Windy weather on its isn't much fun. But combine it with surf and you have the two basic elements for one of the world's newest sports, windsurfing. At the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on Saturday (19 November) enthusiasts gathered for the finals of the biggest-ever competition in the sport.

SYNOPSIS: These were the finalists in the first World Cup windsurfing championships. Sixty had made it through after a series of elimination races, which had been held over the previous five days.

There were five classes in the championships, including one for women. Men competed under four different weight grades, while women were all together in one section.

Windsurfing needs dexterity and good balance..for, while it may look simple, it is not always plain sailing. A lot of luck is involved regarding weather conditions. There had been 291 starters when the elimination races began. They had come from Italy, France, Sweden, Yugoslavia, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, germany and Canada.

Guadeloupe, the northern-most of the Windward Islands in the East Caribbean, was an ideal setting for spectators and competitors. The race were run along triangular courses between the main town, Pointe A Pitre and Gosier, a small coastal village.

Therese Cousin of France won the women's section, and presented trophies to other winners. Gunther Baumgart of Germany took the title in the men's 60 kilogram class.

Claes Haglund of Sweden won the 67 kilogram class, and Germany's Frank Peusch triumphed in the 77 kilogram class. Another Swede won the fourth class.