Alan Jackson

After winning the 2000 UKBSA International Raceboard Series I decided to change to Formula Windsurfing. Although I was the perfect weight for IMCO (68 kilos) I did not think it would be possible to combine my work with competing at all the top International events necessary to challenge for an Olympic place in 2004. I was also aware that most of the top competitors at the 2000 Olympic Trials would no longer be taking part in the British Raceboard Series so I decided to give Formula a go. Little did I realise that 3 years later I would be able to win the UKWA Formula Windsurfing Title by finishing 1st or 2nd in 7 out of the 9 events.

Name:	Alan Jackson
Height:	5' 10"
Weight:	68kg
Hometown:	East Kilbride, near Glasgow
Disciplines:	Formula
Best Results:	UK Formula Champion 2003, 3rd UK Formula 2002, UK Raceboard Champion 2000
Sail Number:	GBR 53
Sponsors	East Kilbride Shopping Centre, RYA Scotland.

2003 started well for me when I gained a place in the British Formula Windsurfing Squad following my 3rd place finish in the 2002 Series. With sponsorship from East Kilbride Shopping Centre and new equipment from RYA Scotland I had no excuse if I did not perform well.

Living in East Kilbride, near Glasgow, I have travelled over 7500 miles with my sailing partner, Andy Kerr, to compete in the 9 event series. While I enjoy the light winds ~ where I earned the nickname “Le Whippet” ~ I particularly enjoy ‘survival conditions’ - and winning Pevensey in heavy seas and 30-knot winds gave me the greatest satisfaction. To compete at the top International competitions I need to increase my weight so I will be combining weight training with eating ‘haggis pies’ during the winter. In 2004 “Le Whippet” hopes to be more of a Greyhound!

I am also hoping to increase my sponsorship for 2004 to enable me to take time off work to compete at more Euro Cup events but I will still be attending as many UKWA events as possible.