KEITH MOVES UP THE RANKINGS

Keith Atkinson has just returned home after competing at the FormulaWindsurfing European Championships on Lake Garda , Italy . This world-class
event was the biggest ever Formula competition attracting 150 men and 21
women from 30 countries. Due to the massive entry Keith had to compete in 3
days of qualifying to gain entry into the elite Gold fleet which was limited
to just the worlds top 75 sailors. During qualifying the fleet was split
into to two 75 men heats for with the top half of each getting into the Gold
fleet after completing 6 races.

The 6 qualifying races were run in 9-11 knots and were an early indication
of how tough it was going to be. However Keith qualified for the Gold Fleet
in 24th place, the remainder of the GBR Team also qualified with Ross
Williams and Jamie Lever in the top 10, Dan Ellis 22nd, Alan Jackson in 40th
and Xavier Ferlet in 59th.

With a total of twelve gruelling races during the week of competition Keith
managed two tenth places in a truly world class fleet, this enabled him to
finish the event as 17th European and 22nd overall.

Commenting Keith said, ‘this year saw the dropping of the under 22 ‘Espoir’
category so despite being only 20 I was very pleased with my results having
moved up the World rankings from 30th last September. In addition my placing
as 3rd Brit ahead of both the UK’s 2003 and 2004 National Champions, Dan
Ellis and Alan Jackson, was the icing on the cake. I would like to thank my
sponsors: Bilbo’s Motorhomes, NeilPryde, Ultrasport, Electric, Starboard,
Deboichet Fins, Physioactive, Water Rower, PSP Sports Drinks, Wet ‘n’ Dry
Boardsports, Boards Magazine, Bewl Valley S.C. RYA Team GBR, Sanspeed
Superchips, Surfkraft.com