JOHN SKYE
I think deep down he is just a phenomenal all-round windsurfer. From what I see from the outside is that there are a lot of good slalom sailors, but what really stands out with Antoine, and a fact people forget sometimes, is that he has been a freestyle world champion and rips in waves! I lost to him in a heat in Sylt years ago and he destroyed me. When it gets rough he has all of these skills to draw upon. He is also super strong. He is, in my books, the perfect build for slalom. Big, heavy and more than anything just strong. His gear is tuned perfectly and everything is designed for him. I know at RRD a lot of thought will go into not just making the best board but also making the best board that will work for Antoine to win the world title. For sure Neil Pryde are the same. If they have a sail that works for a lightweight guy or a sail that works better for a bigger guy, then they will go with the one that Antoine wants! He has his gear, he is super strong and super talented. Oh and he is also the fastest guy in the world! Antoine is so much more in control. Everyone else is pushing so hard to get there. One final he had a terrible start and was about 6th round the first mark but then he throttled it down and took them all. I have only ever seen Bjorn do that, and that was a long time ago! It makes it a lot easier mentally! I would not know as I have never been in that position! He is more relaxed and that makes it easier to make the right decisions!
“Antoine is so much more in control.”