Was für ein Rennen! Die Defi WIND 2026 startete explosiv mit einem heftigen Tramontana, der wenige Minuten vor dem Start des Rabbit-Boots Böen von bis zu 45 Knoten erreichte. Auf der Finne setzte Jordy Vonk (Duotone Windsurfing) ein klares Zeichen und sicherte sich den ersten Platz, während die Geschwindigkeitsexpertin Jenna Gibson (Duotone Windsurfing) die Damenwertung anführt. Auf dem Foil sicherten sich Alexis Mathis (Tabou / GA Sails) und Justine Lemeteyer (PATRIK / PATRIK SAILS / PATRIK Foils), die PWA-Foil-Weltmeisterin von 2025, die ersten Plätze in einem Rennen, das man getrost als unangenehm und stürmisch bezeichnen kann.
1,350 racers entered this year’s Defi in Gruissan, South of France. The Defi is a unique format of racing where amateurs and professionals compete together, all on the same fleet, all on the same course. It is a mix of parties, boat show on the beach, serious racing for many, or the challenge to complete the 40km long distance race for others. Tramontana is the local wind, well known for its intensity. Today, lady Tramontana showed her most fierce face under dark threatening clouds in the last minutes of the countdown…
After a start sharp on time, the rabbit-boat opened the 900 metre long starting line. The conditions eased a bit to a solid 35 knots all over the course with bright sunshine. Defi was blessed by the gods of wind. While some competitors wisely decided to stay safe on the beach, 1199 racers tried to challenge an angry Tramontana. That first race turned into a Barkley race on the water, extreme, where only 622 competitors reached the finishing line.
It took 32 minutes for Vonk to finish his race, 45 seconds ahead of world champion Matteo Iachino (Starboard / NeilPryde). Two and a half hours later, as a real gentleman racer, Vonk was welcoming the last finisher back on the beach, fulfilling the spirit of the pro-am competition that the Defi Wind represents.
The next couple of days show an interesting forecast with plenty of Tramontana on offer, 30 knots everyday, all we need for a good bunch of exciting races, more accessible for all.
Defi WIND Fin Ranking After 1 Race - Men’s
1st Jordy Vonk (NED | Duotone Windsurfing)
2nd Matteo Iachino (ITA | Starboard / NeilPryde)
3rd Nico Prien (GER | JP / NeilPryde)
4th Pierre Mortefon (FRA | FMX Racing / North Sails)
5th Bruno Martini (ITA | I-99 / S2Maui)
Defi WIND Fin Ranking After 1 Race - Women’s
1st Jenna Gibson (GBR | Duotone Windsurfing)
2nd Mae Davico (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils)
3rd Marion Mortefon (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils)
4th Bobbi-Lynn De Jong (NB | Starboard / NeilPryde)
5th Femke Van Der Veen (NED | Starboard / Severne Sails)
Defi WIND Unlimited Ranking After 1 Race - Men’s
1st Alexis Mathis (FRA | Tabou / GA Sails)
2nd Amado Vrieswijk (NB | Future Fly / North Sails / Z Foils)
3rd John Soukos (GRE | WeOne / Challenger Sails / PATRIK Foils)
4th Colin Hérmitant (FRA | Exocet / Loftsails)
5th Antoine Albeau (FRA | Severne Windsurfing)
Defi WIND Unlimited Ranking After 1 Race - Women’s
1st Justine Lemeteyer (FRA | PATRIK / PATRIK Sails / PATRIK Foils)
2nd Blanca Alabau (ESP | WeOne / Severne Sails)
3rd Lola Brotschi (FRA | RRD)
4th Caroline Spinner (FRA | FMX Racing / S2Maui)
5th Sophie Persine (FRA | GUNSAILS)