From the 20th to the 28th of April 2013, the coastal town of Gaeta (roughly 100km south of Rome) hosts the Yacht Med Festival, where yachting, windsurfing and Mediterranean lifestyle have been coming together for several years now. The conferences, feasts and slalom racing tempted Starboard team rider Roberto "Clinic" Hofmann, who's just been back from Sardinia. Here's the report for the Rob Hofmann himself:

On Sunday 21st, we saw the start of the first slalom competition in the beautiful location of Gaeta. The Slalom races are organized as part of the Yacht Med Festival 2013 to open up the festivities in the region for windsurfing and yachting.

On Sunday morning, some of the best Slalom sailors from Italy gathered on the beach of Vindicio and got ready for the steady thermal winds this place is known for. The wind actually picked up around 2PM and we were able to complete a total of 4 heats... where I won all four in wind ranging from 12-18 knots! I was sailing the whole day on my iSonic 117 Carbon (Read the full test reviewhere!) and a 9.2 Loft Sail. The iSonic is just amazing!! I was always getting good starts on a gusty starting line because the board planes super early and has an amazing acceleration. Jibing is so easy and top speed is also really great.

For me, it was the perfect training to start the 2013 season. Sure, there were only some of the best racers in slalom but still the pressure is always there when you have to go around the slalom course! It was a fun weekend, in good spirits. Windsurf is fun in all his aspects, and sailing some races together makes people set their gear the best way possible and have some fun around the course!! I'll keep you updated on my next races!!

Ciao! - Rob