The organisers of the International Windsurfer Class Association (IWCA) Oceania Championship 2023 are looking to make it an annual event in Fiji.
Fiji Yachting Association (FYA) president Shayne Brodie said this in a statement on the three-day event at Natadola last weekend.
Brodie said the local and international windsurfing elite, including Olympic Games gold medallist Sarah Kelly, who dominated the meet, gathered for an exhilarating display of skill and athleticism, battling it out on the water, displaying exceptional talent, technique, and athleticism throughout the championship.
“We are still spinning on excitement to have hosted after over 25 years our first ever International Windsurfing Championship right here in Fiji,” he said.
“This event not only celebrates the sport’s incredible athletes but also showcases Fiji’s unparalleled beauty and community spirit.
“We invited Oceania’s windsurfing enthusiasts to participate in this remarkable competition and were thrilled with the turn out.”
Brodie said the championship competition celebrated the sport’s competitive spirit but also fostered camaraderie among participants.
“Windsurfing enthusiasts, supporters, and spectators alike were treated to an unforgettable experience as they witnessed thrilling races and awe-inspiring sailing by world’s top windsurfers like Sarah Kelly who ended the Championship taking away the Gold Medal in both the Course Racing on the first two days and the Marathon Race on the third and final day.”
Brodie said such events were crucial to the development of sailing as sport in Fiji, not only as a way of getting new equipment into the country, but also as a way to raise awareness on sailing as a sport.
“Given Fiji’s rich history of sailing and its abundance of waterways, we are committed to reviving traditional methods of travel and promoting sailing as a valuable skill.
“We encourage you to reach out to a local sailing club and embark on a new adventure.”
He said the championship provided a platform for development of the sport including a Learn to Sail Clinic for local children.
Brodie acknowledged the support of the Fiji Government, Tradewinds Marine Group, Hot Glass, Goodman & Fielder, Fiji Water, Vuda Marina, Seamech, World Sailing, Fiji National Sports Commission, FASANOC, and the people of Vusama and Sanasana Villages, whose combined efforts ensured the smooth execution of the event and further elevated Fiji’s reputation as a premier destination for windsurfing.
