deepfried.tv forum - Formula Oceanic's press release

27.01.10 8.21 pm

www.fw-australia.com

27th January 2010

It's countdown time to the beginning of the 2010 Formula Windsurfing Oceanic and Australian Championships, which will take place at Jimmy's Beach, Hawks Nest, NSW from 3rd - 6th February. With important points for the Formula Windsurfing (FW) World Ranking up for grabs as well as five qualification places for the 2010 World Championships, this is one of the most anticipated continental championships of the season.

At the beach, competitors will be arriving not just from Oceania but from all over the globe, searching for one more victory to add to their World Ranking points. The race office is busy receiving registrations confirming the participation of some of the best Formula Windsurfers in the world.

The list of pre-entered sailors has already shown some of the big names in the sport are coming to Hawks Nest. Leading the list of favourites for the event win is Brazilian sailor Wilhelm Schurmann (BRA-999) who is currently #5 in the World Rankings. Wilhelm is a multiple-time Brazilian and South American FW Champion as well as securing podium finishes in many World Tour and International events and will be certainly looking to add another title to his belt. Leading the Australian charge will be three-time defending champion of this event Sean O'Brien (AUS-120) from Brisbane who is in top form, having won a string of events in Australia over the summer.

Even the women will find their way to Hawks Nest for this historic event, including three-time FW World Champion Allison Shreeve (AUS-911) who will be battling for the title multiple-time Olympic Windsurfer Jessica Crisp (AUS-15) as well as Beijing Olympian Krystal Weir (AUS-898) who has just recently switched to the windsurfing class from Laser sailing.

The event will prove to be a spectacle on and off the water, with a variety of festivities going on at the beach during the days, including beach parties, bbq's and a free concert at the Hawks Nest Golf Club featuring renowned Brisbane band "Afterglow Duo" at the prizegiving ceremony. Demonstrations and displays from NSW windsurfing retailer (Windsurf'n'Snow), product displays from Blackberry as well as clinics run by the World's best windsurfers. Daily images, HD video, news and results will all be available on the event website (www.fw-australia.com).

This Windsurfing Championships is open to everyone, young or old and competitors from foreign countries and interstate are very welcome. Please feel invited to join us in this exciting competition which will set a benchmark for professionally run international windsurfing events in Australia.

LINK: www.fw-australia.com

One of the best events in memory.... 48 competitors, 12 races in 15-25knots NE winds. daily reports, Photos etc on www.fw-australia.com

Congrats to BRA-999 Wilhelm Schurmann on willing the Open and NZL-0 on winning the grand Masters.....

LINK: www.fw-australia.com

Well done Ray, The long trip and effort was worth it. Best wishes for the N.Z. Formula comp later this month, you have had a good "warm up" comp to lead in to the Nationals.!!!

Awesome work Ray

FYI Ray walked away with the latest Blackberry phone for his efforts.. Nice.... Would be great to see more kiwis at next years Oceanic's. this event is getting bigger and better every year, as is formula.

All the best....

Excellent, thanks for posting it up here Brett so we know what's goin on

Hey Guys, Thanks for the comments. I only got home on the weekend as did a bit of touring after. Hawks Nest must be one of the best spots if not the best spot I have ever sailed. No need for wetsuits, dolphins nearly every day and lots of wind. I think the the sailing standard was real high as they race over there nearly every 2nd weekend, but they do cater for all abilities and its a pretty social occasion with bbqs, and get togethers for dinner and drinks most days. Evidently they are looking at holding next years event at a similar location but South of Sydney so it would be good if more New Zealanders could maybe attend next time.

Great write up, good job Ray Smith, However great to see all the coverage and interest in OZ event what about our own Nationals Champs starting today.

Suchhhhhhhhh a good turn up of numbers!! where are all these Formula sailors that went to Brett Morris clinic????

Come on guys what dose it take to get you there and build are own numbers and fleet.

$$$$$ More Equipment

$$$$$ More Skill

$$$$$ More Spare Time to train for Skill

$$$$$ + Time

Being single also helps.

Good point guys, I see were you coming from just priced up the Fw gear, ouch!!!!

I think i be back on the slalom gear after today the trashed the body today

NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooo. don't do it.