They did it again, Bonaire Rocks!

The Fifth Annual Verizon King of the Cape ended today on windless and chilly Cape Cod. Despite the dismal weather and non planning conditions, Bonaire's own, Taty Frans was crowned King of the Cape. His talented freestyle super star, Tonky placed second in this PWA qualifier. Team Bonaire continues to dominate in their third year attending the Cape Cod event.

The weather was not conducive to freestyle or any form of windsurfing other than Nevin Sayre's two day Kids Camp which taught many eager windsurf wanna be's from the ages of 6-12. After they learned the basics of sailing and "graduated" the freestyle event commenced today, the second and final day of heats. Yesterday the Pro heats were abandoned due to lack of wind. Today the no wind minimum rule allowed the Pro heats to be carried off in offshore NE chilling winds of about 6-10 knots. It was not the least bit favorable but Taty, Keke, Jayson and Tonky brought out their best, dazzling the crowds with their charisma, Bonairean charm and well honed freestyle skills. Newcomer Jayson Jong who was hosted by his sponsor Jim Ballentine at Sailworld reaped the rewards of his efforts. Jim revealed to me today that Dakine, the industry's top harness and windsurf accessory company took on Jayson as a team rider. Great news for this eager talent.

During the day the team sat together joking and playing, eating pizza and drinking their favorite beverage, Red Bull and discussing freestyle. Their camaraderie clearly enables them to perform as a team as well as allowing a time to chill and enjoy the day in a new venue. Their thoughts and conversations also revealed their dreams to do well in the 2003 PWA tour. This weekend's demonstration reveals that in any wind condition, these young windsurf rock stars will be seen on many a podium this season and in many 2003 windsurf magazines issues.

As they packed up their massive quivers of gear we parted our ways. Maggie and I back to the our world on Cape Cod and our Bonairean friends preparing for a short visit home where they are eager to see their families and friends. Then, time to continue on in pursuit of their dream. Europe, get ready, Bonaire is ready to rock. Go Team Bonaire. You are continuing to make your nation and community proud of your efforts.

And by the way, BT regular Corney Ann was there cheering on the team! What a love this BT friend is..



Ann Phelan
www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com

Excellent report! The Bonaireans must have been freezing up here this weekend, though -- makes their accomplishments all the more outstanding...

Faith

Oh Faith, you know how horrid out Spring has been..I had layers and layers PLUS a winter hat. The only positive was that it was low tide so when they fell in, it was shallow..I felt so bad for the guys who came all the way from Maui and the UK...

Way to go Tati and Tonky!!! Great write up Annie and I agree that Corney Ann is a love!