A windless day at the Wingfoil Racing World Cup Hong Kong, taking place off Stanley Main Beach, proved to be far from wasted as the world’s best riders immersed themselves in the culture and traditions of their hosts.
With no breeze on the water, local riders stepped into the role of guides, showing the international fleet a different side of Hong Kong, China. The highlight was a lesson in Chinese calligraphy, the ancient and highly revered art of writing characters with brush and ink. Master calligrapher Man Ngo Hin explained that the discipline is built on energy, motion and rhythm – qualities that felt strikingly familiar to a group more accustomed to speed, balance and flow on the racecourse.
Defending World Cup champion Maddalena Spanu was quick to appreciate the parallels. “The difficulty is in using single brush strokes. You’re not supposed to go back over a line once you’ve painted it,” she said. Seated beside her at the calligrapher’s desk was current event leader Vaina Picot, who appeared to relish the session as a calming counterpoint to the intensity of competition.
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk - Vaina Picot (l) and Maddalena Spanu (r)
Chinese athlete Yana Li, currently fifth in the standings and well placed for a spot in the weekend’s medal series, was visibly delighted to return to a childhood skill. “I haven’t done this since I was five years old,” she exclaimed, brush in hand. The 16-year-old balances a heavy travel schedule with online schooling, but that will be firmly on hold as she targets a podium finish. Confidence is high after her victory at last year’s Formula Wing Youth World Championships in the Azores.
In the men’s fleet, two-time Asian Champion Rafeek Kikabhoy sits just outside the top ten after a series of consistent performances on day one. “I can’t wait until Saturday and Sunday when the wind kicks in,” he said. “I’m targeting the World Championships later this year in Turkey, so any time on the water will help me prepare to get a good result there.”
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk - Rafeek Kikabhoy look ahead to the weekend racing
The weekend forecast promises around 15 knots of breeze, with cooler temperatures allowing the South China trade winds to deliver exhilarating racing conditions. On Saturday afternoon, the 13-strong women’s fleet will battle for places in the medal series, while the men will split into Gold and Silver fleets. The top nine from Gold Fleet will progress directly to Sunday’s medal series, with the remaining riders fighting it out in a one-off race for the final golden ticket.
Live coverage
Live coverage of the final weekend begins with the morning session at 10:30 (03:30) followed by the afternoon session starting at 14:30 (07:30 CET) on the IWSA YouTube channel. Times are weather dependant.
YouTube: @Wingfoilracing //www.youtube.com/@wingfoilracing/streams
© IWSA media/Robert Hajduk - As the wind died, the writing was on the wall for hopes of racing
