Swedish Björn Holm wins Kona Worlds

After four days of intense racing (Sept. 3-6) in Brouwersdam, the Netherlands, Swedish Björn Holm was crowned the new World Champion in ISAF-class Kona One. Björn secured his third championship title after consistent sailing. The 16-year old Dutchman Sil Hoekstra finished second with six bullets, just three points behind in the overall rankings. The bronze medalist was Jonas Davidsson, also a Swede. Best woman and seventh overall was Isis Hoekstra of the Netherlands.

The championship took place at Brouwersdam Zeil and Surfcentrum which has hosted several international windsurfing events over the years. A total of 58 sailors competed during the four race days. The championship was sailed in demanding conditions; three out of four days had high winds from 22 to 28 knots.

Björn Holm took an early lead of the championship in the light winds on the first day, demonstrating outstanding tactical and technical skills. He managed to hold on to the first position all the way through the world championship with 1-1-1-2-6-2-1-4-(7)-6-(7)-2.

“I am very happy. This is my third world champion title and by far the toughest to conquer, with the highest level of competition. I have to admit that the final result would have been different with one more day of high winds,” gold medalist Björn Holm comments.

Björn Holm comes from Stockholm, Sweden. The 2015 title is his third, having previously won the championship in 2007 and 2013. In the 1980s he competed internationally and represented Sweden in the 1984 Olympics.

Second in the Kona World Championship was young RS:X-sailor Sil Hoekstra from the Netherlands, only three points behind in the overall results. During the last two days of the competiton he won all five races and in the end it was a fatal OCS ruling that cost him the title. Sil is European Champion in RS:X Youth 17 and 19 and vice World Champion in RS:X Youth 17.

“It feels really good, a nice experience and a lot of fun. All the people sailing together, having this great competition together,” silver medalist Sil Hoekstra comments.

Sweden managed to take also the third place thanks to Jonas Davidsson, four points behind the winner. Jonas won international recognition during the 1980s as division two racer and European Champion.

“It has been a privilege to come here to this excellent race venue. I managed to keep a consistent level during four days. One major reason behind this is my training with my son Elias who also was the youngest in the fleet,” Jonas Davidsson comments.

Kona One is one of the fastest growing windsurfing classes in the world and officially recognized by ISAF. It is a one design class where all sailors use identical boards and men and women compete together. The same sail is used in all conditions and sized according to weight, to give conditions which are as fair as possible. It is also a non-pumping class.

Report by Daniel Nordlund. Photos by Brouwersdam.

Details: http://konawindsurfworlds.com