35 participants, partial sunshine, winds of up to 25 knots, four long-distance races and a complete freestyle elimination - when an event premiere goes off like the Winger of the Sea, you can confidently call it a successful start. Leo Richter was at the start himself and has written a participant report:
The first national wingfoil competition of the year took place in Grönwohld. As part of the "Winger of the Sea - powered by Vayu", Leon Delle and Oliver Tom Schliemann organised an everyman wing regatta. Just like its sibling format, the Racer of the Sea, the everyman windsurfing regatta, all water sports enthusiasts are welcome.
The simple conditions of participation, the attractive supporting programme and the spot in Eckernförde Bay, which is popular among Kiel wingfoilers, ensured a large starting field of 35 wingfoilers.
The wing invasion found its way to the campsite in Grönwohld on Saturday morning. All age and size categories met at the registration desk. During the regatta, the 2-metre giants had to watch out for the 140-centimetre tall young wings.
On the first day, everyone enjoyed perfect westerly wind conditions. As the Wing is considered by many to be a light wind weapon, the 25 to 30 knots of wind were quite a challenge for many participants - those who were lucky enough to get hold of some small material from the Vayu test pool. Four races were held over a long slalom course until Saturday afternoon. Frank Rosin won ahead of Yannik Holste and Fabian Rieger.
After a break and with arms that had already grown a few centimetres longer, the day was not over yet. The competition entered its second round with the freestyle contest. Leon, Olli and head judge Lukas Thelen judged the overall performance of the four riders in each of the six-minute heats from the boat. In a knockout system, the top two of each heat qualified for the next round, right through to the final. The youngsters already caused a furore in the first rounds. Wilhelm and Hubert Christahl put on an impressive show on the water alongside Eik Eberlein, Rokko Schneider and Leon Maethner, outshining some of the adult wingers.
Head judge Lukas Thelen couldn't get the grin off his face. In the final, which was eagerly watched by parents, participants and other onlookers, Yannick Mittas, Fabian Rieger, 14-year-old Leon Maethner and 12-year-old Hubert Christahl deservedly went head-to-head. The final was characterised by decreasing winds, which is why the heat duration was extended from six to eight minutes. In the end, Yannick Mattis came in a sensational second place ahead of Hubert Christahl and Fabian Rieger then came in a great fourth place ahead of Leon Maethner.
The day ended early with a communal barbecue and visibly exhausted participants. There were no further wing competitions on Sunday as there was no wind. However, many adults were once again driven to the ground by the 10 to 14-year-olds as part of a pump foil contest. The winners of the previous day, such as Yannick Mattis and Lukas Thelen, showed what is possible with a foil without any wind.
The event ended on Sunday afternoon in glorious sunshine. Before the award ceremony, there was a raffle in which all participants received prizes provided by partners Vayu, XCEL, Salty Elements and Sabfoil.
The results of the Winger of the Sea - powered by Vayu
Slalom:
- Frank Rosin
- Yannick Holste
- Fabian Rieger
Best youth: Leon Maethner
Freestyle:
- Yannick Mittas
- Hubert Christall
- Fabian Rieger
Best youth: Hubert Christall
The best lady in both categories was Maria Behrens.
There will be a sequel to the Winger of the Sea - powered by Vayu later this year. We will inform you in good time. Further information is also available HERE on the Facebook page of the event.
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
