Hot Sails Maui International Slalom Team Rider Franz Orsi reports from the Portuguese Slalom Championship as he attempts to defend his 2012 title.

“Last weekend we headed to Lagos, the mecca of slalom windsurfing in Portugal, for the second event of the Portuguese Slalom Championships. The conditions has been perfect during the all event with steady north winds and flat waters for an action packed weekend.

On Saturday the wind kicked in around 4pm, 20 knots with gusts up to 25. I went into the water with my GPS 8.0and I immediately felt very fast being able to win a couple of hits and controlling easily the other competitors. At the end of the day we managed to complete four rounds. The fight has been fierce with the top 10 competitors separated by only few points but I managed to end up in 2nd place, after an incredibly fast Martim Monteiro in first.

On Sunday the action started early with wind rising to 30 knots, which allowed for some thrilling starts. The organisers managed to complete another four rounds. I felt really fast again on my new GPS sails. Unfortunately due to a mast breakage I lost two complete rounds loosing many important points. When I got back in water I was pretty focused on trying to fight to get those points back and eventually I was able finish the event in 3rd position.

Next weekend we’ll have another national event in Portugal. The forecast looks good. So stay tuned for some other GPS blog!”Franz Orsi (Starboard / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins / AL360 / Maverx Masts)

More to follow…