Pelzerhaken is set to host the season-deciding round of the California Windsurf Cup. Over four days, competitors will battle it out in the foiling and fin slalom disciplines for the final ranking points of the season. According to the organisers, more than half of the nearly 40 registered windsurfers are under 21 years of age. The wind forecast promises suitable conditions for competitions in both disciplines. As the season finale, the event is awarded an increased ranking factor of 1.25, which significantly boosts the importance of each individual race. At the same time, the GWA Youth & Junior Championship will be held, where classic funboarders and Olympic iQFOiL athletes will go head-to-head. The area in front of the pier serves as the event centre, offering a direct view of the race course.
Battle for the overall classification without the leader, Fabian Wolf
Fabi Wolf currently tops the overall standings, but will be absent whilst preparing for the PWA World Cup on Sylt. This gives his closest rival, Keno Recke, the chance to still clinch the overall title. Behind them, the race for the podium places remains completely open. Mika Henning, Jesse Richter, Paul Regber, Jesper-Mo Thomsen and Noah Schmäh still theoretically have a chance of a top-three finish. The high scoring factor of 1.25 makes it possible to make significant leaps up the rankings. Every race could therefore prove decisive for the final standings.
Fabi Wolf has, following his Victory at the German Championships on Sylhas already secured overall victory in the foiling discipline. However, the battle for second and third place remains fiercely contested. Keno Recke heads to the Baltic Sea in second place in the standings. Mika Henning and Jonas Naumann can only improve their points totals slightly. The situation is different for the junior sailors: Jesse Richter, Paul Regber and Noah Schmäh each have the chance to improve their standings by around 20 ranking points. This means that any one of the three could still make it onto the annual podium in Pelzerhaken.
Fin Slalom with a completely open contest
The annual Fin Slalom standings remain unpredictable. Challenging wind conditions at the tour stops so far have meant that only one valid result has been recorded. The race in Pelzerhaken could therefore decide the entire annual standings. Vincent Langer is currently in the lead, but is unable to take part due to work commitments. Keno Recke is in second place and is therefore in the best position to claim overall victory. Up-and-coming talent Mika Henning and Fin Slalom specialist Oliver Schott also believe they have a chance. If the wind conditions are right, the title will only be decided in the final races of the year.
The German Windsurfing Association’s Junior Championships feature competitions in fin slalom, foiling and the overall category. The event is open to both traditional funboarders and young athletes competing in the Olympic iQFOiL class. There is also a separate iQFOiL competition within the foiling category. Mika Henning goes into the competition as the top favourite. The 15-year-old talent excels on both the foil and the fin. In the current California Windsurf Cup overall annual rankings, Henning is ranked third as the top Junior U17. Jesse Richter is travelling to Pelzerhaken as the top Youth U21 and fourth in the overall standings. Paul Regber, as the top Youth U19, rounds off the top five in the overall standings. His strengths lie in foiling. As a member of the Schleswig-Holstein Sailing Association’s regional squad, Regber will be competing on the pre-Olympic iQFOiL Youth & Junior Equipment. Noah Schmäh and Jesper-Mo Thomsen are also among the title contenders.
Support programme featuring yoga and post-race parties
A varied programme of events awaits visitors around the pier forecourt. Free yoga sessions take place twice a day, whilst street food and event catering provide refreshments right on the pier forecourt. After sunset, the area is transformed into a party venue. At the after-race parties on Friday and Saturday, athletes, visitors and windsurfing fans can round off the day together.
The California Windsurf Cup Pelzerhaken runs daily from Thursday to Saturday, roughly from 10.00 to 22.00. The event concludes on Sunday at around 18.00. The main prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 17.00. The winners of the California Windsurf Cup Pelzerhaken will then be honoured and the new GWA Youth & Junior Champions crowned. If the current wind forecast is confirmed, spectators and participants can look forward to four days of foiling and fin slalom races right in front of the pier.
All the information and results can be found at windsurfcup.de