Dispatches: The Catamaran Sessions

The on-water action was in abundance for Duotone’s all-women wingfoil adventure around the mediterranean coastline of Corsica and Sardinia – but it also gave the team a chance to former deeper bonds and connections both off and on the boat.

Photos: Chiara Pandora Socin


Karin Gertenbach

Duotone Marketing Manager

I pushed for this trip for quite a while, to have a girls-only wingfoil shoot, without the pressure for performance. The idea was simple: bring together some of our Duotone female riders, but mix up the characters and age groups. All can learn from each other, all have different strengths, and all are connected through their love for the ocean, wind, and of course wingfoiling. We all liked the idea – but we weren’t sure how it would turn out…

We were lucky to find the best skipper: Tanguy Thomas from Foil, Explore, Cruise – he is a wingfoiler himself and an ambassador for Duotone France and catamaran wingfoil trips are his profession.

Life on the catamaran quickly found its rhythm. Early-morning yoga sessions, a quick coffee before hitting the water, and spontaneous coaching moments both on deck and on the water. Our days were filled with working out, cooking healthy food, and plenty of time to just talk and laugh. We explored hidden bays, shared stories and knowledge, and supported each other through every session. There was nothing staged about it and no competition – just real moments, tired smiles, and that satisfying mix of exhaustion and happiness after a full day outside.

What started as a photoshoot and training trip for girls only, turned into a week of genuine connection, fun, learning from each other and respecting each other.

It showed how naturally community grows when women come together – no big agenda needed. It was definitely interesting to experience this trip both as a sponsor and a friend – let’s just say, you really get to know each other on a boat!

“I managed to sneak in this stunning early morning session on the last day of our trip in the bay of St. Lucia. While Pandora was shooting with Manuela and Paula (the rest of the girls had already left) I did not have to organize that much anymore and took the chance to head out for a peaceful final session, watching them from the water.” – Karin

Manuela Jungo

Waterwoman, mother, and heart of the crew

When my team manager Karin announced the Duotone Wingfoil Girls Trip in Sardinia and Corsica, I could hardly believe it – a full-on catamaran adventure with some of the coolest water women I know. I’d done boat trips before, but never one just with girls, and that made it special.

Our journey began in Porto Pozzo Marina, setting sail along the rugged northern coast of Sardinia. From Marmorata to Isola di Spargi, Razzoli, and the dreamy Budelli Lagoon, we explored turquoise bays, rode in crystal-clear water, and shared endless laughs. The downwind to the Lavezzi Islands and calm night in Cavallo blended adrenaline and serenity perfectly.

Sharing the experience with Paula, Chiara, Nia, Mar, and Zoe made it even more memorable – a mix of generations and personalities united by the same love for wind and water. Together we covered around 60 nautical miles, discovering hidden beaches, cooking meals on board, and soaking up every golden-hour session.

After a week of sailing, we slowed down at Borgo Lianti, a peaceful eco-resort near Porto Pollo. Between yoga on the terrace, morning runs, and spontaneous foil sessions, it was the perfect place to recharge and reflect.

As a mom, having this time for myself – surrounded by women who share the same passion – was incredibly special. No schedules, no pressure, just the freedom to ride, connect, and be. I left Sardinia with tired legs, a full heart, and a huge smile.

“For me, this picture is the definition of freedom. Being out there on the ocean, surrounded by nothing but turquoise water, feels so special like the world just stops. Winging is exactly that feeling: going wherever you want, following the wind. And having a catamaran as a home on the water makes it even more magical. It’s such a privilege to live moments like this.” – Manuela

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Zoe Schönwetter

A rising talent with big dreams and fearless stoke

Spending a whole week on a catamaran with six amazing girls for my first Duotone photoshoot was honestly a dream come true. Sailing between Sardinia and Corsica, surrounded by turquoise water, sunshine, and incredible vibes, it couldn’t have been more special.

At first, I was a bit nervous – not only because I’d be riding alongside such talented girls, but also because it was my first photoshoot and I didn’t really know what to expect. But those nerves disappeared almost immediately. Everyone was so kind and supportive, and you could really feel that we all shared the same passion.

The captain guided us to the best, most secluded spots with perfect wind and breathtaking views – often it felt like we had the ocean all to ourselves. When the wind was right, our wingfoil sessions were amazing, flying over crystal-clear water, capturing shots, and motivating each other. The sessions felt like pure freedom with the best gear and surrounded by such inspiring girls. Just magical.

Even when the wind wasn’t perfect, we made the most of it – swimming, cliff-jumping, cooking together, doing sunset workouts, and exploring.

Living on a boat for a week was completely new – and even being seasick for a day was totally worth it. It wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was adventure, connection, and pure passion. I came home with unforgettable memories, new inspiration, and so much excitement for the next trip.

“This was my very first session in Sardinia our first spot of the trip, and it was absolutely stunning: turquoise water, sunshine, and breathtaking scenery. At first, it was just me and Mar riding a big board. Later, everyone joined us, and that’s when I realized how amazing this trip was going to be all of us just loving to be on the water and sharing sessions.” – Zoe

Mar de Arce

Fierce competitor, true water athlete and coach

Our girls’ trip through Sardinia and Corsica was unforgettable. We set off on a catamaran, chasing the wind and exploring hidden bays along the way. Every day brought a new spot, a different vibe, and plenty of good energy on board.

One of the highlights was crossing from Sardinia to Corsica by wing with Nia, following the boat through open sea. The wind kept shifting, which made the crossing both challenging and fun – we were laughing, riding some swells, jumping close to the boat, and shouting to the crew over walkie-talkies. The new 2026 gear was incredible; the boards were snappy, the wings super responsive, and every gust felt like it was made for us. It made tricky conditions feel playful and fun.

Off the water, we made the most of every moment – sunset yoga on deck, exploring small islands, and cliff jumping into turquoise water when there was no wind. Every day was full of laughter, teamwork, and good energy. We shared sessions, jokes, and a few sketchy moments, and even though we are all very different in character, this sport really brought us together.

I’ll always remember those sunsets, the good vibes, and how much fun we had – it was the kind of trip that reminds you why you love this sport.

“Jumping close to the boat during one of our Corsica sessions, with everyone cheering from the deck. The wind was steady, the light perfect, and the new 2026 gear made everything feel effortless snappy boards and super responsive wings made even tricky conditions playful. Moments like this, full of laughter and good vibes, remind you why you chase the wind.” – Mar

Chiara Pandora Socin

The eye behind the lens, capturing every magic moment, natural talent

When I think back to that week on the catamaran, the first thing that comes to mind is how quickly strangers became sisters. I had met some of the girls before, but living together on a boat changes everything – you share meals, sails, wetsuits, and even the occasional lost bikini.

One of my favorite memories was a windy afternoon when the breeze picked up while we were sailing. A couple of the girls couldn’t resist and jumped straight into the water with their wings, riding alongside the catamaran as it kept gliding forward. The rest of us stayed on deck, cheering and shouting like we were out there with them. From the outside it must have looked like pure chaos – but to us, it was pure joy.

There were also the quieter moments: sunset yoga on the deck, dancing under the stars with salty hair, or our French skipper trying to stay sane with eight wing-crazy girls and Jakob, our videographer, who quickly learned that “five more minutes” actually meant “another full hour on the water.”

What made the trip so special wasn’t just the riding – it was the energy. We were all different: some competitors, some content creators, some travelers. But once we hit the water, none of that mattered. It was just us, the wings, and the wind.

I left the trip with sore muscles, a few bruises, and a heart so full. Because beyond the sessions and the sailing, what stayed with me was the feeling of freedom – and the connection that only happens when you live, ride, and laugh together at sea.

“The last session of the trip, right after the sun had set. The light was fading, the sea was calm, and pure fun on the foil. Nothing but calm water, gliding across the water, and that bittersweet feeling of knowing an unforgettable week was coming to an end.” – Chiara

Nia Suardiaz

Multiple World Champion, powerful on and off the water

This trip honestly couldn’t have been better. We had so many fun moments, from the sessions on the water to the nights off it. One of the most memorable days was the downwinder we did between islands. It was pretty cold, and I actually had to put on two wetsuits (a shorty and a long sleeve). We jumped straight off the sailing boat in the middle of nowhere, and from there the wind just carried us next to the boat. The conditions were strong, the sunset was incredible, and the whole thing felt surreal – one of those moments you never forget.

Every evening was just as special as the sessions. We cooked together, played board games, and just hung out, laughing and talking until late. That vibe made the trip unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the action, but about being together – only girls on the trip, which made it even more unique. No competition for once! Sharing that energy and stoke with the crew was definitely the highlight for me.

And of course, I can’t forget the captain – he made everything run smoothly and added so much to the experience. The whole adventure felt like a mix of chasing wind, exploring hidden beaches, and just living in the moment. Honestly, it reminded me why I love winging so much: it’s the freedom, the people, and the fun you create around every session.

“Jumping off the sailing boat into a freezing downwind between islands, with strong winds and an insane sunset. Definitely the perfect girls trip highlight for me.” – Nia

Paula Novotna

Globe-trotter and content queen

I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical about a girls-only trip at first – you know, sometimes these things can lead to drama. But to my delight, this trip to Sardinia turned out to be nothing but amazing. No drama, just pure fun and connection.

It was such a pleasure to spend quality time with the girls – riding together, chatting about life, catching up on what’s new, and sharing stories from competitions. I even shared some tips on social media and visibility, while we all got creative with plenty of photo and video shoots of our wingfoiling sessions.

On no-wind days, we kept busy swimming, hiking, and doing workouts on board. We cooked delicious meals together and enjoyed every bite aboard this beautiful catamaran. I spent a lot of time with Manuela and Chiara. Meeting Chiara in person for the first time created such a beautiful friendship bond – since that week, we’ve been traveling together almost everywhere. Thank you, Duotone, for this incredible opportunity and for introducing me to my new bestie for life! I’m very, very grateful for that.

I also loved watching the younger girls – Nia, Mar, and Zoe – train for upcoming competitions and share their experiences. We have such an incredibly talented team, and I feel proud to be part of it. This trip reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by strong, driven, and inspiring women who share the same passion for wingfoiling. Sardinia was a 10/10, and I’m already excited for our next girls’ adventure somewhere else on this beautiful planet.

“After winning the 2022 Freestyle World Title, I’ve shifted my focus to waves  but during our Sardinia trip with the Duotone girls, the freestyle spark reignited. Sharing sessions with the next generation was inspiring and pushed me to throw some tricks again. Wingfoiling for me is pure freedom  gliding, flying, disconnecting from everything. It’s magic you can’t explain you have to feel it yourself.” – Paula

 

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