American-born windsurfer of Cape Verdean nationality Josh Angulo, who is one of those responsible for bringing the International Windsurfing Championship to Ponta Preta on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, qualified yesterday, March 8, for the finals in the tournament. Weather conditions were not like those experienced during last year’s mythical competition, but the athletes present nevertheless put on a good show.

The day began early yesterday with the 32 competitors carrying out their preliminary runs. Mitu, the Cape Verdean windsurfer who on Friday obtained a wildcard to participate in the tournament, was eliminated at the outset by American Levi Siver. There is still hope, however, for Mitu and the other athletes eliminated yesterday in today’s second round choices. The day’s revelations were Italy’s Francisco Porcella and France’s Daniel Bruche, who also obtained wildcards to participate in the competition but who managed to make it to the second and third rounds, respectively, surpassing some of those at the top of the world windsurfing raking.

The four windsurfers who qualified for the finals - Josh Angulo against current world champion Kauli Seadi and Polakow against Swift - promise a great show at Ponta Preta.

According to Professional Windsurfing Association projections, the Ponta Preta International Windsurfing Championship should be concluded today, as long as the weather conditions remain the same as yesterday. Although the spectacular waves seen last year were nowhere to be found, Ponta Preta is considered among windsurfing aficionados as an international ex-libris in the sport.

Renowned windsurfers stress how important it is for Ponta Preta to remain on the world windsurfing championship circuit. For Victor Fernandez, currently raked number two worldwide, Ponta Preta is the best spot in the world for the wave modality, surpassing traditional spots such as Hawaii.

World champion Kauli Seadi agress, highlighting the fact that Ponta Preta’s conditions are very specific. “The climate, associated with the perfect sea and wind, make Ponta Preta paradise for any windsurfer,” he affirms

Source: A Semana