The 1987 Sometime World Cup in Omaezaki

The 1987 Sometime World Cup, the first of six events in the World Cup season, was held in Omaezaki, Japan, from 27 March to 5 April. This landmark event showcased the circuit's three flagship disciplines: course racing, slalom and waves. Here's a look back at this memorable competition, where the world's best windsurfers battled it out in exceptional conditions.

Extreme weather conditions for the slalom
As in previous years, this year's slalom was characterised by powerful winds of between 40 and 60 knots. Throughout the day, the competitors had to adjust their sails, gradually dropping from 3.4 to 2.9 m², and even to 2.4 m² for those lucky enough to have such surfaces in their quiver. This extreme wind made the race particularly technical and demanding. The ‘in & out’ course with a beach start added an extra dimension of challenge, favouring the most seasoned competitors. The victory of Hawaii's Maui Meyer, who took advantage of Björn Dunkerbeck's broken fin just 100 metres from the finish line, will go down in the annals of the sport.

A spectacular beach start captured by helicopter
The slalom event at Omaezaki was also immortalised in an iconic photo taken by Hervé Hauss from a helicopter. This spectacular image highlights the traditional beach starts, with renowned competitors such as Robert Teriitehau, Björn Dunkerbeck, Robby Naish and Nevin Sayre in action. These intense, technical starts are a true demonstration of the mastery and power of professional windsurfers. This unique shot perfectly illustrates the competitive spirit and adrenalin felt during these frantic races.

Conclusion
The 1987 Sometime World Cup in Omaezaki will go down as a historic event in the world of windsurfing. The extreme weather conditions, the performance of the competitors and the spectacular moments captured during this competition left a lasting impression. The event not only showcased the talents of the windsurfers, but also the importance of preparation and adaptation in the face of natural elements. A memorable edition that continues to inspire and fascinate windsurfing fans around the world.