Windsurfing William wins a JMST Bic Techno

by RYA on 28 Nov 2014 A youngster who learned to windsurf with OnBoard in 2013 at North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club has been awarded a Bic Techno windsurf board by the John Merricks Sailing Trust – and his parents have started windsurfing too!

William Russell (10) started windsurfing in June 2013, attending North Lincolnshire and Humberside Sailing Club every Wednesday after school. It quickly became apparent that he really enjoyed the sport and he picked it up very quickly. He gained his level one and two certificates, and even his own wet suit, over the summer and it wasn’t long before his board skills far outreached those of his parents.

As winter approached and he wasn’t windsurfing, he was continually asking: 'When can I go windsurfing again?'

He started again in April 2014, again on Wednesday evenings at the club, and was over the moon to be taking part in T15 races representing his club. He wanted to practise as much as possible on open days, becoming a member of the club in July and attending a week’s windsurfing course during the holidays, gaining his level three certificate with Ali Yates. According to his mum, Victoria, he loved that week, and the months that followed:

'William continued windsurfing and improving, moving onto a 4.5 sail through the summer. He was asked if he would like to attend the Zone Championships at Derwent Reservoir Club and was lucky enough to use the club’s board, sail and rig. He loved that weekend windsurfing, coming second in strong winds in one race, meeting new friends, sailing on new waters and even camping!'

In his application for a JMST board, William said: 'I can’t wait to own my own kit one day. I love being outdoors meeting new friends and improving my skills in windsurfing every time I go. In two years’ time I would like to be in the National Junior Squad and even sailing on a 6.8 sail and winning some T15 races for my club.'

Vice-commodore of NLHSC, Angelique Lansley, added her comments to the application: 'We realise that as a family they have overcome some very hard times this year as William’s home was flooded in January 2014 and this has put certain unexpected financial strains on the family. Being able to qualify for a John Merrick board will definitely help them to be able to support William through the North Zone programme and as a club we will continue to support William in his aim to progress to NJS. At the same time we are very excited to have William’s family become full members as they are a lovely family all learning to windsurf and keen to help out wherever they can.'

William found out just a couple of weeks ago that his application was successful, and Victoria reports: 'When he heard the news he had been awarded the John Merricks Sailing Trust Techno board he was so excited I don’t think he’s stopped smiling yet at the prospect of having his own board and sail. He has come so far in such a short period of time - more than I ever envisaged - and as a family new to this sport we have learned so much and still have a lot to learn but we all love every minute.'