AWT • American Windsurfing Tour • I cavalieri del vento ["the windsurfers"] • [PDF]
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY M.E.SEGATINI
photos and article by@M.E.SegatiniLunedi 16 Maggio.
Arrivo a Marrakech...un'ansia terribile.
Per la prima volta viaggio sola per un progetto personale che
mi stava veramente a cuore.
Lo volevo, l'ho deciso e mi ritrovo d'improvviso a fissare
l'immenso di una strada infinita in mezzo al nulla, l'unica via, diritta,
precisa, verso la meta…il sorriso sulle labbra, l'ignoto e un po' di paura.
Poi una scia di curve, che porta alla discesa
finale ed ecco Moulay Bouzerktoun.
La bellissima casa accogliente di Boujmaa, il nulla intorno...
Getto le mie cose, mi tiro al collo la macchina fotografica
e via di corsa verso il mare che ormai porta al tramonto.
Acqua color argento, riflessi, colori di quelle tele
illuminate contro luce da un bagliore incredibile …la pace…ed ancora il nulla
intorno.
Vele appoggiate sulla sabbia quasi rossa e quegli sprazzi
di verde ogni tanto, il vento forte che anima quel mondo pieno di silenzi...
e loro,
finalmente loro,
i cavalieri del vento.
Ho sempre avuto paura del mare… e mi ritrovo ora per
chissa' che motivo a fotografarlo ed amarlo come non mai.
Mi ritrovo improvvisamente tra persone incredibili che
riescono a volare tra cielo e acqua ascoltando il sibilo dei venti e parlando
alle onde, per portare sopra all'orizzonte quei meravigliosi colori tra
rotazioni e contorsioni che sembrano impossibili da operare nel giro di
pochi secondi…ma loro lo fanno.
Cerco di studiarli, di capire l'attimo, incomincio a conoscere
la loro postura, capire il secondo perfetto che porta a quegli
incredibili jumps.
Cerco di studiare il loro movimento, la loro onda per
poi vederli volare...
Incredibile come possano scalare il cielo portandosi dietro
l'oceano.
E quelle scie in acqua che spruzzano il mare in aria,
che ho scoperto essere grandiosi attimi da fotografare…sento ancora le loro
grida di rimprovero il primo giorno…chiudo gli occhi cercando di attutire il
colpo…Elena! ...non ne hai fotografata mezza di surfata!
Datemi un secondo e vi giuro che entro nel vostro mondo...e
cosi' fu...
Ore in macchina ad aspettare "le onde" ma
nel frattempo a conoscere il loro spirito, la loro passione e la loro vita. A
conoscere la loro ansia prima della gara, la loro grandiosità durante, e
lacrime per il momento perduto alla fine, che portano a bellissime frasi
scritte: “i sogni non hanno una data di scadenza...fai un respiro profondo e
riprova”.
Ho conosciuto i cavalieri del vento, straordinarie amazzoni
e incredibili centauri, ma soprattutto 4 di loro che mi hanno fatta sentire in
qualche modo parte del loro mondo.
Ho conosciuto la loro forza, il loro coraggio e sopratutto
quel legame che nasce tra di loro come si conoscessero da una vita e che
riflette negli occhi il loro mare.
Ho conosciuto un frammento di mondo, il Marocco, dove
il sorriso e l'ospitalità rimangono nel cuore, con tale eleganza
nell'accoglienza, che fa venir voglia di tornare e che a fatica lasci andare.
Ho conosciuto chi, con grande impegno, un grande cuore e
tanta dedizione ha accolto tutti noi con il sorriso sulle labbra, Boujmaa che
con un' energia incredibile e con onore ha guadagnato la sua vittoria.
Ho conosciuto chi ci ha protetti e accuditi ogni giorno, il
nostro Ahmed, il cui abbraccio prima di partire non dimenticherò mai.
So per esperienza quanto sacrificio e dedizione lo sport
porta a richiedere e vi ammiro grandi eroi dell'aria e del mare.
E’ stato un piacere esserci e fotografare.
***** english version
Monday, May 16th.
I arrived in Marrakech with a palpable sense of anticipation. This journey marked my first solo venture for a deeply personal project close to my heart. I had envisioned it, made the decision, and now I found myself staring down an endless road in the middle of nowhere – the solitary path, straight and unwavering, leading to my destination. A smile played on my lips, a mingling of the unknown and a touch of apprehension.
Then, a sequence of curves unfolded, guiding me to the final descent, and before me stood Moulay Bouzerktoun. Boujmaa's inviting abode nestled amidst the vast emptiness. Setting down my belongings, I slung my camera around my neck, and with haste, headed toward the shoreline, where the sun was now bidding its farewell.
The water gleamed like molten silver, reflecting hues and colors on canvases illuminated against the light, emanating an incredible radiance. A sense of tranquility enveloped me – all while emptiness prevailed in the surrounding landscape. Sails were gracefully laid upon the almost crimson sands, and intermittent flashes of green punctuated the scene. The robust wind breathed life into this realm of quietude. And then, they appeared – the wind riders.
Throughout my life, the sea had evoked a sense of fear within me. Yet, for reasons that remained elusive, I now found myself capturing its essence through my lens and cherishing it like never before. Suddenly, I was among remarkable individuals, individuals who seamlessly navigated the skies and waters, attuned to the whispers of the wind and engaged in dialogues with the waves. They painted magnificent colors above the horizon, executing rotations and contortions that seemed implausible within mere seconds... yet, they accomplished it with finesse.
My objective was to study them, grasp their essence, familiarize myself with their stance, and comprehend that precise moment that led to their breathtaking jumps. I endeavored to understand their movement, their interaction with the waves, and then to witness them take flight...
I arrived in Marrakech with a palpable sense of anticipation. This journey marked my first solo venture for a deeply personal project close to my heart. I had envisioned it, made the decision, and now I found myself staring down an endless road in the middle of nowhere – the solitary path, straight and unwavering, leading to my destination. A smile played on my lips, a mingling of the unknown and a touch of apprehension.
Then, a sequence of curves unfolded, guiding me to the final descent, and before me stood Moulay Bouzerktoun. Boujmaa's inviting abode nestled amidst the vast emptiness. Setting down my belongings, I slung my camera around my neck, and with haste, headed toward the shoreline, where the sun was now bidding its farewell.
The water gleamed like molten silver, reflecting hues and colors on canvases illuminated against the light, emanating an incredible radiance. A sense of tranquility enveloped me – all while emptiness prevailed in the surrounding landscape. Sails were gracefully laid upon the almost crimson sands, and intermittent flashes of green punctuated the scene. The robust wind breathed life into this realm of quietude. And then, they appeared – the wind riders.
Throughout my life, the sea had evoked a sense of fear within me. Yet, for reasons that remained elusive, I now found myself capturing its essence through my lens and cherishing it like never before. Suddenly, I was among remarkable individuals, individuals who seamlessly navigated the skies and waters, attuned to the whispers of the wind and engaged in dialogues with the waves. They painted magnificent colors above the horizon, executing rotations and contortions that seemed implausible within mere seconds... yet, they accomplished it with finesse.
My objective was to study them, grasp their essence, familiarize myself with their stance, and comprehend that precise moment that led to their breathtaking jumps. I endeavored to understand their movement, their interaction with the waves, and then to witness them take flight...
Incredible how they can climb the sky while carrying the ocean with them.
Hours spent in the car, awaiting the arrival of "the waves," yet during this wait, I came to acquaint myself with their spirit, their fervor, and their lives. I familiarized myself with their pre-competition anxiety, their grandeur during the event, and the tears shed for a moment now passed – tears that gave rise to beautifully articulated phrases: "Dreams carry no expiration date... inhale deeply and try once more."
I encountered the wind riders – extraordinary Amazons and astonishing centaurs. Above all, I connected with four individuals who graciously welcomed me into their realm. Their strength, courage, and the camaraderie that united them as if they had been lifelong companions were evident in their eyes, mirroring the depths of the sea they embraced.
I caught a fleeting glimpse of Morocco, a world where smiles and hospitality imprinted indelible marks upon my heart. The graciousness of their welcome beckons a return, lingering with an elegance that makes parting a challenge.
I encountered those who, through unwavering dedication, boundless heart, and unwavering devotion, greeted us with smiles on their lips. Boujmaa, whose remarkable energy and honor paved the path to his triumph.
I met those who safeguarded us daily, our guardian Ahmed, whose farewell embrace remains etched in my memory.
From firsthand experience, I recognize the sacrifices and dedication demanded by sports, and I extend my admiration to you – the valiant heroes of the skies and seas. It was an honor to be present and to capture these moments through my lens.
