Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Bonaire Windsurfers Race to Curacao to Help One of Their Own

March 8th will be a day to go “into the books” when Constantin “Patun” Saragoza and Elton “Taty” Frans windsurf from Bonaire to Curacao. The event is a fundraiser for one of Bonaire’s own, Erwin Muller. 

Erwin, a dive master and former windsurfer, suffered a serious stroke in January. He is recuperating in Curacao and has a long rehabilitation ahead. Erwin is well known in the community for being a man who loves adventure--whether it’s riding his quad or delivering a yacht across the Caribbean.

Locals and tourists are rallying to support Erwin and his family, Ellen and Jason. The March 8th race is dedicated to Erwin, one of the original founders of windsurfing on Bonaire.  Saragoza, a former Olympian, will race across to Curacao with Pro Windsurfer, Taty Frans. Taty, one of the top freestylers in the world, recently circumnavigated the island in 2008. He is perhaps the fastest slalom sailor presently on Bonaire.

The race commences at 9 AM outside BOPEC. Spectators are welcome to attend the send-off. Helicopters and chase boats will accompany the two sailors across the passage to Curacao. The record, set back in the 1980s by Erwin himself, is 4 hours. They will race to Light House Point on the East side of Curacao and then head down to the pier near Breezes Resort.

Donations for this fundraiser may be contributed via Paypal to Erwin2CanDive@gmail.com or by depositing funds locally into an account at Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (Bonaire), #400 050 800 c/o Linda Baker.  For those who wish to contribute, but cannot do so via these methods, contact Elvis Martinus at 786-2288.

For those wishing to accompany the flotilla, it is important that clearance be authorized in advance.  Contact Elvis at the number provided above for clearance. The safety of the two windsurfers is paramount, and this will be an exciting yet intense voyage. We wish them well as they race for a fellow man of the sea, Erwin Muller.  To follow Erwin’s recovery, click here. (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Note Update March 8, 2009: The event is postponed until March 22, 2009, due to a Mariners/Small Craft Advisory. Call 786-2288 for further details.

Note Update March 27, 2009: The event should now take place on March 28, 2009.  Call 786-2288 for last-minute confirmation.