Coming into the final event of the year Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / NorthSails / Chopper Fins) and Marion Mortefon (Fanatic / NorthSails) knew that they had a chance to write their name in the windsurfing record books as the first brother and sister to finish on the prestigious overall podium since Britt and Björn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne) over 20 years ago.

However, that wasn’t going to be easy as both of them sat outside of the overall top 3, so in order to break onto the podium that would firstly have to perform themselves and secondly need results to fall slightly in their favour. 

In the end both rose to the occasion with Pierre securing his first podium in 3 events - and with Ross Williams (Tabou / GA Sails / Mystic / Shamal Sunglasses) only mustering an 8th place - that would be enough to see Pierre complete the men’s podium. Meanwhile, Marion was able to take advantage of Lena Erdil’s untimely injury to leap frog the Turk into 3rd place in Nouméa with a series of solid performances, which ultimately saw the Mortefon’s write their name into the record books. After making history we caught up with Marion and Pierre for an Interview

Hey Marion and Pierre, congratulations on both finishing on the prestigious overall podium for 2017… How does it feel and do either of you know the last time that happened?

Pierre: “Firstly I am super happy to finally be back on the podium during this last event in Nouméa. For sure it was not my plan at the beginning of the year, but the season was not the easiest one for me with some different issues. So it's cool to be on the overall podium for the 4th year in row. We had some really intense racing all year round with the guys and that's great. Finishing on the podium with Marion makes me super happy! I would love have the rest of the Family in Nouméa with my parents and Paul our brother to share this moment, but I can imagine them at midnight in front of the livestream checking the ceremony... It was not easy as for Marion the points were extremely close with the other girls, for me it was also pretty though - fighting with top guys like Ross [Williams] is never easy. So both being on the podium togetheris just wahooooo !!! I think last time was certainly with the DUNKERBECK’s.” 

Marion: “From my side this year, it is my first overall podium on the PWA World tour. I’m really happy to reach my goal for my first year as professional on the tour. For sure being on the podium together, it’s something special and unique. It was a long and stressful year for both of us, and the podium positions weren’t anything but secured before Noumea, we had everything to do before the event to be in the top 3. You can be sure our parents and brother are really proud!

I think the last time where sister and brother were on the podium was when Britt [Dunkerbeck] and Björn were world champion together at least 20 years ago.. Elsewhere, the Moreno sister’s [Iballa and Daida] are also an example for me since I was really young. They perform exceptionally - managing every time to be on the wave or freestyle podium together.”

What is it like to travel on the world tour together?

Pierre: “I would say it's an advantage because for sure we know each other better than anybody so you feel when you need to just say some words or when you have to push the other ... It took time before we were well organised as we both have a strong personalities and that led to some fighting some times. I was already travelling for more than 5 years when Marion came on the tour, so I had already gained a lot of experience when it comes to organisation. For sure i am maybe carrying a bit more all the equipment and bag, but it's sometimes super efficient to have a little poor girl make the checkin at the airlines counter!”

Marion: “It’s always easier to travel with someone you can trust. It’s really helpful to travel together for all the checkins, long drives and everything else.. I can not lie, for sure some years, sometimes it was chaotic with some disputes! But it’s comfortable to travel with your family. During the competition, I find some help and reassuring speech when we talk together.”

Are you competitive between each other?

Pierre: "I would say not that much! But sometimes you can feel that the other is doing better during the session or you can check if it’s not really a good day. In some conditions also, I know the girls can be close to some guys.” 

Marion: “I think we are not competitive, we are not competing in the same division. I think it’s harder for brother or sister’s who are competing together like the Moussilmani brother’s some years ago or the Moreno sisters.”

Do you train together?

Pierre: “Yes sometimes, it's always better than alone. You can try to simulate some racing situations, trying to pass from behind or sailing in the mix with wrong wind. This year I push Marion a lot to risk more during the gybe, going on the inside, protecting the space etc... For myself, it helps me to try to pass in some critical space also. It's also easier to organise the training time. For example we will fly soon to Cape Town to sail there together. For sure I will not tune all my speed with Marion but it’a much more fun to do it together than alone!”

Now the plan is to stay on the podium and continue to climb the stairs together!”

Marion: “We are living not so far from each other  in France, so then we train together sometimes. It’s quite hard between girls and boys because of the speed difference, but we can gybe together. He gives me lot of advice on my technical skills. We are usually going to the same place (Tarifa, Brittany..) to train but I’m usually training with Delphine [Cousin Questel] and Pierre with the other French guys.”

Thanks Pierre and Marion - congratulations again on a great season and see you in 2018.

You can stay up to date with both of Pierre and Marion Mortefon’s latest news and adventures via their Social Media Networks:

Facebook: @pierremortefon / @marionmortefon 

Instagram: @pierremortefon / @marion_mortefon