Windsurfers win at Mui Ne

Hitting the waves: Ten windsurfers from five countries take part in the first professional windsurfing race at Mui Ne Beach, in the southern coastal province of Binh Thuan. — VNS Photo Tien Thanh

BINH THUAN — Cyril Moussilmani, world No 7 windsufer, took top prize in the professional competition at the 11th International Windsurfing Race for Fun Cup 2010 which wrapped up yesterday at Jibe’s Beach Club, Mui Ne Beach in the central coastal province of Binh Thuan.

On a sunny and windy day at Mui Ne Beach, which is quickly emerging as the kiteboarding and windsurfing capital of Viet Nam, the French windsurfer overcame competitors from Austria, France, Russia, the US and Viet Nam to come out on top for the US$2,000 prize.

American world No 12 Jimmy Diaz, who led on the first day of competition, came in second and received $1,500 in prize money, while world No 27 Chris Pressler of Austria finished third with a $1,000 win.

Organisers also presented awards to amateur surfers with the host country’s Nguyen Quoc Hoa leading the men’s division and Silvie Fuerle of France winning the women’s division.

The Fun Cup is an annual slalom windsurfing race organised by Jibe’s Beach Club since 2001. Binh Thuan Province opted to change the Fun Cup 2010 into an international competition as a means of luring more foreign tourists to Mui Ne, one of Viet Nam’s resort capitals.

Going professional

This was the first year a professional competition was held during the event, which attracted ten windsurfers from five countries. Thirty-five amateur competitors from 13 countries also joined in the event.

“The wind and climate conditions in Mui Ne make it a perfect place for professional surfers from all over the world,” said second place Jimmy Diaz.

Diaz is the president of the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA) and was here on his first visit to Mui Ne Beach.

“Fun Cup 2011 will be an official PWA tour event. Our event calendar also includes many stops in Australia, Korea and Spain,” the 41 year old windsurfer, who has been involved in the sport for 30 years, said. He added he would bring more professional windsurfers to Mui Ne next year. — VNS