With more than 1200 confirmed entries, the 15th Défi Wind is already certain to mark its place in history. To gather so many pros and amateurs, all passionate windsurfers, in the same place at the same moment, is unprecedented. Something special happens each year at Gruissan during the Défi Wind, we all know that. This year, world champions from all disciplines will be present to compete along the 1200 amateurs: Jason Polakow, Delphine Cousin, Sarah-Quita Offringa, Antoine Albeau, Cyril Moussilmani, Philip Koster and Julien Bontemps will attend, just to name a few. And the most famous of all, Bjorn Dunkerbeck will be there as well, with the Gran Canaria Le Défi Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge.

The idea to include a Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge during Le Defi was born during the first edition of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge in 2014. The organizer of Le Defi, Philippe Bru, was taking part in the event along with his son and after some brainstorming between heats, the project began to take shape. In both speed and long distance, the winner is the fastest windsurfer, so why not combine the two during Le Defi? Thanks to the sponsorship of the Tourism Board of Gran Canaria this project is going to happen in 2015, just in time to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Defi.

The Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge in Le Defi has a provisional date of Saturday May 16th, depending on the weather conditions. Date will be confirmed a week before. The event will only be for one day and all sailors interested in taking part should register quickly online via the website of Gran Canaria, registration is open.

Starboard: Hi Bjorn. You've attended the Défi before. This year, there will be 1,200 windsurfers on the same starting line. Are you excited?

Bjorn: Yes, I am excited. I have been there many times already. The first time I attended, there was only 450 windsurfers and this year we have more than 1200 entries.

Starboard: What board will you be using and what kit would you recommend for your average sailor?

Bjorn: I hope it's going to be really windy, enough to race on my Severne Sails Reflex VI 5.6m² or 6.2m² and a small iSonic.

Starboard: We hear you will be doing a tuning clinic in collaboration with Chinook Surfshop Leucate, will you be giving away some of your secret settings?

Bjorn: Yes, I will be doing a clinic with Chinook Surfshop Leucate so don't miss it! It's scheduled for Wednesday May 13th at the Starboard/Severne stand. Cool drinks provided by Chinook Surfshop Leucate. See you there!

Starboard: Some big names are going to Defi this year, where do you hope to rank in the final results?

Bjorn: This year, for the first time in 7 years there is no PWA Slalom World Cup at the same time so I am sure that everyone will be there and we will have an interesting race. Stay up to date with my results on the Bjorn Dunkerbeck Official Facebook page. Saludos!

Starboard: Thanks Bjorn. We hope you have a good time!

Besides The Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge in Le Defi, we have another world premiere. We will organize the first ever worldwide GPS challenge on the same day! It will give windsurfers all around the world the chance to virtually compete with the competitors who are racing in Le Defi. To take part in a race like Le Defi is something that every windsurfer should do at least once in their lifetime, with a great atmosphere, racing among 1,200 sailors. It is a unique experience!

So if you are not going to be at the Le Defi event we are giving the chance to every sailor worldwide to take part in the Gran Canaria Le Defi Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge by having two different rankings, one for Le Defi participants, and a virtual one for those competing from their home spots. For more info on how to take part please visit GPS SpeedSurfing.com.

There you will find a step-by-step tutorial on how to register and how to post your speed session. During the event, you can also register at the Gran Canaria stand located right on the beach camp. Competitors must bring their own compatible GPS devices according to the standard rules from GPS SpeedSurfing.com. The GPS will automatically detect the best 500 m run during the daily race of Le Defi, only the times done in the long distance race will be valid.

Play with us! See you there!

- Courtesy of Bjorn Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge / Défi Wind -