JERSEY’S windsurfers have reason to celebrate after securing the team silver medal yesterday.
With heavier winds providing some light relief for the competitors the foursome of Michael Millar, Justin Horton, Chris Le Masurier and Steve Melia were able to enjoy the final two races with a comfortable cushion ahead of third placed Aland.
Millar was hoping for an opportunity to close down Loren Mesquida in the individual event, but a great day for his Menorcan opponent meant he had to settle for fourth overall on 33 points after a fifth and sixth place finish yesterday.
Horton finished ninth after discarding his final result of the day, 15th, which followed a tenth place, and Chris Le Masurier just made it into the top ten, claiming 11th and eighth in the last two races to take tenth overall.
Steve Melia’s penchant for stronger winds shone through as he finished on a high with his best result of the week, following his earlier 15th place, taking 11th to secure 16th overall.
Team manager David Davies said: ‘It’s really good to get team silver especially as it’s been a pretty tough week. The wind has been very variable and the first two races hurt us quite a lot because the wind was so light, it was all very technical, but the guys went really well in the last two races with the wind picking up.’
However, although the light wind conditions might not have played to everybody’s strengths, Davies pointed out that it is just another part of the sport.
‘It might have been a difficult week but you shouldn’t stop people holding windsurfing just because they might only have light winds as there are some guys who are specialists in that area – it’s just another side of windsurfing.’
Looking back on his week he said: ‘It would have been nice for someone on the team to get an individual medal but we’re really pleased with team silver and everyone is in good spirits and has really enjoyed it. Aland has been great with good facilities and first class equipment so all in all it’s been excellent.’
