The South American Freestyle Championship and Brazilian Slalom Grand Prix report.
Strong winds prevailed at the South Americans Freestyle and Brazilian slalom GP in Camocim. Situated at the North of Ceara State, the spot has to be amongst the best freestyle and slalom destination in the world.
In just 3 days of competition, two full rounds of double elimination where completed for the Freestyle and 8 rounds of slalom for Pro and 7 for sports (amateurs) men in winds ranging between 20 to 32 knots.
In the freestyle, Edvan Souza from Brazil was on fire and completed all maneuvers with fluid style to take the title by winning both double eliminations followed by Julien Mas from France, who demonstrated incredible talent and precision. For the joy of the crowd, the third Place (second South Americans) went to local sailor Francisco Hugo, who started sailing just a few years ago and is one of the most impressive new talents in Freestyle at the young age of 15.
In Fourth place (Third South American), the experienced Joao Henrique was impressive, especially on the stronger winds, were he was throwing some powerful moves that impressed everyone.
In the slalom, 27 competitors were fighting for the Grand Prix title which was an incredible show for all the spectators present, as the slalom course was set right in front of Camocim town close to the beach, which had at moments thousands of people watching the races.
In the Pro men, Gabriel Browne (2011 slalom national champions) and Wilhelm Schurmann (2012 slalom national champion) had an incredible battle for first place and the crowd went wild as both sailors tied with 6.1 points. On the tie break, Gabriel Browne had the best discard and took the title with Schurmann settling for second.
The third place was hotly contested until the very end and Ian Moura took the last podium position just edging out Mathias Pinheiro by 1 point who finished fourth and Joao Henrique by 1.3 points who finished fifth.
In the Sports (Amateur) men, young Jamilson Souza dominated the fleet to win 5 out of the 7 races followed by Jonathan Silva in second and Jose do Santos in third respectively.
The event was organized by T’AI productions and the Brazilian windsurfing association (ABWS) with the sponsor of the Government of the State of Ceara, through the Secretaria do Esporte, and the Prefeitura Municipal de Camocim, através das secretarias de Turismo e de Cultura. And the technical support of the Associação Cearense de Windsurf – ACW.
Wilhelms Schurmann comments on the event
“ Camocim is an incredible spot, we have so many people watching and cheering for the racers that it’s an incredible good vibe. The course was set right in front of the town, and for me this is one of the best slalom spot I know. I had a close race with Gabriel and it all came down to the last race, which made it really exciting for us and all the crowd on the beach. Ian Mouro, Mathias Pinheiro also won some finals and where right in ours heels together with Joao Henrique, who with Ian Mouro, must have been pretty exhausted as they were competing on both disciplines. T’AI eventos and ABWS also did a fantastic job organizing the event and with Bertrand as race comity and his crew, everything ran smoothly and perfect. I was on my NP 7.0 on all the races and on my Isonic 80 and 34 fin”
Gabriel Browne comments on the event
”I’m very happy to be back at Camocim.This place is one of the best slalom venue I’ve been so far.The wind is always there.This year we had strong winds during all the days of event with gusts up to 32 knts.The very well organized event by Tai and ABWS brought a lot of people to the beach to watch it,in the last day we had around thousand people near the event area and making the races so exciting.
Me and Wilhelm were fighting for the top spot all the races.In the end I got the 2012 slalom GP title.I’m stoked for that!!I can’t forget to mention about Ian Mouro,The wave and freestyle sailor from Jericoacoara,He got 3rd place overall in the last race just in front of Mathias Pinheiro,other very experienced local sailor, and also Joao Henrique “ Janjao” was showing great speed in the course. The level of the slalom scene in Brazil is growing a lot and I’m sure we are going to have more people next year!!Hope to be back in Camocim soon”
South Americans Freestyle top 5 results.
1. (1st South American) Edvan Souza (BRA)
2. (non South American) Julien Mas (FRA)
3. (2nd South American) Francisco Hugo (BRA)
4. (3rd South American) João Henrique (BRA)
5. (4th South American) Ian Mouro (BRA)
6. (5th South American) Danilo Silva (BRA)
Grand Prix Slalom top 5 results
Pro men’s
1. Gabriel Browne (6.1 points)
2. Wilhelm Schürmann (6.1 points)
3. Ian Mouro (14.7 points)
4. Mathias Pinheiro (15.7 points)
5. Joao Henrique (16 points)
Sport (Amateur) men
1. Jamilson Sousa (3.5 points)
2. Jonatas Silva (11.6 points)
3. José dos Santos (13 points)
4. Jose Silva (17 points)
5. Francisco Aracijo (19 points)
Fotos by Fernando Braga
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Wilhelm Schurmann