Windsurf Magazine2017 RS:ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS HOI AN, VIETNAM FINAL REPORT

Thailand and Philippines lead the Worlds!
The RS:One Class, in partnership with the Vietnam Canoeing, Rowing & Sailing Federation and in co-operation with Quang Nam department of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted the 2017 RS:One World Championships from 10th to 14th June in Hoi An, Vietnam.

The championship, opened to all, will allow international racers to compete through innovative race formats like the Pulsar (compact slalom, America’s Cup style) and Marathon (long distance). Courses has been set up in a way that the on-shore audience can enjoy the racing.

RS:One is a multi generational, one-design, windsurfing board featuring an easy and light performing 7.8 rig. Espoirs (youth under 22 years old), Seniors (under 40 year old) and Masters (older than 40), men and women, can race together on the same starting line in a collective fleet.

Hoi An is a city on Vietnam’s central coast known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. 30 km south of Da Nang, lies on the branch of the Thu Bon River. Occupied by early western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. All the houses were made of wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with old ancient characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs. Hoi An has earned UNESCO heritage site status and has become a very popular tourist destination in Vietnam.

The 2017 RS:One World Championships were set on the beautiful white sand beach of the luxury Hoi An Boutique Resort. 51 racers coming from 14 countries and 3 continents including the 2010 RS:X Female World Champion Miss Blanca Manchon battled hard during 13 races in shifty winds between 4 to 11 knots. Vietnam turned on champagne sailing conditions for the last day with a stable breeze and perfect clear sky.

Thailand female sailor Siripon Kaewduangngam has been crowned 2017 RS:One World Champion ahead of Peiling Chen from China and Blanca Manchon (2010 Rolex Sailor of the year) from Spain. In the Men fleet, the 2012 (and first) RS:One World Champion, Geylord Coveta from Philippines, stamped his authority with an outrageous dominancy and claimed the 2017 RS:One World Champion title. Thailand Team impressed with the organisation and consistent performances bringing back home the second and third position with its sailors Navin Singsart and Nathaphong Phonoppharat.

This Championships was, without any doubt, one of the best the Class had the chance to co-organise. Vietnam’s energy, dedication and incredible welcome seduced all competitors which came from all around the globe including new windsurfing nation such Cambodia. The RS:One Class has always been dedicated to promote and develop the sport globally and to support new emerging nation programs. Mr Duong, from the Canoeing, Rowing & Sailing Federation orchestrated, with all his team, a brilliant and inspiring first official sailing event ever in Vietnam. The Federation is now bidding to host the 2019 RS:X Youth Worlds and 2020 RS:X Convertible foiling World Championships.

It has also been confirmed by Mr Neil Pryde, the RS:One Class President, that the 2018 Asian Championships will be held in Goa while Penghu will organise the 2018 World Championship. Goa is certainly very excited by this opportunity to grow the windsurfing One design in India. Goa will also host the 2019 RS:One World Championships and China has been chosen for the 2019 Asian Championships.

Final ranking after 13 races:

Women

1- Siripon Kaewduangngam – THA

2- Peiling Chen – CHN

3- Blanca Manchon – ESP

Men

1- Geylord Coveta – PHI

2- Navin Singsart – THA

3- Natthaphong Phonoppharat – THA

Full results there:

Women: http://internationalwindsurfing.com/userfiles/documents/RSOne_World_Championship_Results_Women.pdf

Men: http://internationalwindsurfing.com/userfiles/documents/RSOne_World_Championship_Results_Men.pdf