Courtesy of: The Morning News
ORANJESTAD – De Wind Racers Club Aruba (WRCA) started last Sunday the 2013-2014 windsurfing season with races in 6 categories. 15-year old windsurf talent Ethan Westera won both slalom and long distance races in the under 20 category, Nik van den Eerenbeemt (16) came in second place.
The spectators at the Fishermen Huts saw Rik Valize win the “Kids” category. Mack van den Eerenbeemt won the races under 17, Malik Hoveling under 15, Nicole van der Velden the “Ladies” and Wichard van der Meulen the “Masters” category.
Talk of the town was that Aruban born and raised Sarah Quita Offringa just had won her sixth consecutive World Championship, this year held in The Netherlands. Sarah-Quita is an example and hero for all Aruban windsurfers and inspires all sailors to realize that with dedication and hard work a world championship is within reach.
Next week 2 members of WRCA are traveling abroad to represent Aruba at important events.
Ethan Westera impressed this summer some PWA officials during a World Cup race in Turkey that he was granted a wildcard to race in the Super Grand Slam PWA event in Sylt Germany. This event is known for its fierce conditions and draws over 200.000 spectators.
15 year old Mack van den Eerenbeemt is part of a large delegation that travels to Lima, Peru to participate in the 2013 South American Youth Games. Aruba has nominated 20 athletes that will participate in several disciplines like Triathlon, Teakwondo, Boxing, Judo, Swimming, Cycling, Weightlifting and Windsurfing. More than 1500 youngsters will participate from 14 countries, as preparation for the official 2014 Youth Olympic Games held next year in Nanjing China.
For the coming season WRCA has lots of plans. For those who are interested to participate in any discipline can find this years plans on facebook. Also is WRCA funding granted to start a schoolproject. As oon as this funding has been approved by the Aruba Sailing Association (ASA) members of WRCA will start giving windsurf clinics and classes for schoolkids.
SLALOM RACES:
UNDER 20:
- Ethan Westera
- Nik van den Eernebeemt
- Nicole van der Velden (women)
- Willem ten Ham
- Darren Maris
UNDER 17:
- Mack van den Eerenbeemt
- Milan de Jonge
- Sam Kaffener
- Mark Tjon
- Sil Grijpma
- Sjoerd Hoek
UNDER 15:
- Malik Hoveling
- Jasper van den Berg
- Melvin van der Linde
- Nicolas Verploeg
- Bart van Haren
- Joel Kayser
MEN:
- Wichard van der Meulen
- Alejandro Soto
- Jan van Haren
LONG DISTANCE:
UNDER 20:
- Ethan Westera
- Nik van den Eerenbeemt
- Willem ten Ham
- Darren Maris
UNDER 17:
- Mack van den Eerenbeemt
- Milan de Jonge
- Sam Kaffener
UNDER 15:
- Malik Hoveling
- Jasper van den Berg
- Melvin van der Linde
MEN:
- Wichard van der Meulen
KIDS:
1. Rik Valize
2. Matthijs de Kool
3. Storm Reijnders
4. Mila Nooijen
5. Thomas Brown
