By Stephen Miles, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
SIX-time Lancelin Ocean Classic marathon winner Peter Volwater will be back to defend his title in this weekend’s big event.
Dutchman Volwater is regarded as one of the best overall windsurfers in the world, excelling across multiple disciplines.
After winning his first Classic in 2004, Volwater has returned to win it again five times – in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and last year.
The Classic weekend will begin tomorrow with wave sailing. The spectacular discipline will feature more than 70 competitors trying to outmanoeuvre each other with the highest aerials and radical wave riding in four-man heats
Friday will feature kite surfing, with competitors sailing a gruelling, 26km marathon course from Ledge Point to Lancelin for the title.
The second kite surfing competition is the Kite Jam, a freestyle competition that will see sailors compete with some big airs and all the excitement of a freestyle event. Those who impress the judges will go on to the finals on Saturday.
Saturday will feature the main event – the Ledge Point to Lancelin marathon.
This year’s race finish will be directly in front of the Lancelin Beach Hotel – further north than in previous years.
Volwater will clash with world record breaker and 2011 Lancelin Ocean Classic winner Bjorn Dunkerbeck for the title.
Dunkerbeck has broken the world speed sailing record seven times in an illustrious career dating back to 1986.
He has won 105 Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA) titles, seven PWA Wave World Championship crowns and 12 PWA overall world championships to be one of the legends of the sport.
Dunkerbeck, who could only finish ninth in last year’s Ocean Classic, is keen to avenge the defeat.
Gem Events manager Greg Erskine said there was something for everyone at the weekend.
“Teaming up with WA Kite Surfing Association has meant we can hold these two kite surfing events, which is not only challenging for the sailors but fantastic for us to watch,” Mr Erskine said.
“We also have a party in the park, an event village, a film festival, the spectacular waves competition and of course the marathon, where we see some world-class sailors.”
For more information on the Classic, go to lancelinoceanclassic.com.au.