AOT KONA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
Pattaya, Thailand. 28th November to 3rd. December 2006


Day 4. December 3nd.
Mondial Kona AOT: Navin Singsart et Ricardo Giordano champions du Monde Kona 2006.


Le vent annoncé pour la dernière journée des Mondiaux AOT a finalement fait défaut. Et même si les règles de la " Kona Class " permettent de courir dans toutes les conditions, il aurait été difficile pour l'organisation de valider une manche correcte dans un vent de 2 à 3 næuds seulement, qui plus est avec des changements constants de direction de 30 à 50 degrés ! Dommage quand même que les 20 næuds espérés se soient évanouis : les concurrents rêvaient d'en découdre dans un vent établi pour le dernier jour de l'épreuve. Le classement final reste donc tel qu'il était à l'issue des trois premières journées de course : le Thaïlandais Navin Singsart remporte le titre en toutes catégories et en légers devant son compatriote Prapart Sang-ngern. L'Italien Ricardo Giordano, troisième au général, est quant à lui sacré Champion 2006 chez les Lourds.

Rudolf Steiner, Directeur de Course;
" Nous avons eu du petit temps tout au long de la compétition, certes. Mais il faut signaler que si cela avait été un Championnat dans n'importe quelle autre catégorie, nous n'aurions même pas été en mesure de boucler trois manches, à savoir le minimum imposé pour qu'un résultat soit validé. En définitive, nous avons réussi à en valider six, toutes disputées dans des conditions très acceptables d'un point de vue sportif. " Autre avantage de la Kona: il n'y a guère de période d'attente pour les coureurs entre les manches. En effet, même quand les conditions étaient insuffisantes pour lancer une course, les concurrents s'en donnaient à cæur joie en Freestyle : un spectacle qui a rappelé bien des souvenirs aux nombreux vétérans qui participaient à ce premier mondial Kona.


Cette compétition a par ailleurs été historique à plus d'un titre, puisque nous avions des compétiteurs âgés de 12 à 62 ans - et de 41 à 105kg- de tous les niveaux ; du coureur PWA à des " petits jeunes ", windsurfers de fraîche date.
Il y avait même une sacrée brochette de talents au départ, aux côtés de ces jeunes pousses : entre autres, le tout premier Champion du Monde de l'Histoire du windsurf (c'était en 1973 !), le Champion du Monde de Raceboard en titre, un ex-Champion du Monde PWA et trois anciens coureurs olympiques !

Navin Singsart, vainqueur toutes catégories;
" Ca a été un superbe Championnat pour moi. J'étais assez mal parti, mais une fois bien réglé sur la Kona, j'ai nettement mieux marché : j'ai terminé avec une victoire et une seconde place. Toutes les manches ont été très disputées et intéressantes. J'adore ce genre d'épreuve monotype : c'est à la portée de tous, tout en restant de la compétition de haut niveau. Avec la règle qui interdit le pomping, chacun a sa chance. Pour tout dire, c'est bien la première fois que j'apprécie vraiment de naviguer avec aussi peu d'air ! "

Nos sincères remerciements à nos sponsors , au club Eastern Windsurfing et à l'Association Thai Windsurfing pour l'organisation sans faille, et bien sûr à l'ensemble des compétiteurs qui ont pris part à ce championnat mémorable.

A l'année prochaine!

L'Equipe Exocet.

Résultats:
  • Classement général

  • Légers

  • Lourds


    • Click see >> Kona Windsurfing World 2006 Gallery

    Day 3. December 2nd.


    It was another day with light westerly winds, but the Kona class rules allow racing in all conditions and both races today in 3 to 4 knots, proved that it is both possible as well as interesting. In combination with the "no pumping" rule - lightwind sailing becomes extremely tactical.

    In the first race Ricardo Giordano did no mistakes and collected his 2nd. bullet, followed by Navin Singsart. The duo did it again in the second race, but this time with Navin crossing the line first. This moved him up in the lead over-all, closely followed by the consistant Prapart Sang-ngern and Ricardo Giordano.

    Ricardo has a pending protest against him, and with a dsq from the 4th. race, he may risk loosing his lead in the heavy weight division. The top five positions are still unchanged after 6 races, but tomorrow may change things, as 15 to 20 knots north easterly winds are predicted from early morning.

    Stay tuned.

    Results:
  • Over All

  • Light weight

  • Heavy weight


    • Day 2. December 1st.


    The westerly winds kicked in at 13.30, allowing for two races today. Again it was light, but gusting to 10 knots in the last race.

    Piyawat Panbuddee, another young Thai sailor had a perfect day with two very impressive wins. Especially considering the tricky conditions with 10 to 15 degrees shift and a 3 knots current.

    Piyawat broke loose early in both starts and secured his leads with excellet tactical sailing. Despite light wind adevantage and local knowledge, the level of the Thai youth sailors is impressively high, and came as a surprise to most foreign competitors.

    Songkram Singsart is still leading over-all, followed by Praporn Sung-Ngerm and Ricardo Giordano from Italy. After four races and one discard, it is double Italy in the heavy weight division, - with Giovanni Di Stefano in 2nd. and Patrik Pollak from Slovakia moving down to 3rd. Bjorn Holm from Sweden moved up to 5th. after discarding an OSC from yesterday.
    We hope for good winds and three races tomorrow.

    Results:
  • Over All

  • Light weight

  • Heavy weight


    • Day 1. November 30th.



    The first day of the Kona Worlds saw some very competitive racing in light shifty winds from 4 to 6 knots. Despite these sub planning conditions, - all the competitors were respecting the “no pumping” rule, which is unique for the class.


    Tor Bakke – Class representative;
    “Racing becomes much more tactical and fair. Instead of pumping your brains out – you actually start thinking strategy and tactics. It was amazing to watch this big fleet battling it out without a sound. Instead of the familiar noise of flapping Mylar cloth, it was total silence – and a beautiful sight of intense, tight racing. We thought we took a big risk implementing this rule, but the competitors behaved well, and it seems they all appreciated it – as it opens up for clean tactical sailing, rather than “air rowing” that has been a pest to this sport much too long.”

    Two races were sailed today, and the light weights naturally enjoyed the conditions.
    The local competitors put on an impressive display, and proved they are definitely at a high international level, although not competing much outside of Thailand.

    Young Songkram Singsart and the veteran Teera Sudpumkaew are 1st. and 2nd. over all followed by one of the favorites – Ricardo Giordano from Italy. (Heavy weight) Songkram is considered a big talent among those who know him, and he certainly demonstrated his skills with two 2nds. on the opening day. Although the light weights dominated in today’s conditions, Patrik Pollak, Slovakia and Kriangkrai Sakulfak, Thailand are place 6th. and 9th. respectively and consequently 2nd. and 3rd. in their weight group, - behind Ricardo Giordano.
    Slightly more wind is expected tomorrow, and we look forward to another day of close racing.

    Results:
  • Over All

  • Light weight

  • Heavy weight



    • Registration day. November 29th. - The Kona Worlds is on.



    The registration day is soon over, and we have 57 competitors from 11 nations and 3 continents signed up for the very first Kona Worlds. Some of the favorites are Ben van der Steen from Holland, the Raceboard World Champion Patrik Pollak from Slovakia, the vice World champion – Ricardo Giordano from Italy, ex Olympian Bjorn Holm from Sweden, this years French Kona champion Vincent Gourtay from France and the first ever windsurfing champion Bruce Matlack from USA.

    We are looking forward to a very interesting race - and for the first time in almost 20 years – it will be racing without wind limit, and pumping is restricted to 30 seconds after the start only. Definitely a challenge for the organizers, but perhaps a big step forward – or should we say back to fair sailing.

    The atmosphere is great, and light to moderate winds are predicted for tomorrow.

    Stay tuned.

    Notice of Race
    AOT KONA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
    Pattaya, Thailand. 28th November to 3rd. December 2006

    The 1st. International Kona Championships will take place at famous Pattaya Beach, located 100 km south of Bangkok at the East coast of the Siam Gulf. It will be a competitive as well as social one-design event with complimentary beach and BB'q party's every night. The Kona is well tailored for racing in all conditions, so no more waiting on the beach. Charter equipment will be available from Exocet and Aerotech, but early bookings are recommended.

    Thailand is well known for its relaxed atmosphere and Pattaya Beach has a mild steady breeze, tropical sun and 30 degrees. Wet suits not needed. While off the water you will find good, affordable accommodation and delicious food under the palm trees. And if you want nightlife, there are not many places like Pattaya.

    1. Event
    The 1st International Kona World Championships will be held from November 28th to December 3rd 2006. Main events will be course racing, long distance and slalom.

    2. Organizer
    The event will be organized by Eastern Windsurfing Club (EWC) together with the Airport of Thailand Public Company Limited. For and on behalf of and under specified conditions laid down by the Kona Class.

    3. Venue
    Racing will take place at the North point of Wong-Amat Beach, Pattaya. www.raimonland.com (Supported the land by Boon Property Co.,Ltd.)

    Pattaya is located 60 minutes from the new Bangkok airport and it is an established windsurfing area. During November and December the weather conditions are influenced by the north-east monsoon blowing from 8 to 25 knots. Water temp 24ºC; Average air temp 26-30ºC.

    4. Rules
    This event is governed by:
    The Windsurfing Competition Rules and the Sailing Instructions.

    5. Eligibility and Discipline
    The 1st. International Kona World Championships are open to all sailors in the following divisions:
  • Lightweight
  • Heavyweight
    Weight classes will be divided into two equal groups, and specified after registration and weigh-in of all competitors. The Championships are open to all age groups.

    6. Buoyancy
    If personal buoyancy is prescribed, each competitor shall wear, above the waist, a jacket, harness, or vest with a minimum buoyancy of 4kg. Uninflected, in fresh water. The buoyancy shall be tested with a metal weight of 4kg. Which shall remain supported for a minimum of 5 minutes.

    7. Liability.
    Competitors take part in all races at their own risk. The Organizing Authority or any of their officials or representatives or the sponsors or their officials or representatives are not responsible, under any circumstances, for any damage, loss or injury either ashore or on the water either to persons or equipment. Participation in this event, supporting events and in each race within them is at the sole discretion of the sailor and at his/her own risk.

    8. Courses
    Courses will be specified in the Sailing Instructions or on the official notice board.

    9. Schedule
  • November 28th, 29th
    		• 10.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs Registration.
  • November 30th
    		• 10.00 hrs Racing
    16.00 hrs Last possible start
    18.30 hrs Opening Ceremony
  • December 1st. to 3rd
    		• Racing in accordance with sailing instructions.
  • December 3rd
    		• 18.30 hrsPrize giving and Closing Ceremony


    10. Scoring
    The Windsurfing Competition Rules low points scoring system (App. A2) will apply.

    11. International Jury
    An International Jury will be appointed. Their decisions will be final and cannot be appealed.

    12. Sailing Instructions (SI's)/Event Program
    The SI's will be available at registration as will the Event Program scheduling social events.

    13. Accommodation

    1. Aisawan Resort & Spa; www.aisawan.com is the official hotel for the Event. The special rate for windsurf candidates during Nov 28 - December 3, 2006 are as follows;
  • Superior Room Euro 90 nett. Include ABF
  • Aisawan Club Room Euro 120 nett. Include ABF
  • Villa Lanai Euro 120 nett. Include ABF
  • Pool Lanai Euro 130 nett. Include ABF

    2. Other hotels are the Plumeria Serviced Apartment; www.plumeriapattaya.com and Prima Villa; www.primavillahotel.com both within 100 meters from the race site, and at special discounted rates through the organizers.
  • Plumeria serviced apartments are Euro 50 per room per night incl. Breakfast.
  • Prima Villa offer rooms at Euro 26 per night incl. Breakfast.

    3. Please contact ewc@loxinfo.co.th for reservations. Due to peak season, number of rooms is limited in Pattaya. Please make reservations in advance and no later than October 15th.

    Please keep us update Re: Entree list.
    The deadline for the charter board will be 31st Oct, 2006. The payment for the charter has to be made before the mentioned date.

    14. Air Travel/Transportation
    The nearest Airport is Bangkok (Approx 50 to 60 minutes by road). Book your flight to Bangkok early to avoid disappointment, as it is close to peak season. Transfer from Bangkok International Airport to Pattaya will be arranged by the organizers on request. Please contact the organizers ewc@loxinfo.co.th and let them know your date and time of arrival and flight number. The cost for one way trip is 30 Euro per person.

    15. Charter Boards
    Please order your charter board before 1st November 2006. Competitors may also purchase the charter boards subsequent to the event at very favorable prices. The charter fee is 150 Euro for complete sets. Please contact Exocet for booking and further information; tor@exocet-original.com

    16. Registration
    The registration office during the regatta will be located at the Event venue from 10.00 hours to 16.00 hours for registration and inquiries and Competitors are required to fill the regatta entry form and weigh-in with the official in charge. For information or questions before the Event, please contact Thanit Raksavanes
    Eastern Windsurfing Club (EWC)
    Tel; 661 859 1234
    Fax; 662 260 2442
    Email; ewc@loxinfo.co.th

    17. Entries
    Competitors are requested to fill in the entry form no later than October 30th.2006. You can enter on-line.
    [ Entry form ]

    18. Entry Fee
    The entry fee is 75 Euro and payable at site/registration.

    19. Money/Exchange Rate
    The currency of Thailand is the Baht. 1 US$ is approximately 38. - Baht. Money exchange is very easy in Thailand. Traveler cheques in US-Dollars have better exchange rates than bank notes. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants and in many shops. For the latest exchange rates, see the famous XE.COM currency converter.