Formula Windsurfing World Championships Report

22 December 2005

Antoine Albeau (FRA) and Allison Shreeve (AUS) are the new Formula World Champions.

Seven races were held over 5 days in Melbourne Australia. Unfortunately the wind didn't settle into the normal sea breeze pattern so the full 15 races could not be completed, but at least one race was held on each day of the regatta.

Antoine won the men's fleet fairly convincingly with an 8 point lead over Poland's Wojtek Brzozowski and Argentinian Gonzalo Cost Hoevel.

Antoine had this to say:

"I had a very good year this year. I won the Formula European Championship and I won the PWA World Tour Championship too. I would like to thank my sponsors, Neil Pryde and Quiksilver".

North tester Jimmy Diaz missed the podium by 1 point in probably his best Formula event to date. He can however take consolation in winning the masters title!

Frances Julien Quentel, who lead the event through the first few races dropped to 7th overall, but shows huge promise for the future and walks away with the Youth title.

The UK was well represented with Ross Williams in 6th place overall and Keith Atkinson in 13th (2nd lightweight). Keith is really moving up the rankings this year and if he keeps his present form is well in with a chance of a podium finish next year. Ross was unlucky to get black flagged in race 6, a costly mistake that most likely cost him several places in the overall rankings.

In the ladies fleet, Allison Shreeve did to the rest of the women, what Dorota often did in the past - winning the event counting straight firsts!! Dorota did enough to manage second overall with Boardseeker Team rider Lucy Horwood in 3rd.

Allisons win was made even more impressive by the fact she was told by doctors, not to compete after a high speed collision with a male competitor did serious damage to her ankle. Brave girl!! Lucy put in a consistent set of results and finished 3rd i9n the ladies fleet, he sailing has improved noticeably and we hope to see her on the top of the podium next year.

For more info on the event including the daily reports and pictures go to formulawindsurfing.org.

Report from Boardseeker.