2012 Letter from the Chairman

The UKWA is a dedicated Association, which promotes recreational and competitive windsurfing across the UK. The benefits of membership are numerous, from free insurance to the opportunity to compete and make new friends with fellow members. We cover all disciplines, Slalom, Wave, Freestyle, Speed and Course Racing and provide a voluntary team of skilled Administrators, Race Officials and Safety Crews dedicated to the sport of windsurfing. Our greatest asset, however, are the members: friendly, helpful, perhaps competitive, but always with time to advise and welcome newcomers. Many sailors begin their windsurfing journey at the local club, the local beach or by taking advantage of one of the many RYA or Class Training Schemes. Once competent, the choices are numerous but the home of windsurfing is always with the UKWA. 

2011 saw the continued growth of The BSA, British Slalom Association, run under the umbrella of the UKWA. Its aim is to further develop the ever growing concept of 'full-on' Slalom Racing, whilst including the simplest format of racing 'off-the-beach' or Masterblast, out to a buoy and back. The 2011 Champions include 1st Pro, Ant Baker; 1st Amateur, Christian Body and 1st Masterblaster, Mandy Body. In 2012 JP/Pryde, Starboard/Tushingham, Quayside/Severn and Fanatic/North/K66 will again come together to run events and promote the Series. The UKWA will also continue to support and encourage the Regional Slalom groups who have done so much to promote participation in Slalom on your local beach across the UK.

Freestyle saw 5 events in 2011, with Adam Sims crowned 1st Pro and Nick Bentley 1st Amateur. From a small base, numbers grew throughout the season to the final event in Poole being the biggest for many years. More exciting events are planned for next season welcoming both Pros & Amateurs. With sponsors now on board for 2012, the Freestyle Tour is well and truly back and we can again look forward to being wowed by a spectacular array of tricks and manoeuvres demonstrated close to shore by Freestyle experts. This spectator-friendly discipline is open to all and, with a little practice, sailors will see at how quickly they can pick up the basic moves from the ever-helpful Pros.

Another highlight of the year is Weymouth Speed Week. Many UKWA competitors take a week's holiday every October and make the annual trip to Weymouth. The flat water in Portland Harbour and strong winds blowing in over Chesil Beach attract many top International sailors who compete for 'top speed' of the day and of the week. The big attraction is that anyone can take part, with any kit; and just perhaps that lucky gust propels you along quicker than anyone else and straight to the top of the rankings. 2011 saw Zara Davis retain her Title for the fourth time and Kevin Greenslade picking up the Men's Title. 2012 will be the 40th anniversary of Speed Week with added attractions planned. 

The highly prestigious British Wave Title was awarded by the BWA (British Wavesailing Association), 1st Pro Ben Proffitt, 1st Amateur Aleksy Gayda. The BWA remains under the umbrella of the UKWA and 2011 saw many new developments and with further new initiatives planned for 2012 supported by both the Associations it is no surprise that Gwithian saw the biggest wave entry for many years. Wavesailing continues to amaze the recreational sailor. The skills demonstrated by the Pros make Wavesailing the most spectacular, photogenic and crowd pleasing of the all the disciplines. Whilst the Pro Fleet will amaze, the Amateur Fleet is open to all; and a sure way to improve your skills is to mix with and learn new tricks from the top UK and International competitors. 

Course Racing continues to be the backbone of the Association. Working closely with the RYA and Class Associations the UKWA will continue to put on International quality Course Racing events. 5 Inland events will decide the National Inland Champion. Run by the Regions, our Junior Fleets & Classes are especially welcome and 2011 saw Race Training offered, which will continue in 2012. The Coastal Cup Series will have a further 6 events, including the RYA Youth & Masters. 

In 2012 Minnis Bay will host the UK leg of The North Sea Cup, attracting all fleets from across the Continent. In 2011 Course Racing numbers held up well. There was further expansion of the RYA pathway classes, Techno and particularly RS:X; whilst, for spectacular excitement, the Formula Fleet continues to excel. Course Racing continues to prosper across the regions, welcoming newcomers and experienced sailors alike. Mark Kay made Raceboard his own in 2011 winning both Titles, with Tim Gibson (Formula Champion), Adam Purcell (Techno Champion) and Jo Bennett (RS:X Champion).

During 2011 we benefited from the support of our sponsors. Many brands, importers and magazines support us and the RYA continues to support the pathway classes through the UKWA. I take this opportunity to thank them all for their continued support and to further thank our volunteers who continue to support windsurfing in the UK. 2011 saw some outstanding achievements by British sailors; many World and European Champions were crowned. 2012 will see the Olympics at Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy and the UKWA wishes Nick and Bryony every success. However, the UKWA welcomes all participants, regardless of ability, age or chosen discipline. Thank you again for joining us, if you need any further information please contact us, and keep an eye on this website for up-to-date information.

Bob Ingram - Chairman