Grand Prix Petit Navire - Day 11
by Kate Jennings 10 May 2009 22:42 BST
30 April - 10 May 2009
Final curtain at Douarnenez
The tenth anniversary edition of the Grand Prix Petit Navire 2009 will doubtless go down in history as one of the greatest festivals of sailing. Traditionally it was the kitesurfers who brought the event to a close on the water today, whilst the party atmosphere will continue on into the evening at Port Rhu to celebrate what has been an indescribably magical Grand Prix.
Bruno Sroka and Fabienne d’Ortoli, European champions
The Grand Prix Petit Navire Kitesurf certainly lived up to expectations, even though the riders weren’t able to compete in any further racing today due to a lack of wind. As such yesterday’s ranking now provides the official results for the European Championship, so after 12 races it’s the locals on this stage who take victory, namely Bruno Sroka and Fabienne d’Ortoli.
The organisation has been faultless with a vast number of races run, complete control of the new rules for this particular discipline and the perfect integration of what has been a big first in this stage at Douarnenez: namely a ‘racecourse’ style start, which involves competitors setting off into the wind, making the course even more technical and hence even more thrilling.
Bruno Sroka, European champion 2009
“It wasn’t easy but the work paid off. For the past three months Paulo (Paulo Rista: designer) and I have been trying to develop the gear. This Grand Prix has been a full scale test against some stiff competition. In the end, our choices proved their worth in relation to the other riders, who were sailing with classic boards. (NB. Marc Blanc, second and Bruno’s main rival, was sailing with a foil). I am really happy and if our work enables the kite to develop then so much the better! (NB: Bruno tested flat sailing for the first time here). I am really happy as it’s involved a huge amount of personal investment and teamwork with Paulo and this title is a reward for all the work we’ve put in.”
Fabienne d’Ortoli, European champion 2009
“I’m delighted. I really didn’t expect to finish first, especially in the presence of Steph Bridge (NB. World Champion 2008). It was a really close call between Steph, Caroline Adrien and me as we finished all the races within a few metres of each other. It was a superb edition though, with lots of racing and a higher and higher level each year.”
General Kite ranking:
1st Bruno Sroka 10.20 pts
2nd Marc Blanc 17.80 pts
3rd Charles Deleau 20.40 pts
4th and 1st youth, Julien Kerneur 31 pts
5th and 1st veteran, Sylvain Hoceini 41 pts
15th and 1st woman, Fabienne d'Ortoli 133 pts
16th and 2nd woman, Steph Bridge 147 pts
20th and 3rd woman, Caroline Adrien 165 pts