With eight races sailed and two discards applied, the competition saw a mix of dominance, tight battles for the podium and some surprises along the way at Nai Yang Beach on the north west of the island.
From the very first race, 10-time World Windsurfing Champion and three-time Olympic athlete Riccardo Giordano established himself as the clear favourite, winning every counted race with a net score of just 6 points.
The Italian’s unmatched consistency and tactical brilliance left his competitors no chance to challenge him and saw him secure an emphatic overall victory.
While Riccardo sailed in a league of his own, the real battle unfolded for the remaining podium spots. Dean Callister of Great Britain showed impressive consistency to claim second place with 15 net points, demonstrating resilience even when facing tougher races.
Close behind, Finland’s Juha Blinnikka secured third place with 17 points, showcasing strong racecraft but falling just short of overtaking Callister. Christian Schaake of the Netherlands finished fourth with 19 points, proving to be a formidable competitor with steady performances throughout the regatta.
A special mention goes to Spain’s Teresa Del Moral, the only female competitor in the fleet, who delivered a stellar performance to finish fifth overall with 27 points. Her ability to challenge and outperform many experienced racers was a highlight of the event, reinforcing the growing competitiveness of female sailors in the Windsurfer Class. Del Moral preceded an excellent Romeo Romei of Italy in 6th position.
Further down the leaderboard, the competition remained fierce, with Osamu Hachiya of Japan and Franck Constant of France battling for top-10 positions. Some competitors, including Germany’s Mario Lehmann and Marco Masei of Italy, faced difficulties and registered multiple DNCs (Did Not Compete), which heavily impacted their overall standings.
A Windsurfer’s Paradise
Last weekend’s competition was the latest in an ever-expanding calendar as the sport of windsurfing continues to grow in popularity and participation.
The previous event took place in Jomtien, Pattaya, on the weekend of Jan 25-26, and further competitions this year in Thailand will see the Asian International Event in Hua Hin (Mar 29-30), the Songkran Windsurfer Open, in Jomtien (Apr 26-27), the Summer Trophy in Koh Samui (June 7-8), the Winter Trophy in Bangkok (Nov 22-23) and the Bangsaray Invitational (Dec 5-6).
The breathtaking backdrop Nai Yang Beach was specifically chosen to host this year’s event in Phuket due to it being widely regarded as a premier destination for windsurfing. With its warm waters, steady winds and stunning coastal scenery, the location provided the perfect conditions for high-level racing, cementing its position as a windsurfer’s paradise.
The consistent breeze ensured fair competition, while the turquoise waters and tropical surroundings added to the spectacle. Wind conditions throughout the event were light to moderate, adding an extra layer of tactical challenges for the sailors.
Beyond the racecourse, competitors and spectators enjoyed Phuket’s renowned hospitality, vibrant culture and world-class Thai cuisine. The regatta highlighted why Phuket continues to be one of the most desirable locations for windsurfing events in Asia and beyond.
With an unmatched performance by Giordano, a thrilling battle for the podium and an unforgettable venue, the Phuket Open 2025 Windsurfer regatta was a resounding success. The event showcased the best of competitive windsurfing, confirming Phuket as a world-class host for future regattas.
Congratulations to all the participants, especially Giordano for his dominant win, Del Moral for her strong showing and Callister and Blinnikka for their exciting fight for second place.
All the action from last weekend can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ZegG3k4cU8o?feature=shared.