Text: 1001grad Events
Over the three days of the competition, visitors and participants were offered a broad supporting programme including live music, food trucks, exhibitors and a bouncy castle. The field of 29 wingfoilers competed in two groups - U15 and overall. The best women, U19s and masters were also determined as part of the overall classification.
On the first day of the competition, the Baltic Sea offered windy and challenging conditions that demanded everything from the starters right from the start. In total, the race committee was able to organise a remarkable eight races on day one. It quickly became clear who set the standard in the overall field. Yannik Holste (Vayu/Sabfoil) won all eight races. Frank Rosin (Sabfoil) also performed very consistently, finishing second in each race. Behind them, there was a battle for third place between Kim Holste (Aqueous/Sabfoil), Lucas Matthes (Core) and Jonas Manthei (Duotone).
The women's race was no less exciting and last year's winner Jelena Duwe fought a close race with newcomer Jette Koep. In the U19 classification, the young riders showed their potential. The three podium candidates Jonas Manthei, Jonathan Eckert (North) and Benedikt Hiss fought a close duel for the podium places. In the masters classification, Frank Rosin was second overall with a comfortable lead. He was followed by Sven Janson and Markus Moser in second and third place. Mateo Macherey (Vayu) made a strong start to the regatta in the U15 category, winning all but one race on the first day. At the end of the first regatta day, there was a sundowner with live music from DJ Meo.
First relaxation, then action on day 2
Day two began with bright sunshine and initially too little wind for official racing. Visibly exhausted from the first day of racing, the temporary postponement of the start suited everyone. At the same time, the paddock filled up with the windsurfers arriving for the Racer of the Sea XI, which took place from 29-30 June at the same time as the WOTS IV. The waiting time for the wind could be used ideally to get into conversation with one or two exhibitors. Core, Ensis & North were on site with plenty of test material, as was the team from the online surf shop Wind Lounge.
In the afternoon of the second day, as predicted, the wind set in with a constant 10-13 knots and another five races were realised. Here, the leaders of the previous day showed that they were not in first place for no reason and extended their lead. There were only changes in the overall field due to the absence of Frank Rosin. Kim Holste moved up to second place behind his brother and Jonas Manthei, the leader in the U19 classification, also made it onto the overall podium.
In addition to non-cash prizes, there was also prize money at the award ceremony for the first time at a Wingfoil Championship. The 1001 euros in prize money provided by 1001grad Events was also divided equally between the men and women in order to act as a role model when it comes to "equality for women in surfing". The podium places at the end of the Open German Championship in Wingfoil Slalom were distributed as follows:
Overall men:
- Yannik Holste
- Kim Holste
- Jonas Manthei
Women's overall:
- Jelena Duwe
- Jette Koep
- Tania Tammling
Results U15:
- Mateo Macherey
- Eik Eberlein
- Lasse Böhm
Results U19:
- Jonas Manthei
- Jonathan Eckard
- Benedikt Hiss
Results Master:
- Frank Rosin
- Sven Janson
- Markus Moser
The next event on the agenda at 1001grad Events is the Wingfoil and Windsurf GIRLS CAMP from 8-11 August 2024, before the end of the event season is heralded at Winger of the Sea V from 7-8 September. All information, including other events, can be found at www.1001grad-events.de to find.
