one of the toughest races in the event's history. The Tramontana showed its most extreme side and sent gusts of up to 45 knots across the 900 metre long starting line shortly before the start. Of the 1,350 registered participants, 1,199 riders ventured onto the water, but the conditions took their toll. Only 622 windsurfers made it to the finish of the 40-kilometre course. After the start, the wind calmed down to "only" a constant 35 knots, but it was still an endurance test in which many had to give up in the meantime

Jordy Vonk with a grand gesture

Jordy Vonk crossed the finish line first after 32 minutes. The Dutchman built up a 45-second lead over second-placed Matteo Iachino. Nico Prien completed the podium in third place. Pierre Mortefon took fourth place, followed by Bruno Martini in fifth and Maciek Rutkowski in sixth. Vonk demonstrated his class not only during the race, but also afterwards. Two and a half hours after crossing the finish line, he personally received the last finisher on the beach - fantastic!

British speed specialist Jenna Gibson secured the Finnish victory ahead of Mae Davico and Marion Mortefon. Young star Bobbi-Lynn De Jong took fourth place, while Femke Van Der Veen rounded off the top five in fifth place.

Mathis and Lemeteyer lead the foil rankings

In the "Unlimited" category, in which the foilers compete, Alexis Mathis came out on top. The Frenchman relegated Amado Vrieswijk to second place. John Soukos from Greece took third place. Colin Hérmitant followed in fourth place, while Antoine Albeau took fifth place. In the women's event, PWA Foil World Champion Justine Lemeteyer dominated the field. The Frenchwoman won ahead of Blanca Alabau. Lola Brotschi secured third place, followed by Caroline Spinner in fourth and Sophie Persine in fifth. The foil athletes had to contend with particularly difficult conditions, which made the race a real test of endurance.

Outlook for upcoming race days

The weather forecast for Gruissan promises more days of racing with constant Tramontana. Daily winds of 30 knots are expected, which would offer much more relaxed conditions than on the opening day.