The Alvor beach is beautiful with interesting rock formations at the east end… natural rooms with a view!
Relaxed was the way at this event…  on Saturday the skippers meeting was at 1:30 which allowed all the competitors to prepare well with no stress!!
The winds were fresh from the north… I went training with my Blade 6.8 ahead of the skippers meeting and was almost alone!
Agusto Garcia (previous raceboard World Champ) was busy with his new Sevene racing quiver (Severne one of the event sponsors) as well as a number of other well-equipped Severne riders.  It looked as if Andy and I would be well tested.
With 23 competitors the heats were run with 8 to 12 windsurfers.  Andy and I won our semifinals without a fight!
Andy and I traded wins and 2nd place finishes in the two finals on Saturday.  Were both were on Blade 6.8s and Exocet 62s in the first final, I switched to my Blade 6.2 and my Exocet 58 for the 2nd final.

Sunday saw the arrival of racers from the Sines Formula event
http://www.formulawindsurfing.org/
Sunday morning the winds were not as strong, I preped my Blade 7.5 and changed my fin up one size in my 62.
Miguel Martinho may be Portugal`s best rider, he rigged his new Pryde race sails and new Starboards.
The first final Andy started well with Martinho and I just behind.  Andy pulled away, I stayed just behind Martinho over the 4 legs- diving below him with some 300 meters to the finish, and manged to cross the line ahead by some meters!
The second final on Sunday was critical… if I won and Andy finished behind me, I would win the event…
I started miserably- last off the line!  Andy and Martinho battled for the line well ahead of the fleet, Martinho taking the win by some meters.

Loft rider Josie Rudzinska showed moments of form as she was often leading the amateur fleet, Joise arriving second on the podium in the amateur standings.

The atmosphere was excelllent at the event, Red Bull and good vibes… with an excellent dinner Saturday night.  An excellent event organization by Manuel Plantier
http://www.proam.ws/
I look forward to more events of the Circuito Iberico Windsurf Pro-Am!
Monty

photo credits- Manuel Plantier, Roby Spindler, www.proam.ws