JERSEY’S top windsurfing talent was on display over the weekend, as 11 took to the water at Sands, St Ouen’s Bay, to contest the Ian Atkinson Memorial Trophy.
Although the competition was originally scheduled to take place over the Christmas holidays, poor easterly winds provided less than co-operative conditions, pushing back the illustrious event to this weekend.
Conditions fortunately came good the second time around, with strong southerly winds culminating in a small swell for the competitors to make the most of. Eleven squared off for the spoils, while an additional two windsurfers went out just to enjoy the waves.
Last year’s winner, Justin Horton, was put in charge of the event, and summed up the quality windsurfing witnessed on the day: “For such a small Island, we have a strong group of wave sailors here who are all good all-round water men. The top guys here will be pulling off tricks, loops and manoeuvres similar to what you’d see on the professional circuit.
“It’s a shame that we weren’t able to host the event during the Christmas holidays, as that would have bolstered the numbers a bit with juniors back from university, but the conditions lined up well this past weekend to host a good competition. With the waves not being as big, that allowed even more to get involved.”
This is more than a competition for the Island’s windsurfing community, as it’s done in memory of the late Ian Atkinson, who was an integral figure for the sport locally.
“Ian was an old friend who did so much for windsurfing in Jersey, he’s the guy who really brought the sport over and got everyone going. He was a great president of the local association, and I’ve been continuing his work since his passing in 2007,” Horton continued.
On the day, competition was extremely tight. Scoring was done through the judges selecting each competitors top three waves, before then adding them up to result in the competitor’s final score.
Overall, it was Rob McAllister who came out on top, scoring a whopping 39 points with his consistent wave selection and smooth attacking style.
It was known that, even though the jumping scores were incredibly close, McAlistair was clearly in the lead when it came to wave-riding.
Just seven points behind him was Andy Hart, who impressed to finish in second place. He didn’t leave the competition empty handed, as he picked up the discretionary ‘go big or go home’ award, after performing the cleanest and highest forward loop of the day.
Dave McAllister rounded out the top three with 25 points, producing several highlights during the day with his stylish gybes onto oncoming wave faces.
Although he wasn’t challenging at the top, Simon Martin gave spectators a few thrills, as his exciting pushloops were certainly in the running for style move of the day.
Meanwhile, Jersey’s bright windsurfing future was on full display, as Jack Horton and Ollie Boyle showcased good form in the windy conditions, proving themselves more than capable to compete. That went down well with the more experienced competitors, as it showed a great deal of hope that the sport’s future is in good hands.
Ian Atkinson’s parents, Roger and Margaret Atkinson, once again showed their vested interest and commitment to the event, donating trophies and prize money while also presenting the awards and spectating the competition.
The sport is in a good place locally, but this high-octane, adrenaline-pumping sport is calling for more juniors to give the sport a try, as the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club are hosting a windsurfing club every Friday evening over the summer term. If you’re interested, please visit www.rciyc.je/sailing.
Results:
Rob McAllister – 39 points
Andy Hart 32
Dave McAllister 25
Ali Varrie 22
Jack Horton (1st junior) 20
Adam Chester 18
Pierre le Page 15
Simon Martin 14
Ollie Boyle (2nd junior) 13
Myles Winchester 11
Andrew 11
Go Big or Go Home Award: Andy Hart
