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no.117. January ’15
GOOD TIME ON
BONAIRE
I arrived to Bonaire on 4th December, after an almost one week long journey from Morocco, where I had spent the autumn. As soon as I got out of the airplane I realised how much I missed the cosy, bonairian temperature and flowery smell. Amazing feeling after spending two days in Amsterdam, freezing to death while cycling around the city. This time I came to the bush surfhostel alone, but luckily it turned out that there was already an italian crew that had arrived a couple of days earlier. It was also great to meet again Youp Schmit, his brother Bram, whole surfhostel’s staff and all the other friends from last year. Unfortunately, the first two weeks we had absolutely zero wind, so we were speding the time stand-up paddling, working out, relaxing, enjoying the caribbean lifestyle. The wind kicked in just a few days before Christmas, giving us the best gift we could possibly imagine.
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The magic of Lac Cai makes you lose the track of time, six hours on the water becomes a daily routine. The wind was not too strong, but perfect for my 5,2 LocoPro, the easy kind of conditions that encourage you to try new moves. I really enjoyed that time as I started landing spocks and grubbies on my bad side quite fast and
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had some first culo crashes on it as well. To celebrate the good end of the 2014 we had a great house party at a "friend’s of a friend" house with an amazing view over the whole south part of the island. The bonairians really love the fireworks, so the show at midnight was really huge and watching it from the hillside was absolutely breathtaking.
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My parents arrived right the next day, together with a 12 years old young gun, Michał, who has been my apprentice since I taught him how to waterstart a couple of years ago. Now I am helping him to land his first vulcans on this trip. The first weeks of January were definataly the highlight of my stay here, we had strong wind almost everyday and a transport and food provided by my dear Mum and Dad, which made our lives way easier.
After a while everything came back to the old, "cycling to the supermarket in 30 degrees to eat lunch which you are going to burn already on the way back" routine. Unfortunately, the wind also went down in the second half of January so we were sailing only occasionaly in the evenings or early mornings.
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Instead of windsurfing I had to focus on my studies during those days, because I am coming back to the University in the beginning of March and therefore I had to refresh some information from all the subjects I had been studying before I left Poland in April last year. Really good wind came back in the very end of January and luckily, it stayed for a while. I managed to land my first shaka flakas and improve on burners, airfunnels and konos. It also got quite busy on the water now and I had loads of fun training with all the friends and pushing each other to the limits.
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Currently I am already preparing to leave this caribbean heaven and head back to Poland, only a few more sessions left to say good bye to Lac Bay. I am not really upset though, rather excited, because the spring looks really promising. First of all, I plan to go for a two weeks training for Easter to check out the new Locos, later I am going to hunt for some good forecast at home. In May and June there are also two competitions coming up in Poland in which I want to take part and probably also an event from the German Freetyle Battles tour and an EFPT on Lanzarote in July, where I am going to apply for a wild card. I hope the spring and summer are going to bring many windy days and new tricks on the water ! Aloha, Peter Majcher
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NO MORE RUMOURS! FACTS ONLY! Dear All, Considering the rumours going around internet forums and in the windsurfing public about MauiSails, I feel that there is a need to explain why we did not renew the sponsorship agreements with our sponsored racers, and to clarify the situation of the company, and its future. Towards the end of last year, our sails production cycle was modified; from ordering and manufacturing sails on a monthly basis, we had to move to ordering and manufacturing on a quarterly basis, as requested by the factory in China. This happened at short notice, and at the worst possible moment, i.e. the time of year when our production reaches its peak. This meant that we had to place one single order for 45% of our yearly production, and therefore, we had to finance 45% of our yearly purchase of sails from the factory at one go. Even someone who is not very knowledgeable about financial matters, can understand that such a change would put a significant, but only temporary, strain on the cash flow of any company that needs to finance suddenly 45% of its yearly production. The reason why this strain is only temporary (and to understand this, you might need a slightly better understanding of financial issues) is that as soon as the sails have been sold to the importers (and paid by them), the cash flow is back to normal, and on a long-term basis. The strain occurs only the first time that the change in the ordering/production cycle happens. Meanwhile, this change has also had the effect of delaying the delivery of the sails, a situation for which I do apologize to all those affected by it.
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Faced with this situation, we had to find some ways to restore our cash flow, through costs savings, and make some tough choices. I never envisaged using cheaper materials to reduce the cost of manufacturing the sails, an option that other companies might have chosen. Unfortunately and regrettably, the company was not in a position to renew the yearly sponsorship agreements of our team riders, and for now, we subcontract the sail design process on a need-to basis, under my strict guidance. These changes are painful, but beneficial to the company, as it is now in a much better financial situation. For those who might doubt it, here is hard evidence: I have just purchased Barry Spanier’s shares in the company, and reimbursed over two thirds of the bank loans of the company. If I had the slightest concern about the future of MauiSails, I would not have invested so significantly into it. Finally, I will personally be capitalizing the company further over the next 12 months as needed.
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The first TR-XIs and other 2015 sails are leaving the factory in the next few days and weeks. Our new K series masts with Kevlar incorporated in the structure have been very well received in the market in 2014, and are proving practically bomb proof with under half a per cent (0.5%) of warranties, which is a stunning turnaround from previous years. Our carbon booms continue to lead the market. Of course, we continue to honour warranties (which is all the more easy, as there are very few claims) and service all customers. We are starting development of the 2016 sails. And in time, we may resume the sponsorship of international racers. I do hope that this clarifies the current situation and future of MauiSails, and I thank all of our dealers, importers and faithful customers for their tremendous loyalty over the years. Aloha Phil McGain President, Synergy Sports, Inc. /MauiSails
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no.117. January ’15
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CHASING STORM FELIX
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In January I took part on a “storm shooting� which was organized by Phil Schreyer, a young upcoming photographer from Kiel. Storm Felix was on his way to hit the German coastline. I got the final call on Friday to fight against the storm with some other guys the next day in Dazendorf nearby Kiel. At 10:00 in the morning the spot was a big disappointment. It was relatively flat and rainy but already extremely windy with gusts up to 50 knots. The forecast predicted unsailable conditions in the afternoon so we decided to rig our smallest sails and we hatched in our wetsuits as soon as possible. Fortunately the waves kicked in very fast and we could show some moves. After a few hours the average wind speed was 50 knots with gusts up to 60 knots. I was maxed out on my 3.8 Mutant and could not even jibe anymore. For me it was time to accept the strength of Mother Nature and I escaped to the beach. Although Mother Nature gave me a lesson I look forward to the next storm because it is always challenging and a great experience. For sure I should think of buying a 3.3 for my quiver. :-) Holge Beer Photos : Phil Schreyer www.phil-schreyer-fotography.de www.facebook.com/philschreyerfotography
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PHYSICAL PREPARATION HOW TO SURVIVE EUROPEAN WINTER One year ago, I left for the Saint-Barth Fun Cup, a beautiful event which proceeds on a well-known small island of the Caribbean sea with my friend Francis! We sailed during one week with incredible and beautiful races ’conditions and great human meetings. Firts with the French PWA riders: Delphine Cousin, Pierre Mortefon, Alex Cousin and Antoine Questel. Then with Taty Frans for with whom I shared my sails so that he could compete (Maui Monthly #106). Beyond the race, I felt as living my childhood dreams, taking part of such a great event with all these very accessible champions. That was the windsurf spirit! But here is 2015 and I need to deal with the Parisian winter weather! My equipment has not fully arrived yet, so I decided to make one month of physical preparation based on proprioception exercises! With the trainer, Fred Mompo, we tend to make short and funny but beneficial workshops dedicated to the practice of windsurfing. With this program we focus on specifics mode of contractions mainly out of eccentric and isometric exercises. The idea is to make such exercises in situations of imbalance, using Swiss balloons or the “uneven ones” and elastic straps - see the video at https://vimeo.com/119458160 My main goal is to stay in shape and avoid wounds. Indeed, 2 years ago I was stupidly facing a rupture of the Achilles’ tendon to the left leg. So now, no more wounds! This is one of the challenges living in a big city where the nearest beach is 3 hours far away has to offer when windsurfing is your favorite sport… It is not easy every day,
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but it becomes mandatory to adapt and keep the desire of going surfing. Unfortunately, in January, I only had one windsurf session on my favorite Britany spot, called Lancieux. I used my Falcon 110 and my former 7.6 TR8 It allowed me to keep in touch with my so loved sea and wind and I must admit, it’s always such a great pleasure to ride toward the gorgeous Ehbiens Islands ! Luckily, I have also my comrades of the French Team based in the south of France, Fabien Courtiade and Xavier Joly, who regularly exchange with me on technical adjustments. Even if I do not have their level in slalom, it is really comfortable to feel I’m part of a TEAM. Some people ask me some questions via Facebook and forums and it’s a great feeling to try to be useful for the Maui Sails community and share our passion. For these reasons, I’m really happy to be a part of this TEAM and share the values of the brand. Xavier Le Saux – FRA 420
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AN UNUSUAL START TO THE NEW YEAR 2015 kicked off in Maui with waves and wind, but not in the typical fashion. Generally, wintertime means a few Kona days, but for the first time in as long as any local I talked to had remembered, it blew Konas for practically the entire month! After New Caledonia, I was craving some more port tack days as the sensation of trying everything backwards was so fun. But the Kona’s here are tricky. Starting with the inconsistent forecasts, the wind itself is incredibly gusty, and almost straight offshore! I sailed both my 4.6 and 4.3 Epic, in what was probably the same amount of wind, just depended on if there were more gusts or lulls in that session. The best part about the Konas is sailing downwind from our house in Kuau to Lanes for the session, those backyard sessions make me feel like the luckiest man in the world! On top of the kona days, we had some killer surf conditions, from glassy to light offshore, the north shore of maui looked more comparable to images from the north shore of Oahu! Looking forward to February and the start of the spring season! Cya on the water, Casey Hauser US-634
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I arrived 4 days before the contest to be fit with the new TR XI sails.
ST. BARTH FUN CUP 2015
I had to organise this trip well to not miss too much school. But, unfortunately, I had only one day on the water as there was no wind at all. I spent the whole day with my big board with 8,4 and 7,7. The 2015 sails are just amazing; lighter and faster than most of the others sails I have ever had. I really like the stability of the sails, it gives you a lot of control to accelerate in the rise. The short luff helps also for the feeling, you can feel all the sail, which
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allow you a perfect control. On the jibe, the cams switch really easily and there is good power to keep the planning after, it is almost an automatic mode, just let go and you will make a proper jibe.
beach, SUPing, beach volley and a lot of activities have been organised by the two organizers: Arnaud Daniel and Antoine Questel. Thanks to them, this competition is a big success years after years.
Well, I would say one day is not enough but it is still better than nothing. Hopefully, an ex pro MauiSails rider helped me to find the good set up.
Last but not least, the forecast was positive for the last day. So we had a first briefing at 7am and on the program a lot of races. When I went to the beach, it was still dark… I prepared everything to be ready as we had gusty conditions between 13-20 knots on open sea. I mostly used 107 liters with 38 and 40cm soft fins and 7,7 TR XI.
Then, the competition began… for the training day and the 2 first days, still no wind. We have enjoyed great days at the
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First race, I did a perfect start side to Alex Cousin who felt on the boat wave, his sail almost hit me… I had a good race but the wind direction change and the format was not adapted at all, this race was more a strategic race than a long distance. For the next two races, I did not make good starts, the rabbit start is really impressive and you don’t want to fall while you are first, sometimes a second curtain start was more efficient. I had a good speed to be back but I missed some jibes. For the last race, everybody was exhausted (you need 15-25 min to reach the starting line and the race lasts around 20 min with the procedure), I had some strength back so I took my chance and did a nice race but the last way has been totally impossible, gusty wind and my legs felt like jelly. Finally I managed to be 39 over 90+ competitors and 6 in youth division. The level was far greater than last year. I’m a bit disappointed with this result as I know I can do much better but I am also really happy as I did not train since December (In Canada it is the dead season, except if you like to ride with -30˚C). I train less than last year but my level grow on the contrary faster. That’s why I’m happier, I will just train more and more to rematch and this time, of course, win. I missed this podium but I learnt much more than I expected either on the mental, the preparation on and off the water or the set up. To conclude this competition has been a real success for me and I will come back! Never forget to have fun on the water is my priority. A big thanks to my partner MauiSails, IFJU fins, EspaceWindsurf, SamirIndustries, Domaine Château Gaillard, HEC Montréal Carabins; my coach Russell and of course my parents. Martin Plissonneau
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MORE INFO@
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http://www.mauisails.com/sail.php?id=154
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JANUARY IN MARSEILLE Some hot days early in the year (for the season) and some nice speed runs on the famous speed spot of Leucate Les Coussoules. I had some good speeds with my TRX 5.5 and an old 44 CA speed board ! Gps was showing at the end of the day a nice 44.66 knots peak and more than 40 knots over 500 meters. It was my first time there and I really think I can improve those speeds a lot. Local dutch heroes are reaching 50 knots top speeds ! So I still have a lot of work to match those high speeds ! I look forward to go back there for Le Mondial du Vent - a speed event where Kiters are fighting with windsurers in April! We are now waiting for the new TRXI… Can’t wai to try them!! Xavier Joly FRA-767
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A LOT OF KONA WIND January was an unusual month weatherwise on Maui. We had great surf, which is normal, but it pretty much blew konas the whole month. Finally, midway through the month, there were some trade winds and I got to sail again and once more, my 4.6 mutant was the right choice. It’s the perfect balance of raw power and maneuverability that makes it the perfect sail for Hookipa. After a few short sessions, the kona winds returned and hookipa turned into surf central. This hasn’t been the best winter season for windsurfing, but remaining optimistic that the months to come will make up for it. Casey Rehrer
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THE NEW MAUISAILS ’K’ SERIES MASTS http://www.mauisails.com/masts.php
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HO’OKIPA JAN ACTION IN LENS OF JIMMIE HEPP
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