2008 Windsurfing Speed World Cup for Waterford

24th November 2008

The fastest men and women on water in the world will converge on Dungarvan, county Waterford, over the coming days as the countdown begins to the final stage of the World Production Speed Sailing Cup 2008. The event is the last major event of the 2008 season for Speedsailing and runs in Dungarvan from November 29 to December 6. Over 60 of the big names in the sport will compete for points counting towards the 2008 Speed World Cup and the one-off Production World Cup Title.

Speed-windsurfing also known as 'Formula One' in the sailing world is currently one of the fastest growing water-sports. The World Championships in 2008 were awarded in one-off events previously in Fuerteventura, Spain and the final stage now in Co Waterford Ireland.

Dungarvan harbour is a brand new venue to the World Cup Tour. Video footage of the venue was viewed by the international windsurfing community after it was sailed for the first time by Irish Speedsailor Martin Waldron and it was very quickly acknowledged as a potential World Cup venue.

In the men's fleet, all eyes are set to be on Bjorn Dunkerbeck, multiple world champion and Anders Bringdal, current open ocean world record holder, two windsurfing legends who haven't competed against one another in many years. Current tour leader Cyril Moussilmani will also be looking to take the overall title.

Many top Irish windsurfers are due to take part in the event, like Irish record-holder, John Kenny; the top ranking Irish GPS windsurfer, Martin Waldron, and of course multiple overall Irish windsurfing champion, Oisin van Gelderen, and current wavesailing champion, Finn Mullen.

A very strong international women's fleet is expected to participate and it is hoped that some Irish female windsurfers will take part and for the first time set an official Irish record.

Commenting on the upcoming event in Waterford, Martin Waldron, Speedsailor and event organiser said: "The Irish Speed sailing community and the local windsurfers in Waterford are delighted that this event is making its way to the South East, it really is a world-class event and it will be very exciting to see some of the world's best windsurfers compete here in Irish waters.

"Speedsailing offers dynamic thrilling action and visually it is amazing; we hope lots of the locals come out to cheer on the International and local talent," he added.

The 2008 Speed World Cup is sanctioned by the International Speed Windsurfing Class on behalf of the International Sailing Federation. The event is being hosted and organised by Martin Waldron and the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club.

Action from the event will be broadcast on Sky Sports and EuroSport. For further information log onto www.speedworldcup.com

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