The 2024 Raceboard World Championships in Cadiz, Spain, provided windsurfing enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience, with all 15 scheduled races taking place under a wide variety of wind conditions. The fleet faced everything from strong, gusty winds to gentle breezes, pushing their skills to the limit across multiple days of racing.
Competitors from around the world gathered in Cadiz, which lived up to its reputation as one of the top windsurfing locations. The racing was fiercely competitive, with sailors needing to adapt quickly to the ever-changing conditions, ensuring no two races were alike. The athletes’ perseverance shone through as they navigated through strong, medium, and light winds.
The Rise of Youth Windsurfing in Spain
One of the standout stories from this year’s championship was the remarkable success in building a youth fleet, largely thanks to the efforts of the Spanish Raceboard Association. Their tireless work to bring young talent into the class has paid off, with an impressive showing from the U21 competitors. The Spanish youth sailors displayed not only skill but also determination, setting a strong foundation for the future of Raceboard competition in Spain with both U21 Men and Women titles going to spanish competitors Alejandro Selma Cruz and Olivia Sanchez.
A Family of Champions: Curro and Blanca Manchon
For siblings Curro and Blanca Manchon, Cadiz has always been home. But this year’s World Championships were particularly special, as both were crowned 2024 World Champions on the very waters they’ve sailed their whole lives. Coming from a family deeply rooted in windsurfing, they’ve spent countless hours training in Cadiz, but these titles hold more weight than ever.
Curro Manchon’s victory is even more remarkable given his dual role in the event. Not only did he win the World Championship, but he was also one of the key organizers of the event. His efforts to ensure the success of the competition, while also maintaining peak performance on the water, made his win truly extraordinary. For both Curro and Blanca, their victories are a testament to a lifetime of dedication to windsurfing in the place they call home.
Celebrating the Champions
In the Men’s division, Curro took first place both in the Men and Master World Championships. In the overall standings he wasfollowed closely by fellow Spaniard Borja Carracedo Serra, who showcased remarkable consistency. Slovakian Patrik Pollak rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish. In the Women’s clasification, Blanca Manchon’s flawless performance earned her the championship, while Olivia Sanchez and Eloisa Tarancon secured second and third places, respectively. Top Master and 4th overall was Maria Del Mar Lara Perez De La Lastra. These champions exemplified the skill, determination, and passion that make Raceboard such a thrilling sport to watch.
This year’s event, highlighted by the growing youth fleet and the triumph of the Manchon family, has solidified Cadiz’s place as a historic venue for windsurfing, where past, present, and future champions are made.
Event website – https://worlds2024.raceboard.org
Photos – https://photos.app.goo.gl/7zHb9nEWpFxBZXjn9
