David Bailey
Organizers of the Lancelin Ocean Classic Festival are declaring the 2019 event a success after the competition finished up on Sunday 13 January.
Tourists and locals crammed the beaches of Ledge Point and Lancelin to watch events and exhibitions that ran over three days.
A number of activities involving the locals as well as exhibitions were on display.
On Saturday 12 January a football-coaching clinic was held, supported by the Fremantle Dockers. Children and adults alike came to see their idols, one of whom, Rory Lobb has family who are locals.
In the afternoon the jewel in the crown of the festival, the marathon, saw Matteo Iachin claim the blue ribbon event in the windsurfing elite division.
The Italian, ranked number two in the world in the windsurfing discipline of slalom, had only been in the country three days.
It was the opposite of jet lag as he flew across the waves setting a cracking pace to finish the course in 24.13.
He was all smiles with his feet on the ground as he spoke about the course and his experience.
“It’s a great course, I like it, and I think its perfect. This is my first time, but I would really like to come back. The conditions were really good. It is a good race for everyone,” he said
First across the line in the women’s division was Karin Jaggi in a time of 29.42
“It was hard, enjoyable racing, the windiest I can remember, a great field. No stress,” she said.
Her partner Patrik Diethelm was second in the elite division of the windsurfing marathon with a time of 24.37.
The first kitesurfer to finish the race was Guy Bridge coming home in a time of 21.39.
After the excitement on the waves during the day a big party for competitors and locals was held that night.
A beach run on Sunday morning and a kite surfing wave jump event in the afternoon finished up proceedings for this year.
Organizers are already planning next year’s event that will see competitors taking part in the 35th year of the Lancelin Ocean Classic Festival.
