From Sail World Newsletter

Further to our comments on 24 November, Bryan McDonald, Windsurfing Task Force, Chairman responded:

Sail-World's Nov 24 editorial said 'The omission of the windsurfer is surprising given the performance of the mens and womens representatives at the 2008 Olympics. One would have thought that in any development program, that the windsurfer would have been a class targeted for an improved result in Weymouth, and on into the 2016 Olympics. Why isn't there be a talent search and development program aimed at finding the next Scott Steele or Mike Gebhardt?'

In the spring of 2008, US Sailing approved the formation of a Windsurfing Task Force (WTF), with the charter of improving USA's Olympic performance in Windsurfing. The WTF has been working closely with US Sailing on the creation of a U18 Windsurfing team. The first step is for more Junior Sailing Programs to include windsurfing and to develop the talent pool. With the modern gear, every respectable JSP worth their salt will include windsurfing in the near future. Think globally, but act locally. Get your local JSP to include windsurfing right away. The kids LOVE it. Additionally, windsurfing is a key element to US Sailing's Training camps. The WTF has made progress in developing the USA youth windsurfing calendar with over twice as many events planned for 2009 as compared to 2008 (as well as aggressively engaging with the international windsurfing classes to bring North American and World championships to the USA). More information can be found here:
http://homepage.mac.com/sailing/wtf/wtf2.html
http://homepage.mac.com/sailing/wtf/wtfcalendar.html

Sincerely,

Bryan McDonald
Windsurfing Task Force, Chairman
http://www.ussailing.org/News/2008/windsurfingtaskforce.asp
http://web.me.com/sailing/Site/t-fleet_top.html
http://web.me.com/sailing/Site/ECJWC.html

Our only comment is that we are pleased to see the Task Force has been formed and can only wish them well and every success with the program.

In any initiative like this, the key if to be able to source/supply low cost gear that will encourage newcomers to 'have a go', without involving a huge financial commitment from themselves or their parents.


Rod Davis to windward of Ben Ainslie, 2008 NZ Match Racing Championships - Day 4 Richard Gladwell

Usually this comes from either an active second hand market. Or, in the case of a resuscitation exercise, someone has to get out, find the old gear, get it sold and running again - and have the drive and passion to drive the program until it becomes strong enough to take on a life and direction of its own.

At that point the trick is to have the personal resolve to let the program grow and develop in its own way - being able to take your hands off the steering wheel, but still monitor the direction. A bit like raising kids.


Having seen three Olympic Gold Medallists, in windsurfers, develop over the past 20 years, there is no magic formula, except that all three are very committed and driven individuals, who probably weren't that way until they stepped on a windsurfer and realized that this was the sport for them.

All started at a very early age - mid teens, and this seems to be another common success factor.

However each to his own, and what works in one region may not in others.

IN ONE OF THE LINKS THEY MENTION 30 EXISTING JUNIOR PROGRAMS CREATED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS~