Four medals for Great Britain at the Youth and Junior World Windsurf Championships

After five days of racing in the blistering heat of Sicily, four British windsurfers on the RYA Youth and Junior Racing programmes successfully fought for their right to be on the podium at the Youth and Junior World Windsurf Championships (31 July-6 August).

 The final day of racing saw fantastic sailing day with a 12-15 knot breeze blowing across the courses.  In the girls under 15 fleet, racing on the BIC Techno with a 6.8 rig, newcomer Izzy Hamilton showed her potential.  In her first ever international event, Izzy clinched a silver medal and was delighted to stand on the podium.   Hamilton, from Holsworthy, now has a taste for success which will make her hungrier than ever.

Competing in the boys under 17 fleet, Ali Masters of Clevedon struggled all week with a knee injury that greatly hampered his sailing.   However, even with an injury, Masters was still in contention for a medal going into the final day, and managed to turn a possible medal into a solid silver reality.  Competing with an injury was a true testament to Masters’ courage, determination and to his natural talent

In the girls under 20 RS:X fleet, Beth Williamson of Liverpool still hot from the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships, took on Italy’s Laura Linares, winner at the ISAF Youth Worlds.  After pulling her way up the ranks, Williamson was able to keep Linares‘ pace on the final day and finished the event in second, earning yet another British medal. 

The Brits has two fine performances in the boys under 20 RS:X fleet, with National Champion Richard Hamilton taking to the water along with team mate Elliot Carney.  Barrow-upon-Humber’s Hamilton closed the championships in fifth place overall while Carney from Hythe turned up the heat demonstrated to the world that he is a force to be reckoned with.  Sailing at his peak, Carney posted consistent results and used his preferred stronger winds to his advantage earning himself a bronze medal.

“The RYA team have displayed a wealth of talent across all of the classes competing at Youth and Junior World Windsurf Championships.”  National Windsurfing Coach, Helen Cartwright explained. 

“This has been a particularly successful event and our results are a true reflection of the amount of time these sailors have put into their training in the run up.  We have seen some really fine performances here which is promising for the future of British windsurfing.”