Asian titles awarded in Penghu
We have just been witness to what has been some spectacular strong-wind racing. No wonder the Windsurfing Asian Championships have yet again been held in Penghu, Taiwan.
The venue is special. The 90 islands and islets situated between mainland China and Taiwan on the waters of the Taiwan Strait are a natural playground for windsurfers, that come for fun, practice and competition here. In wintertime it is a paradise, especially if you like the wind to be strong. We have had perfect planing conditions during the week, with only the first day of racing cancelled, due to the wind being too strong…
The classes participating in the Asian Championships have taken advantage of the venue to the fullest, three races back to back daily and some fun in the sun throughout the week. The Techno293, Glide and RS:X classes showing their potential for the past week.
With multiple Asian and non-Asian countries attending the event, RS:X was represented by the largest number of athletes. It was also the most fiercely competed with the podium places being decided on the very final race.
After a very strong start to the championships Korean Wonwoo Cho found himself defending the lead today, Chun Leung Michael Cheng from Hong Kong hot on his heals finishing just 1 point behind. Third TPE 8 Howard Chang.
The newly crowned RS:X Women Asian Champion is Hei Man H V Chan from Hong Kong. A well-deserved win as she dominated the competition with multiple race wins. The second place was up for grabs until the final race. Wai Yan Ngai from Hong Kong crossing the line Ahead of her team-mate Ma Kwan Ching to claim the silver medal.
Over at the Youth men also a Hong Kong trio and also a photo finish for the second place, as Lok Yeung and Kwan Lam Ma coming into the final race on equal points. After the final match race Lok finished second overall ahead of Kwan. Ling Yeung Au claiming the tile.
The newly developed Glide class has had some thrilling action as well. John Harold Madrigal from the Philippines claiming the championship, ahead of his team-mate Reneric Moreno and local windsurfer Ou Jui Yang.
Hats off for the Techno293 – the youngest competitors having a blast in the conditions. Top girl Cheuk Wing Mak from Hong Kong was right up there giving the boys a run for their money and finishing 5th overall, with boys - Yin Li Wen from Taipei in third, Janson Shek from Hong Kong second and our new Asian Champion, also representing Hong Kong Chun Po Lam.
Congratulation to all the Asian Champions and medallists. Thank you to the organisers at the Chinese Taipei Sailing Association and hosts at the Penghu Sailing Club. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers and sponsors, who made this happen and a special thank you to all the competitors, who made the trip. I’m sure some good memories will remain from this one for a long time.
Results photos and more are available on the event website - http://asians2019.internationalwindsurfing.com