A very successful Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge has come to an end. With over 80 competitors from 15 countries taking part this year, the competition has gone from strong to stronger. Indeed, the competition was tough in all categories. The winds were not as strong as last year but we managed to achieve four rounds of quality sailing for each fleet. With a wind average of 25 knots, the most popular board size was a W.54 speed board, like the iSonic Speed Special W.54 with the sail combination between 6.2m² and 7.0m².

We had a record number of entries, including the largest number of Youth and Junior entries, who were fighting it out for their European Speed Champion titles. We were especially proud to have also six pairs of participants in the “Father & Son” fleet this year, which reflects what the concept of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge is about.

Event organizer Björn Dunkerbeck said about the event:

“I am very pleased with the second year of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge, incorporating the ISWC European Championships and the Canarian Championships. It is great for me to be able to compete at an international event together with my son Liam and my father Eugen too. Entries are up from year one and I am particularly pleased to have such a high level of kids registered as they are the future of our sport.”

Winner in the Open category with a clear margin is reigning European Champion Bjorn Dunkerbeck with an average speed of 37.82 knots on 250 meters, followed by Dylan de Jong from Holland in second place and speed rookie John Skye, a renowned wave sailor, in third position.

The Women fleet was dominated and won by Zara Davis who secured her 5th European Championship title. The very high level “Youth fleet” was won by Aron Etmon from Bonaire. He won by a clear margin over his opponents and even entered in the Top 10 of the Open division and Stijn de Bruin from Holland was first in the Junior category. The Masters title was won by the Italian Dream Team rider Roberto Hofmann.

Congratulations to all the competitors! It has been a great week bringing speed sailors from all over Europe together and for that we would like to thank our sponsors and partners: Red Bull, Surf&Action, Germedicum, R2 Hotels, Paradise Living, the municipality of Pajara, Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Majanicho Experience, Archiauto Ford, E11 Dunkerbeck Eyewear, BD Surf School, GPS SpeedSurfing.com and René Egli who made the event possible.

We are looking forward to the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge 2016 and will publish the new dates as soon as possible.

- Words & Pictures by Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge -