UK’s top Windsurfers do battle on the waters of Weymouth and Portland

by Katie Doerr on 5 Oct 2010 The RYA’s best young windsurfing talent took to the waters of Weymouth and Portland this weekend in the hope to scoop the crop of titles up for grabs at the annual RYA / UKWA Youth and Masters British Open.

Held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), the event which traditionally rounds up the competitive windsurfing season, saw over 80 of the UK’s top windsurfers battle it out for National titles in their respective classes.

There was plenty of hot racing action out on the water. In the 6.8 Techno fleet, Robert York was eager to show that the speed he demonstrated at this year’s Techno Worlds was no fluke however he ranked 10th in the fleet with Kieran Martin taking the top spot, Adam Purcell taking second and Emma Labourne finishing third and the top of the girls. Also keen to get their hands on the crown was South Zone Champion Emma Wilson and fellow 2010 Worlds team mate Lucy Taylor who finished 13th and 26th respectively.

As well as all the race course activity, the cream of UK windsurfing were spoilt by the exceptional hospitality offered by the world-class venue. The Academy provided evening meals to the competitors to refuel after a day on the water followed by time to relax with a showing of ‘Windsurf Movie 2.’ The real treat, however, was the appearance from Lalo Goya. A pro surfer born in Buenos Aires but growing up in Hawaii, Lalo now travels between Hawaii, Europe and Asia managing and developing Quatro International and Goya Windsurfing.

Chris Knight, Business Manager at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, comments, 'There was a large number of competitors at the Academy this weekend which cultivated a fantastic atmosphere for all involved. It was an interesting weekend with some exciting racing and we are now looking forward to Speed Week which runs from the 16-22 October 2010.'

For more information, please go to: www.wpnsa.org.uk