Not only will it allow the event to be more spectator-friendly but it also means that no-one knows who will be the team to beat. With Jersey’s previous run of team medals they will be hoping to be in the mix once again but expect a tough challenge from hosts the Isle of Wight.
All the team are experienced windsurfers with many years’ experience. Competitor Michael Millar is also the team manager.
The team
Steve Melia (45): De La Salle school teacher. The current Channel Islands windsurfing champion will be going to his third Games this year. He will hope to continue his medal winning streak having returned with team silver in Rhodes 2007 and Aland 2009. His aims for the Games are to go one better.
Did you know? Steve does not like eating pasta which can be a problem at these athlete-focused events.
Justin Horton (42): Le Rocquier school teacher. Joined Steve on the silver medal winning team of two years ago and is hoping for a top three team finish again. Also hoping to do well in the individual event. His tactical prowess on the water extends to sailing as he won the Jersey to Guernsey Dresdner Trophy in 2005.
Did you know? Justin, who is the son of golfer Tommy Horton, sailed his windsurfer from Jersey to France at the age of 16.
Sporting idol: Robbie Naish.
Rob Ayliffe (40): Head of Business Development, Capita Fiduciary Group. He is making his Island Games debut after clinching the final place in this year’s Island Games qualifying series. Will be competing in both the individual and team events and would like a top three result.
Did you know? Rob started windsurfing at just nine years old.
Sporting idol: Robbie Naish
Michael Millar (48): Lecturer at Highlands College. Heading to his seventh Island Games and hoping to extend his medal winning run to eight. With the new discipline of slalom racing he will be happy to finish individually in the top half of the fleet. He has won individual bronze in Gibraltar 1995 and silver in Shetland 2005 plus team silver in Gibraltar, Rhodes 2007 and Aland 2009, bronze in Jersey 1997 and gold in Guernsey 2003. He finished fourth in the Heavyweight Mistral European Championships in 1992 and won the National event the following year.
Did you know? Michael once helmed an Americas Cup yacht in Sydney Harbour.
Sporting idol: Anybody who puts on a wetsuit and goes out windsurfing on cold, wet winter days.
SCHEDULE
Venue: Yaverland Sailing Club in Sandown Bay
Sunday 26 June-Friday 1 June: Racing (exact dates dependent on weather conditions).
