Madrid was overcast and cold on my November departure. 12 hours later, Santiago was sunny and warm on my arrival.
It was a pleasure to meet The Loft’s new Chilean distributor Matias Del Solar (www.matiasdelsolar.com) who represented Chile at the last two Olympic games in the Laser class. His brother JP travels the world as a sailing coach, for Matias as well as many aspiring helmsmen. The Del Solar home is decorated with trophies from many successful international races.
We departed Santiago for a weekend at Matanzas, around 2 hours away going south. The Chilean coast is magnificent! The Pacific is endless… wind, waves and a spectacular sunset greeted us at Matanzas.

The following morning the conditions for wavesailing receded, so Matias and I went slalom training in prep for the Chilean Slalom Championships the following weekend- 4 hours north in Pichidangui.
Matanzas is a small village with a big reputation among surfers and windsurfers. The waves in Matanzas are world-class. One km north of the village is another spot named Square-rock where a few locals, Matias, JP and I enjoyed a super sunset surf session.

 

During the week we stayed at the Del Solar home in Santiago and trained on the Laugina Aculeo- a large lake one hour south of Santiago. Aculeo is a beautiful place, fresh west winds for 7.5 or 6.8 arrive evenings, and there are an active group of windsurfers who take advantage of the fair winds.

Thursday evening we dined at the home of Michel Bouhlon, the owner of Nautisport- the primary sponsor of the National slalom event in Pichidangui.

The road trip north Friday to Pichidangui from Santiago goes up the number 5; the Chilean national highway that connects the slim country from Puerto Williams (Tierra del Fuego) at the southern end, 6000km north to Arika near Peru. The hills and mountains north of Santiago are covered with trees and grass, the open spaces are specatular.
Pichidangui is a small fishing village that is well known as a windsurfing and kiting location.

Southerly thermal winds arrive around mid-day, the morning clouds burned off, and the afternoon winds arrived on schedule. The slalom course was set by Oscar Martinez, an experienced Venezuelan race chairman, who set a medium length downwind course.
Seven races were completed Saturday, the early races in lighter winds, the later races in stronger winds.
I was not sure what to expect from the Chile slalom fleet. I started cautiously, and approached the first jibe mark just behind Matias Salvate (Matute) who is the reigning Chilean slalom champion. I managed to overtake after the 2nd jibe and went for the win.

I stayed with my Blade 7.5 for all 7 races. My finishes Saturday were 1 1 2 2 1 1 and a dsq for being over the starting line early (along with 5 others!) the last race. Matute and Ceasar Salvala of Windsurfing Chile each won one of Saturdays races.

Saturday evening the fleet met at the second home of Michel Bouhlon in Pichidangui for a mega-barbeque-fest… much to eat, to drink, and many discussions about windsurfing equipment. Good times, good company!

Sunday began with clear skies, which promised stronger winds. I rigged my Blade 6.8 and went out early, but the wind was not strong. I elected to change up to my 7.5.

Sunday I managed to win 4 of the 5 races- with one second place behind Caesar.

1. Monty Spindler Loft 
2. Matis Seguel North 
3. Cote Miranda Pryde 
4. Andres Karmy North 
5. Francisco Fuentealva North 
6. Felipe Fuentealva North 
7. Nino Pendola Pryde 
8. Caesar Salvala Pryde 
9. Jorge Munoz Pryde 
10. Filipe Pizazraro Pryde

What a place! Super spots, the Pacific, snow-capped mountains, friendly warm people… I will be back!
Thanks Matias!
Monty Spindler
Dec 08