200km of racing in one day
An event to remember. Over 200km is what it took to go around the island of Lanzarote on a wind foil. The fleet set off from the south of the island at 9 am only to return over nine hours later. It was a massive challenge, but the race was still on. Severne riders Mateus Isaac and Sebastian Kördel took turns winning the six stages the race crew had planned with Mateus taking the overall top spot. Closing off the podium was Severne rider from Spain Ramon Pastor.
Photos by Dieter Van der Eyken
The volcanic coast of Lanzarote as the backdrop
With the current coronavirus restrictions worldwide, this concept hit a home run, as well as, offered a different view of Lanzarote and its volcanic coastline. Racers and crew got an up close view of the “fire mountains”, the island of La Graciosa and all of the well known windsurf spots on the east side of the island. The final stage was a massive 30+ km reach down towards “Papagayo” on the south of the island before going back on land at Marina Rubicón; a marina and sailing central used by many Olympic teams.
The competitors were all met with a dramatic landscape and a large variety of conditions throughout the day. When the fleet set off at the south of the island in the morning, the wind was 12-14 knots with a small swell rolling in from the Atlantic ocean. As everyone worked their way up along the west coast of Lanzarote, the wind decreased. The final upwind stretch towards the island of La Graciosa had the lightest and hardest conditions, but as the fleet set off on a downwinder along the east coast of the island, the wind increased steadily and was gusting over 20 knots on the home stretch to Playa Blanca.
Dramatic scenery and a large variety of conditions.
Severne rider from Portugal was among the riders pushing hard in the long, light wind stretches.
Mateus Isaac takes the win
“It feels incredibly good to finally be racing in Europe and to know that my training is paying off,” said Mateus who was in a tight battle with Sebastian Kördel over the whole race. Commenting on his strategy Mateus said; “the race was very close even though it was long. I was trying to look into the horizon all of the time to understand what the wind was doing. It was hard to predict but I believe I did some good tactics because of that“.
Needless to say, it was a new experience for all riders who took part in this event, and Mateus confirmed that; “Insane experience!! Definitely a good feeling now after finishing it. I would love to be back next year.“
Sebastian Kördel takes second place
Being one of the favourites at this event, Sebastian showed incredible form throughout the whole race. Winning the first race, Sebastian took an early lead until Mateus struck back in the later stages of the race. The two were very close until the downwind portion of the race where Mateus impressed with sharp downwind tactics and technical skill.
In the final leg of the race which was a 20 minutes long reach Sebastian had a comeback, but it wasn’t enough to tip the scale in his favour, and he had to settle with second place.
Ramon Pastor takes third place
Ramon showed strong form throughout the whole race and it was clear that he has been spending his winter training at his home base Tarifa. Especially on the second half of the race which was predominantly downwind, Ramon showed excellent form to bring himself up to third place.
Ramon Pastor sailing in the strait between Lanzarote and La Graciosa
To read more about this race, you can visit www.lanzarotefoilchallenge.com
More Severne news
Pauline Katz: Five Years on the Redback
Pauline Katz has ridden the Redback since ’21. Five seasons across Pozo, Chile, and Maui; all on a sail built for riders her size. Here’s why she’s never switched.
Girls on Tour Goes European
Team SEVERNE rider Pauline Katz expands her Girls on Tour women’s windsurfing camp series to a full European calendar in 2026. Seven events across four locations covering waves, freestyle, and slalom; coached by top female pros including Daida Ruano Moreno and Maaike Huvermann.
Blanca Alabau Signs Eighth Year with SEVERNE
2023 PWA Slalom World Champion and women’s foil speed world record holder Blanca Alabau returns to team SEVERNE for her eighth consecutive season. The partnership that started when she entered Formula Foil competition has produced world titles, speed records, and consistent podiums across both fin and foil disciplines.
SEVERNE Margaret River Wave Classic 2026: Jaeger Stone back on top
Jaeger Stone reclaims Margaret River while 17-year-old Sarah Kenyon wins her first Pro Women’s event. Jake Ghiretti scores the highest wave of the competition. Team SEVERNE dominated every podium; all on the Stone.
Engineering Breakdown: What Powers your 026 Wave Sail
The 026 wave sail program delivers systematic weight reduction, enhanced reactivity, and direct power transmission. VX2 leech panels cut swing weight at the critical four-metre leverage point. D6 Dacron luff technology creates silent forward pull without backhand pressure. CarbonFusion welded construction eliminates micro-flex for instant response. Carbon insert systems lock every connection point for zero energy loss. SEVERNE engineering; lighter where it matters, stiffer where it counts, more responsive throughout.
Scott McKercher and Federico Infantino: XXL swell up north
The forecast was too good to ignore. Big swell, clean wind, perfect tide; everything aligned for one of those sessions you remember for years. Federico Infantino had already committed to heading north when the charts lit up with solid lines marching toward Western Australia’s remote coastline. Scott McKercher made the two-day mission north specifically for this swell
Oceania Youth Wave Titles 2026: Geraldton Calls
The world’s largest youth wave windsurfing event returns to Geraldton, WA, 12-18 January 2026. Junior Windsurf Camp and competitive divisions (U13, U15, U21) for riders under 21. Progression-friendly conditions from flat water to proper waves.
Iachino World Champion; Alabau claims Japan event title and Vice Title
Matteo Iachino secured his third PWA world title with a controlled performance in Yokosuka, while Blanca Alabau won the event and claimed vice world champion after one of the most dramatic final days in recent PWA history.
OBX-WIND 2025: the community gather on the Outer Banks
OBX-WIND 2025 delivered everything a windsurfing event should be. Consistent Outer Banks wind powered Long Distance racing and Mega Slalom competition on the Pamlico Sound, while Friday’s freestyle expression session brought pros and up-and-coming sailors together. The Beer Race, giant raffle, and Halloween costume party proved that growing the sport requires more than just competition; it’s about building community. SEVERNE has backed this event for years, and watching it expand what’s possible for grassroots windsurfing makes the commitment worthwhile.