2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom Worlds in Hvide Sande, Denmark
by Seda Tunc 20 Sep 04:08 PDT
7-14 September 2024
7 World Champions Crowned in Hvide Sande, Denmark
The 2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom World Championships held in Hvide Sande, Denmark, made history by introducing an all-in format uniting all divisions—Junior, Youth, Masters, Men, and Women—at one location. This seven-day event, which featured three days of racing, ushered in a new era for slalom windsurfing, marking a trend that will be noted in the sport’s history.
Days 1-3: Anticipation and Lull Before the Action
The event kicked off with great excitement as 107 athletes from 15 countries gathered at the beautiful waters of Hvide Sande, ready to showcase their skills against the world’s best. The initial days saw competitors waiting as wind conditions remained still, placing both the race committee and participants in a standby situation. Regardless, the atmosphere was charged as the first day featured the presentation of the esteemed “Ceri Williams Award,” given to Bruno De Wannemaeker for his long-standing dedication to windsurfing and contributions to the IFCA Class. This award presentation by IWA secretary Piotr Oleksiak was a memorable highlight of the championship’s opening.
Although weather conditions were uncooperative at first, the mood stayed upbeat as participants adjusted their equipment and mingled with international competitors. On Day 3, two key eliminations finally took place when conditions improved, igniting the expected racing action.
Racing Days: Wind, Rain, and Fierce Rivalry
Day 3 saw the commencement of racing to an explosive start. With winds surpassing 30+ knots along with sporadic rain, athletes were pushed to their limits, competing under challenging circumstances. Several crashes, gear breakages, and rescues occurred, but the thrill of competition was unmistakable as preliminary results emerged, revealing the leaders in each category.
Days 4 and 5 brought slightly milder winds, yet the competition remained fierce. Under a mix of sunshine, rain, and 15-knot breezes, eliminations persisted, with top competitors vying for position. Notably tight contests were seen in the Women’s division between Jenna Gibson and Justine Lemeteyer, as well as in the Junior Boy’s division featuring Turkey’s Çinar Tuncar and France’s Pires Luca, who were tied on points.
Day 5 commenced with lighter winds for the 5th elimination, maintaining high stakes as competitors were aware that the second discard could greatly alter their rankings. The 5th elimination was successfully finalized on Day 6, while the 6th elimination started but was only completed for the Women’s division. The remaining heats unfolded smoothly in improved weather, allowing for more exhilarating racing. In a spectacle of light wind racing, the 2024 Fin Slalom World Champions were crowned across all divisions, with tiebreakers awarded based on qualification heats as competitors finished with identical points.
The Grand Finale: Celebrating the 2024 World Champions
On the concluding day, new World Champions were announced.
2024 Men’s Fin Slalom World Champion: Bruno Martini from Italy, who led the field from the outset, officially claimed the title, securing his position at the pinnacle of windsurfing.
2024 Women’s Fin Slalom World Champion: In a tightly fought contest, Jenna Gibson narrowly triumphed over Justine Lemeteyer for the title.
2024 Youth Men Fin Slalom World Champion: Sacha Fortune showcased his talent, dominating the fleet and establishing himself as an up-and-coming star from the French Caribbean.
2024 Youth & Junior Fin Slalom World Champion: Junior standout Tess Sermet from Guadalupe not only secured the Junior Women’s title but also clinched the top position in the Youth division.
2024 Junior Boy’s Fin Slalom World Champion: Çinar Tuncar and Pires Luca battled fiercely, but Pires managed to maintain his composure to win.
2024 Masters Fin Slalom World Champion: Gunnar Asmussen achieved an impressive fourth place in the Men’s overall rankings while topping the Masters division, outpacing Italian rival Andrea Chucci.
A New Era for Slalom Windsurfing
As the event concluded, it became clear that the 2024 IFCA Grand Slam had established a new benchmark for slalom windsurfing championships. Hvide Sande in Denmark was the ideal setting for this groundbreaking concept of uniting all divisions at one event, which was a resounding success. The competition illustrated windsurfing’s ability to bring together participants of all ages and skill levels, providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The event wrapped up with a heartfelt gratitude to the entire WATERZ team, the Hvide Sande municipality, dedicated sponsors, and long-time supporters who made it all possible. The 2024 IFCA Grand Slam Fin Slalom World Championships will be regarded as a unique and historic landmark in the sport. Congratulations to all competitors, especially the new World Champions!
U17 JUNIORS
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 3rd Place | DAMLA KURTDEMIR TUR-2201
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 2nd Place | IREM METIN TUR-1752
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Girl, 1st Place | TESS SERMET FRA-747 (MUSIC FRENCH ANTHEM)
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 3rd Place | SARP PAKSOYKU TUR-1222
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 2nd Place | ÇINAR TUNCAR TUR-585
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U17 Boy, 1st Place | PIRES LUCA FRA-863 (MUSIC FRENCH ANTHEM)
U21 YOUTH
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 3rd Place | ANTON RICHTER GER-6
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 2nd Place | ELIOT JOLY FRA-902
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Men, 1st Place | SACHA FORTUNE FRA-655
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 3rd Place | IREM METIN TUR-1752
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 2nd Place | CHARLOTTE PHILIP FRA-1194
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom U21 Youth Women, 1st Place | TESS SERMET FRA-747
MASTERS (40+)
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 3rd Place | BORA KOZANOGLU TUR-11
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 2nd Place | ANDREA CUCCHI ITA-1
2024 IFCA Slalom Europeans Fin Slalom Masters Men, 1st Place | GUNNAR ASMUSSEN GER-2
WOMEN
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom European 3rd Place | FEMKE VAN DER VEEN NED-2251
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom Vice European Champion | JUSTINE LEMETEYER FRA-171
2024 IFCA Women Fin Slalom European Champion | JENNA GIBSON GBR-96
MEN
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom European 3rd Place | JORDY VONK NED-69
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom Vice European Champion | JOHAN BORNEMANN SOE DEN-37
2024 IFCA Men Fin Slalom European Champion | BRUNO MARTINI ITA-160
