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1999 U.S. Windsurfing Championships

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When windsurfers around the world heard that the 1999 U. S. Windsurfing Championships were being held at Crissy Field in San Francisco, California they were probably stoked. Normally there is consistent wind that rips across the bay, making Crissy Field one of the hottest windsurfing spots in California. However, this year competitors were shocked and disappointed when the first two days of the event were canceled due to light wind, a rare occurrence at Crissy Field.

The five day event had to be crammed into three days, which meant competitors had less time on the water to prove their abilities. Luckily the wind did pick up for the last three days of the competition. Crissy Field was back to it's normal conditions, giving sailors a good ride. Even with the less-than-perfect conditions at the start, overall the competitors felt the event was a success.

Sergio Mehl, from Buenos Aires, Argentina took first place in all three disciplines- course racing, slalom, and long distance. This lead him to place first overall in the Open Men's category. "I felt really good," said Mehl. "There was a lot of current and strong wind."

Mehl said that he feels the local guys have a big advantage because they know the currents and conditions. "I'm not used to racing courses, the choppy water, or strong wind," Mehl said.

Mehl had been unsure about how he would do in the competition because he was sick for a week just before the event. But he said as soon as the competition started he began feeling better. Mehl felt that his equipment played a big role helping him win this event. "I know my equipment," Mehl said. "And I have very good equipment."

Mariel Devesa, from Los Angeles, California, placed first in the Women's division. It was her seventh time winning the U. S. Windsurfing Championships. But for her this is only a hobby, her "real" job is working as an accountant.

She enjoyed the competition and also felt that choosing the right equipment lead to her successful finish. "Good gear choice and good decisions helped me win," said Devesa. "I also spent time on the water a week before the event."

Devesa said that she enjoyed the various conditions of the competition. "The weather was really nice. It sunny and warmer than usual with light and strong winds- the whole gamut," Devesa said.

Mike Zajicek, who's been windsurfing in the Bay Area for many years, place first in Open Master's. He agreed that the unpredictable wind was a surprise.

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