PIERRE MORTEFON
This crash was certainly the hardest I have ever had during my career in windsurfing, it was super violent! I was fully concentrated on my line and I was fighting with Antoine Albeau coming to the first mark. Suddenly I felt the spray of a board in my face then a nano second later I knew something was going very wrong. Taty’s sail hit my back, I just remember this moment, then we were in the water. I was checking myself then I tried to help Taty as quickly as possible as he looked in trouble. It was a really hard moment as I was very shocked. I couldn’t do anything to avoid the crash as I was already on my way to the mark with a normal angle and I didn’t see Taty coming. I think no rules in slalom is still a good solution, especially with strong wind where we are so fast. It is simply impossible to judge the distances, engagements and apply the rules. I think everybody forgot that there is still a rule on top of the no rules which is the dangerous sailing rule and I think it needs to be applied even if it’s a judgement. In rugby or football, when it’s dangerous there is the card to sanction dangerous conduct. It has to be the same in windsurfing. The marks are the most dangerous part of racing as we are all close and turning in the same direction. In this case the crash was in a straight line, which is way more dangerous as the speed is at the very top end! During racing at the mark, you always have pressure because the guys in front of you make mistakes and you will have to react to avoid collisions. You just have to deal with each situation and look out for the safety of the other riders and not take stupid risks. This is really important!
Firstly I think we need to put more sanctions in just to take the pressure down a little bit on the water. There are too many crashes, too many out of control attacks! This is not good for the sport and it’s also dangerous. Now something which was an exceptional aggression four years ago is simply the norm of racing these days. We need to apply the ‘Dangerous Sailing’ rules, put some yellow and red cards in play! The mentality of racers has to evolve. People who want to go on the inside or attack have to think about it first, think about safety, about the chance they have to pass or not and to stop suicidal behaviour.
There is already a rule for dangerous sailing, we just need to apply it! As for fines, I am not sure it’s the right way but points or event disqualification can be such an equally hard punishment. I don’t think we need to enforce safety apparel just yet. Riders have to control their own equipment and think about safety. Maybe I am wrong, but I think it is very important especially with the advent of foiling. Above all, we have to take care about how we sail!
