Maciek Rutkowski crowned IFCA slalom fin world champion
Maciek Rutkowski has claimed the IFCA Slalom Fin Windsurfing World Championship title. Nearly 170 riders from 20 countries competed in Leucate, France, from April 22–26. The fleet was divided into juniors, youth, seniors, and masters, with both men’s and women’s divisions.
In brief
Maciek Rutkowski won the IFCA windsurfing world championship title in the slalom fin discipline at a regatta held from 22 to 26 April in Leucate, France. Nearly 170 competitors from 20 countries took part, and Maciek Rutkowski was the only representative of Poland. Second place went to Amado Vrieswijk of the Netherlands, third to his compatriot Jordy Vonk, and among women Jenna Gibson of Great Britain won. Suitable wind appeared only on the last day, when just 1.5 eliminations were completed, which in the opinion of Maciek Rutkowski was enough for the regatta to be considered valid.
Wind conditions on the southern French coast proved challenging for most of the event. Racing opportunities were limited during the first two days due to light winds, leaving competitors with fewer heats than expected. Rutkowski, the sole Polish representative, delivered mixed results in these early stages.
Stronger and more stable wind finally arrived on the final day, allowing organizers to complete enough races to validate the competition. Facing a field that included many top-ranked PWA riders, Rutkowski capitalized on the improved conditions and delivered a standout performance to secure the world title.
- Up to now, there’s been a lot of waiting and very little racing in light wind. It’s great to be back on the water, especially with my new gear. There were good starts, solid speed, and some clean gybes, but also a couple of mistakes - which in such light wind can mean stopping completely or falling in. My current result isn’t what I was aiming for, but we still had time, Maciek Rutkowski commented earlier during the event.
When the wind finally filled in, he found his rhythm and executed at a high level, ultimately taking gold. Dutch riders Amado Vrieswijk and Jordy Vonk finished second and third, respectively. In the women’s fleet, Great Britain’s Jenna Gibson took the win, followed by France’s Mae Davico and Justine Lemeteyer.
- The wind came on the last day and we completed only one and a half eliminations, so it’s not a title across a full range of conditions—but I’ll take it. My gear felt incredible, which is a great sign for the rest of the season, Maciek Rutkowski summarized.
His next appearance will be at Defi Wind, scheduled for May 14–17 in Gruissan, France—approximately 30 km north of Leucate.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Maciej Frąckiewicz
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