20th Verizon Marianas Open

The 20th annual Verizon Marianas Open, the fifth and final race of the Asian Windsurfing Tour, takes place in the beautiful lagoon from Wednesday to Saturday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.

Several world-class pros will be vying for $12,000 in total prize money.

Kevin Prichard will defend his first place title from last year; he will be tough to beat since he is now ranks number one in the world. Kevin’s brother Matt along with Jimmy Diaz, Phil McGain, Antoine Albeau (France), and Roberto Hoffman (Italy) will be among the pro men, making this an exciting world-class race to watch.

Former three-time winner Noriyuki Shirowa has retired.

Australian Robbie Radis intends to defend his Asian Windsurfing Tour title from last year; Manny Cabili will try to attend.

Women’s professionals Yoshie Ishinoda, Yoko Tosa and others will try to upstage last year’s winner, Japanese racer Junko Nakoshi, who now lives in Maui.

The amateur race should be a close one, with locals Jeffro Elliot, Bob Taguchi, Norimitsu Ono, and Yoshihiro Kitami facing Guam’s Keiichi Kobayashi and Takayuki Tsuji as well as the usual large field of Japanese entries.

Ladies Open will see Saipan’s Ayumi Suzuki and Ann Jordan up against Guam’s Linda Yeomans among others.

The over-40 Master’s division include locals Wesley Bogdan, last year’s winner, and Daniel Lamar racing with a host of others including Zip board designer and former winner Ishihara.

Asian ESPN sports will be taping the event, fiving millions of households throughout the region will have the chance to enjoy the beauty of Saipan.

Race organizer Klaus Michel will once again run an efficient regatta. Races begin daily with the skippers meetings at 8:00am and again after lunch.

Weather permitting, nine races total will begin near Managaha and head upwind in course-race format, then slalom through the lagoon and end at Micro Beach.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the regatta is welcome to come to Micro Beach at 8:00am. Everyone can watch the pros in action and take some colorful photos too.

Saturday there will be games and the Big Beats Band on the stage at Micro Beach.

Note: All recreational boaters: please be aware that races will be in progress in the area between smiling cove, Micro Beach, and Managaha. Dates: Wed. thru Sat., Jan.31-Feb.3