I am a happy man. the last couple of months I slowly felt my sailingstyle coming back and I started to beleive in a true chance to go for the GPS World Record again. After today I know it won't be easy to fight the youngsters but also it's most certainly not impossible. Today felt like cruizing to me on the Rockstar 44 and the UFO 20. It was really super easy and I could have easily handled a lot more wind. I only lacked the needed stamina to sail lots of runs, therefore I took it really easy in anticipation of a possible top run. Every run went faster and after my 88km run I knew I am back on track.

The wind increased like expected and the angle seemed to change so I waited at the startline how the others coped with the gusts. When I thought the time was right I went for it.. It seemed a perfect timing but it was a shame someone fell in front of me while I prepared for the run. I got off balance a little while I saw a huge gust in front of me. The board slided away and I made a silly crash breaking my harness line. So I missed the needed fifth run to get a good ranking in. Still stoked as I sailed with a 5.5 Simmer straight out of the bag and I know I am still a contender that others have to take seriously when things truly count. It's hard to explain how tough it is to have to fight back all the time after injuries while time is running against you. My dream has always been to get to 50 ten seconds first and although it will be very, very difficult with great sailors like Jurjen, Hans, Bennie, Peter, Jacques and others, today proved to me I am one of the guys again and that feels gooooodddd. This thought was in my head and now my body supporte that thought....sorry if I am a little overenthusiastic, but I have to let this feeling go a little...

Good luck to the injured buddies and I hope people start to realize you need to be ready for the Brace when it firing. Last year I wasn't when I wanted too much too soon after my dislocated shoulder and I decided to walk back without sailing. Today the brace looked like a kids play garden and while watching some riders I could see they really didnt have a clue about the potential dangers. Also, however much I feel anyone should get a chance to sail here, a racer should also wonder if he is up to the task. The Brace can be a gruelling place and 35? people racing here is just too much and too dangerous. I hope there is respect for those that did train hard and are up to the task. Above 35 knots only very few riders should even consider coming over here and I hate to say it but the injuries we witnessed today will be followed up by others if people keep thinking the Brace is the perfect spot to break personal best speeds.