Der Eröffnungstag des PWA Youth Slalom-Weltcups 2026 in Bonaire hätte kaum besser verlaufen können. Klassische karibische Bedingungen erwarteten die Teilnehmer mit Passatwinden von 18 bis 25 Knoten, die den perfekten Rahmen für acht Ausscheidungsrunden in allen Klassen bildeten.
Thirty riders representing nine countries from the Caribbean, South America, North America, Europe and Asia lined up on Lac Bay, once again highlighting the growing international strength of the Youth Tour. However, by the close of play it was the home sailors who had laid down the marker as Bonairean's topped every fleet.
Tycho Smits (Future Fly / Point-7) made an exceptional start in his first event in the U21 division. The young Bonairean won seven of the eight eliminations completed and immediately established himself as the sailor to beat. Despite the scoreline, the racing was far closer than it suggests. Tour leader Storm Nicolai (Starboard) was the only sailor able to deny Smits a bullet and consistently kept the pressure on throughout the day. Behind them, Diederik Leemans (JP / NeilPryde) and Mario Boekstegers endured a mixed opening day, but with three days still remaining there is plenty of time to work their way back into podium contention.
In the Girl’s fleet, Kit de Jong continued her impressive form to lead overnight ahead of her sister Lone de Jong (Starboard / NeilPryde), with both girls regularly mixing it with the U17 Boy’s throughout the day.
The U15 division produced more great racing as the rivalry between Kenny Abrahamsz and Julien Blom continues to grow. The pair traded victories throughout the opening day, while Curaçao’s Adam Adriaans Tap impressed with several excellent finishes to end the day third overall.
The level of racing across every fleet was exceptional, with battles continuing from the front of the fleet right through to the final positions in virtually every elimination.
The action continued after racing concluded as riders headed into town to enjoy a spectacular sunset tow-in show featuring Youp Schmit (Flikka) and Bjorn Saragoza, providing a fitting end to an excellent opening day in Bonaire.
Racing resumes tomorrow with the skippers’ meeting scheduled for 8:30am (GMT-4) ahead of a first possible start at 9:30am.