Curro, you are the current raceboard world champion and you are the 50th registered competitor for the next world raceboard championship in Mandelieu (France) in october. Can you remind to all who are you?
My name is Curro Manchón, and I’m 45 years old. I’ve dedicated my life to sailing, specifically windsurfing and Olympic classes since 1993. I’ve been both a competitor and a coach, with one of my proudest achievements being a silver medal as a coach at the London 2012 Olympics. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of winning multiple world and European championships across various categories, which I consider among my greatest successes. Actually i am into Real State and architecture bussiness. I am an Architect and I have some other bussines related to Sports. Apart from windsurfing I surf, play Padel and Golf.
Are you totally motivated to defend your title in front of strong competitors like Joao, Eric and surely Patrik or Max who are very competitive this year ?
Yes, I am. I think my main opponent is Borja Carracedo, Spanish and actual Vice champion, then surely Joao, Max and Patrik. But for sure other sailors that will try to make me eat the dust… The sailor that won the precedent year, is always the enemy to be defeat of everyone.. (smiling.)
What have you worked on this year to keep the advantage you had last year ?
Well, last year was an excellent year of training and working in the equipment. Unfortunately, this year I had some other projects that made me to be a bit more unfocused during the year, and some problems with my equipment and tunning. But hopefully I will fix it during the next 2 months and I will arrive to the worlds in the best conditions to defend the tittle.
Raceboard is very dynamic in Spain. Can we expect a good number of spanish racers in Mandelieu ?
Yes it is. A huge efforts of my Dad, Paco Manchon. Esp95 and the Club de Vela Dársena made that we have in spain more than 100 actives sailors. 45 in my own club.
Do you know this spot (Mandelieu), did you already sail here ?
No. I don’t. I have being sailing around Mandelieu many times, but never in Mandelieu. But I can not wait to sail it.
What is the feeling about Mandelieu seen from Spain and spanish racers?
Well, October, cold, and maybe beach break. Not a dream from far a away. But we are very excited to have some action there. Apart of that, very Classy place. 😉
Last year, spanish were also very competitive winning the women title with your sister and also the silver title with the young and very talented Olivia Sanchez. Can we expect to see them in Mandelieu?
Unfortunatly my sister will not be there, I am hoping Olivia can attempt. Let see¡. But if not we have another bunch of females sailors that are keen to make the battle.
Raceboard and the family Manchon are fully linked for decades. Can you give a feedback of this family story?
The Manchón family exemplifies excellence in sailing and windsurfing, with Curro and Blanca standing out as world-class athletes and their fathers Paco and Anto as ambassadors for the sport. Their numerous world and European titles, Olympic achievements, and contributions to windsurfing through coaching and entrepreneurship highlight their enduring impact. The family’s legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating that dedication, talent, and familial support can lead to extraordinary success on the global stage.
their brother-sister dynamic has been particularly notable, as seen in their joint success at the Spanish Windsurfing Championship in Blanes, or Cadiz 2024 where Curro and Blanca dominated their respective categories. The family’s unwavering support has been instrumental in their achievements, especially for both of them who credits her resilience after personal and professional challenges. Blanca story is one of perseverance, breaking barriers (particularly in gender equality and motherhood in sports),
Have you something to communicate, more personnal?
I will recommend raceboard sailors to read a bit of tactics of sailing and the Book of rules. I am one of the smallest guys on the tour, and without them I will be no one.
Then I will recommend sailors to spend time on the equipment. With little budget you can do good things. And being fearless. Not having any fear to success.
All this things can sound as unsense But is the base of my sailing.
Not everyone can sail 400 hours per year. But you can spend 400 h per year in windsurfing. Reading, working in equipment. Training your mind. Training your body.
We thank you Curro for this interview and welcome in Mandelieu in October.
Fred / France Raceboard.
