Victor Fernandez is one of windsurfing’s good guys. His third PWA wave world title may have come in strange circumstances in 2018, but it was thoroughly deserved nonetheless. Known for his unassuming demeanour on land, but a complete competitor on the water, his windsurfing skills are testament to both a unique talent and a relentless work ethic. Victor normally lets his sailing do the talking, but we managed to get an insight into his life with these candid words from the man himself.
LUCKY THREE
My third world title was kind of unexpected last year. I started the year in a poor position compared to my normal results. In the previous eleven years I have been first or second in Gran Canaria but last season I finished in fourth. Two weeks before the event I had some lower back pain so I could not sail much. I made it to third in the single, but then ended up fourth in the double after Ricardo sailed an amazing heat against me. I was relaxed and comfortable in Tenerife and managed to take the victory there against Jaeger Stone in the final. So everything boiled down to Sylt, which turned out a bit crazy.
I was on the beach after my heat with Traversa and if I won that heat I would be world champion. I did not want to celebrate until it was official, then the judges tower gave me the thumbs up. So all the cameras were around me while I celebrated. Five minutes later the results changed on the live stream. There had been an error or something and Traversa went through to face Campello in the final. If Ricardo would win then he would be world champion and he had two attempts to beat Traversa. I went to the judges tower and was told there was a problem with the system and sorry but you are not world champion. I could not do anything about it. My emotions were all over the place after celebrating and then the disappointment. At least I was guaranteed second. I just went home and took a shower. I had to get away from it all. I didn’t want to watch how it panned out. I was cold and had sailed quite a few heats. My phone went after I came out of the shower and it was Klaas Voget telling me I had won. Traversa had beaten Ricardo two times to save my day. I knew Traversa in those conditions was dangerous, but to beat Campello twice was a tall order. It was special in the end to win my third title. After the first one, anything else is a bonus, especially as I am getting older and the competition is so tough.
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