We at Starboard are pleased to announce the arrival of Matteo Iachino in our ranks. Matteo has shown great potential in the past year and we're looking forward to see what he will achieve in 2016 with iSonics under his feet.

Following the PWA Noumea World Cup, Matteo came by the Starboard headquarters in Thailand to sign his contract, meet the team, pick up his boards and answers a few questions we had for him.

Starboard: Welcome to the team Matteo. What attracted you to sign with us?Matteo Iachino: If you ask around, the general opinion is that Starboard are special in slalom. The iSonic is the board to be on. If you look at the performance of Starboard over the years, it’s been consistently number 1 on the PWA Constructor's podium. They have the best boards and the strongest team, so if you can get in Starboard with a good deal it’s like a dream come true.

Starboard: In the beginning were you apprehensive to join such a big team?Matteo: No, not at all. It's true that it’s a big team but that’s good because there are a lot of riders with different abilities. Starboard have the young guys, the experienced riders and everyone else in between. I can learn from each one of them. And in the end, you compete with everyone, even if you’re on the same team or not.

Starboard: There are currently a lot of riders around your age. However you seem to be on somewhat of a different level, what do you think you are doing differently?Matteo: Ha thanks, I don’t know exactly but I feel like I trained a lot in the last three years, especially in winter time. I was just focused on getting the results, because it’s the most important thing I can have in my life at this point. At one stage, I arrived at a point where I decided it was my main goal, so I started to work hard for it and I haven't stopped since. If you work hard for something, only fill your mind with it, and if you don't get too stressed then it’s going to work out.

Starboard: You just visited us in Thailand, how did you like it?Matteo: Being in Thailand was great. I got to see a different culture, see where Starboard's headquarters were based, how the team worked together. I got to explore the workshop as an "employee" but also as a regular windsurfing fan, which was fantastic. Thailand is a breathtaking country that really opens your mind.

Starboard: We heard you've also joined on an R&D trip with Remi, how was that?Matteo: It was super! It’s great to be recognized as a member of the R&D team at Starboard. To have the opportunity to develop the boards that I am going to use next season is priceless. As a result, you feel the board is like your property because you developed it, and you know it from the inside-out. This will certainly give me an advantage over the competition.

Starboard: What’s the difference between sailing for R&D compared to sailing in competition?Matteo: There is quite a big difference. When you sail for R&D you need to focus and try to think about how you actually race, and copy that style. You have to put the board in the position that is similar to your racing stance and only then you can be sure of your opinion. You also have to be confident when sharing your impressions and sticking to your decisions.

Starboard: Did you have a set goal to be World champion before a certain time? Matteo: My only set goal was to be a full professional windsurfer before I was 25 years old, that was my only goal. I loved windsurfing and my aim was to be a pro. I achieved my goal in time, and since then I've been getting better and better. The progression is perfect. So now, I would obviously love to be World Champion as soon as possible, and I will work hard for it. The level is super high and I’m very close so let’s see what will happen this year...

Starboard: Thanks a lot for the answers Matteo. We wish you a very successful year in the Starboard Dream Team.

- Photo Credit: Remi Vila & KoltdBlack / Starboard -