2019 was an incredible year for windsurfing successes… So who do you think deserves your vote for Windsurfer of the Year 2019?
The UKWA every year unveil their nominees for this prestigious award based on an outstanding performance. Five nominees, from five disciplines covering all aspects of windsurfing competition. Now it’s up to you all – the public – to vote and decide which one gets to lift the trophy.
The past winners read like a who’s who of windsurfing royalty. The list is impressive and includes Olympic champions Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw, speed legends Farrell O’Shea and Zara Davis, freestyler Andy Chambers and last year’s winner, slalom champion, Jenna Gibson and many more. It is a great honour to be put forward as one of the nominees for being outstanding in your chosen discipline, you can be nominated as best windsurfer in your discipline many times but once you have won the overall title, that’s it. Hence winning this coveted trophy is a once in a lifetime opportunity so choose wisely and get voting.
The choices for 2019 are.
Slalom: James Dinsmore
James is an exceptional slalom racer who never gives up. One of the attributes that has helped him to an unprecedented 7 UKWA Slalom championship wins in a row. Which has never been done before. This is despite tough competition from seasoned racers and up and upcoming youngsters. His dedication to slalom alone deserves your vote.
Racing: Mark Kay
In 2019 he was once again crowned UKWA National Raceboard Champion despite the strong competition from those around him. Some of the strongest competition now comes from a group of younger sailors who Mark himself has encouraged and helped to train in the skills needed to race longboards. In addition Mark has worked closely with Demon Sails development from which many of today’s top sailors benefit. Mark undoubtedly deserves the 2019 racing nomination.
Freestyle: Clare Elliott
A rising star in women’s freestyle Clare entered her first PWA event in 2017: the Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam. This year she is 13th in the 2019 PWA freestyle rankings. She is a top-level coach at Club Vass and runs their ladies Diva weeks as well. Balancing work and competition is not easy but this lady is a trier and deserves your vote.
Speed: Pete Young
They say old speed sailors don’t get old they just go faster. This is so true in the case of Weymouth legend Pete Young. Inspired by his dad, speed sailing is in his blood. He has gone on to inspire local youngsters like Scotty Stallman and James Faley to catch the speed bug. Pete, at this year’s Weymouth Speed Week (which he fitted in between work) after a tough week of strong winds, on the last day managed to achieve an incredible 500m run of 38.01 knots. Beating some of the best speed sailors from all over the UK and Europe many of which are less than half his age. For persistence he deserves your vote.
Waves: Phil Horrocks
Phil needs no introduction to anyone who follows the BWA wave tour. An incredible wave sailor he has won the championship many times and is never out of the top 5. This year, however, has been an incredible year for him, winning the Tiree Wave Classic and overall BWA Wave Championship. A definite contender for your vote.
The voting will be open from Tuesday the 6th of January and closes on the 25th of January, with the winner announced on Monday 27th of January.
Bob Ingram Chairman of the UKWA said, “This annual award should be a great inspiration to all windsurfers, as it shows what a great depth of talent we have here in the UK year after year. Good luck to you all.”
The place to vote is on the UKWA website, the link is https://ukwindsurfing.com/woty/ but remember you can only vote once.
James dinsmore