The world’s best windsurfers competed in mission number two of windsurfing’s toughest contest as nine-metre waves and storm-force winds battered the Tasmanian coastline near Marrawah this weekend. MARRAWAH (Tasmania) – Tasmania, part of the Commonwealth of Australia, really turned it on with two days of mind-blowing windsurfing action for the second mission of windsurfing’s most-challenging contest. The world’s best sailors have been hunting down massive storms around the globe with six athletes remaining in the competition to be crowned Red Bull Storm Chase Champion. The Great Southern Ocean presented itself with waves in the nine-metre range, allowing for an awe-inspiring day packed with action in storm-force winds and huge surf. All apprehension aside – the hardy windsurfes threw themselves straight into the churning waters and unleashed a wave of daring manouevres on what was labelled the most incredible day of windsurfing ever seen. After two days of mind-boggling competition where the sailors proved their mettle with reckless rides on ferocious waters, it was Thomas Traversa, Dany Bruch, Leon Jamaer and Marcilio Browne who defied the storm most impressively of all and qualified for the third and final mission. After winning the contest’s first mission, it was once again the seemingly fearless Frenchman Thomas Traversa who showed that despite weighing just 60 kilos, he is a true heavyweight contender. “I’m super happy with this result. Coming here I could never have expected what we saw here in Tasmania. I’ve travelled all over Europe and the world for 10 years looking for amazing places and this was the best day and highest quality conditions for competition you could imagine. It was sick to sail with all these guys in such a cool place – I really couldn’t ask for more,” said the French daredevil. Only Mother Nature knows when and where Mission number three will visit before the end of the year. But one thing is for sure, as soon as a suitable storm is likely to hit one of the seven nominated locations, the crew and athletes will be ready to strike within 48 hours notice, and then the moment will have come when the ultimative Red Bull Storm Chase Champion will be crowned. Results: 1. Thomas Traversa (FRA), 2. Dany Bruch (GER), 3. Leon Jamaer (GER), 4. Marcilio Browne (BRA),5. Julien Taboulet (FRA), 6. Victor Fernandez (ESP)   Pictures: Sebastian Marko, Thorsten Indra]]>