The 2009 Kona Gold Cup had it all

The 4th. Kona Gold Cup had winds from 4 to 40 knots, extremely competitive racing, a record number of 86 competitors from 11 countries, great parties and a fantastic organization – both on and off the water. Additionally, and for the first time in the history of the class, – the Cadets (U14) was included with a separate start.

The Swedes demonstrated their superiority already from race one – with sailors of all age groups – from 15 year old Adam Holm, to 49 year old Hans Nystroem fighting for the podium positions.

As day 2 developed – with perfect conditions in winds between 8 and 15 knots – the veteran and ex Olympian Hans Nystroem had the day of his life with 4 impressive bullets, while the defending champion Bjorn Holm and his now “experienced” and super talented son Adam (15) climbed up to 2nd. and 3rd. after consistent sailing with several top 5 finishes.

Day 3 was a “fun day” dedicated to Long distance and slalom. It became a mega show for the big audience – with a spectacular beach start, and finish in the long distance race, and all the slalom heats organized close to the beach. Bjorn Holm “bagged” the long distance followed by Jurgen van Laarhoven (NED), Jan Pollack (GER) and Rainer Frohboese (GER) which gave Germany the team victory with the two best “country scores”. The long distance or alternatively Mahalo tandem races – traditionally counts like team fun races – but with adrenaline still flying high.:)

Day 4 arrived with sunny skies and winds gusting to 30 knots and more. Three more races and the slalom finals were scheduled, but the extreme conditions only allowed the organizers to run one course race in what will be remembered as the “survival race” – with no more than 6 competitors finishing in wind speeds gusting to 41 knots. Johan Ekstedt (SWE), Michael Rossmeier (AUT) and Mattias Petersson (SWE) displayed some “iron man” performances to finish top 3, and Johan Ekstedt continued to impress by winning the slalom finals ahead of Bjorn Holm and Helge Rotnes (NOR).

Hans Nystroem is the new Kona World Champion.
Still, the last race did not change anything in the top standings, and Hans Nystroem was crowned the 2009 over all Champion. Finishing “only” 6th. in the Swedish nationals six weeks earlier, it came as a surprise to many- but probably not to the man himself. His flawless and super focused performance must be credited his vast experience from several years with dinghy sailing and windsurfing at a very high level. Hans qualified for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and finished 10th. He then took up another challenge, and went for his second Olympic campaign – this time in the demanding Tornado class, but “only” managed to qualify as the Swedish reserve team at the 1988 Soul games.

Hans Nystroem;
“After a break from windsurfing for almost 23 years, Bjorn Holm called me up and told me about the new Kona concept, which I immediately thought was a super cool thing, so I jumped on it. However, I felt like a beginner again as I had never used a harness, footstraps or even a pivoting centerboard, but I am starting to get the hang of it, and have tons of fun thanks to the Kona Class.”

A big hand to the very worthy and extremely popular new Champion.

The 4th. Kona Gold Cup become a Swedish affair.
The Swedes harvested an amazing 18 out of the 22 medals available, including the top 3 over all, as well as in the women’s fleet. Karin Wendt (40) delivered a “shocking” performance and won all the races of day two – distancing herself from her competitors, and favorites like the defending champion, Kajsa Larsson and last years vice champion, Manuela Buch (GER). Like Hans Nystroem, Karin also had a break from windsurfing for almost 20 years.

Karin Wendt;
“It is fantastic to race in this class, because it is strategic rather than physical, so you just have to focus to avoid tactical mistakes. It’s great to be competitive once again, and this was definitely not my last race or championship.”

Show time with Ruben and Rossi
Among the competitors, we had the two freestyle gurus Ruben “Bang” Petrisie from Bonair and Michael “Rossi” Rossmeier from Austria – both adding to the extravaganza with Rossi entertaining the crowd with his incredible freestyle show – in 40 knots; don’t blink your eyes, and you will miss it sort of thing -

and Ruben turning a dinner party into a rap show no one will forget – performing a brand new “made in a hurry” song dedicated especially to the event. It had to be 3 dacapo’s to standing ovation from the enthusiastic “Konadians”. A man of all trades.

The man and his organization
A very special thanks goes to the event organizer Joachim Larsson, who administrated these championships – which can only be described as absolutely perfect – on and off the water. Joachim had hand picked his staff, which consisted of professional crews in all departments including the international judges, race officers, media staff, on-site catering and not to forget the event speaker Karl Magnus Soederstam reporting and entertaining from sunrise to sunset.
A memorable event, setting the standards for many more to come.

Tor Bakke
Kona Windsurfing Association

Article from kona-windsurfing.com

:: Click see results ::