I went to visit the Mission yesterday. I’ve been there the past years for both days. This year I didn’t have that much time so I decided to go on the first day and check out the event. This is the last year the event will be held (unfortunately) and organizer Herman van der Berg had again but a lot of work and effort into the event. Herman runs project44 which is the importer of brands like Fanatic, F2, Choco fins, Maui sails and Ion. This brands are well represented during the event. I took some shots I wanted to share with you (it was cloudy when I took the shots, the sun started shining soon after). This will give you an impression of the event.
There was plenty of gear which could be tested by the visitors. Most was 2010 but Herman worked hard to get some 2011 gear in as well. Let’s start with the Fanatic boards (click to see a bigger picture).

The 2011 look great with their new prints. Very colorful. You can see two brand new Maui Sails in the background. There were a lot more Maui Sails ready for testing.

They even brought two TR6xt race sails. A 6.0 and a 8.4. What a beautiful sail.

With sails like that you also needs boards that go fast. Herman managed (don’t ask me how) to get some of the new 2011 F2 Race/Slalom boards.

I haven’t sailed them yet but the new Silberpfeil and Missile look really good. Maybe I’ll trade my old SX’s for them (let’s try them first
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In case someone got bored with windsurfing, you could also try the Fantic SUPs and surfboards.

Next to all this gear you could also run into several local and international windsurfers who came just for this event. How about:

I don’t know how many times world champion in freestyle Gollito Estredo (being interviewed by Mart, editor of The Motion windsurf magazine). You have to see this guy in action to believe it. Make sure you bring your camcorder since you’ll need to replay it afterwards.

The lovely Nayra Alonso was at the Mission for the first time.

Another lovely lady; Laure Treboux who had been there for several days already running a girls camp.

Top Dutch windsurfer Peter Volwater.
I took a lot of other pictures, many of the windsurfers on the water (like the one below). You can find low res versions of them on Photobucket. Contact me if you like to receive a high res copy.

De Punt
There was enough wind to go sailing but it was a bit crowded with over 300 competitors. I went with a couple of people I knew to de Punt, a spot a few minutes away. There we had plenty of space and had fun with our slalom gear. At times the wind was quite strong. I sailed my Gaastra Vapor 7.6 and F2 SX 68. I had to put a lot of downhaul on the sail to keep control, but because the water was quite flat I could keep sailing that size. The wind dropped a little later on so I decided to go back home after a few hours of sailing. Nice spot, although you have to wear shoes to protect you feed. The sun was again shining and it was warm so another session in my shorty.
Number 50
By the way: this was session number 50 this year. I wont be able to sail as many times as last year (89) but I’m going to try and get close
Forecast
This past week has been great with several sailing opportunities. Next week looks good as well especially since we might get our first storm this Friday or Saturday. I can only hope the conditions will stay like this. I’ll be at Wijk aan Zee if they do.