Haircut I figure it's all about $- pryde have antoine and finian, north... well dunno what they are thinking maybe they wont demand the premium price on their race sails now, gaastra have the pritchards and steve.
Severne are the logical choice given he is now riding starboard, I thought Mauisails might have made a decent bid to secure him but barry has subtly bagged bjorn from time to time though.
I don't think you will see bjorn drop in rankings at all, there have been some good reviews on the Code Red's and as for Severne not being a premier brand, does it matter look at the past wave world champs riding Severne or Simmer.
North let go a few of their people Dunkie, Volwater, frans.
North website states:
Björn, Peter and Taty leaving North
Unfortunately we were not able to renew the sponsorship agreements for the following international North Sails teamriders. They will leave North Sails by the end of this year and go for new challenges. Björn, Peter and Taty were all big assets for our international team. North Sails especially thank them for their great job they did and wish them good luck for their future as pro windsurfers.
Like any sporting company I think you may find that their performances may not be worth the coin. Unfortunately we cannot live on reputations for ever.
Severne must be wrapped - think of the R&D knowledge that Bjorn will bring.
Reputations though? Bjorn finished second this year and Volwater and Taty are respectively amoungst the top sailors in the world.
I guess all companies have to crack down given the current economic situation and make their sailors work more for their money.
Mark - I agree, they probably got the we really value all of your help, but we have decided to go in a new direction. Remember the broncos did it to wally, because Wayne and the club were looking beyond the next 2 -3 years. Lets face it, how much longer will Bjorn continue to race before life gets in the way.
Just a natural progression, to maybe free up some cash to bring new blood through. Or then again it could be a great marketing ploy and a cash saving measure.
Just a thought
ALSO
Antoine Albeau has made the switch to JP...
beachtelegraph.typepad.com/beach_telegraph/2008/12/le-switch.html
Just by coincidence, Starboard and Severne are the board and sail brands used at Jibes windsurf centre, Mui Ne...so the chances of seeing Dunky drop in there for a few test runs have just doubled!
Apparently he will be so hand on at Severne that rather than be know as the "Machine" he might now be known as the "Machinist".
as for Severne not being a premier brand, does it matter look at the past wave world champs riding Severne or Simmer.
Well, over here in WA it looks like Severne is THE premier brand. Pretty much every one of the standout windsurfers is using that brand and raving about it. I still have 4 Neil Pryde sails, but bought my first Severne two weeks ago. Just too bad the wind over here hasn't been co-operating, haven't had a chance to try it out yet!!
I think that is all about location and who pushes what, over here it is mostly North (Brisbane at least).
i'm very skint and up for sponsership, if anyone wants to give me free gear and a bit of coin too.
windsurf skills:
waterstart
gybe
tack,(big floaty boards only)
