WindsurfingUK issue 10 March 2019 | Page 94

94 FEATURERYA Tom Squires Photo: Richard Langdon - RYA It was an enticing prospect for sailors and spectators alike, and when the 2008 Games were broadcast the appeal was instant. British fans given even more of a treat when 25-year-old Bryony Shaw came home with a bronze medal, kickstarting a successful relationship between class and country. The RS:X’s staying power is testament to its attraction: following the success of Beijing the class was picked for the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics. “Its advantages include being one design to allow fair racing between sailors to allow the standard of windsurfing to be the most critical factor and not just who is on the best kit,” added British Sailing Team windsurfer Matt Barton. “The RS:X can also be used in winds from three to 30 knots, and it encompasses many different windsurfing technique and skills to race efficiently.” The RS:X is, of course, by no means perfect. Like any class it has its quirks that have to be learned and overcome by sailors if they want to be the best in the world. “The RS:X is a two-headed beast,” explained Tom Squires, one of the British Sailing Team’s most senior windsurfers. “It covers all basis but has no real specific condition it performs well without really pushing the gear hard. When on the RS:X it’s about giving it a good shove to get the board moving and rig in an efficient position. I’ve spent several years working on the same thing to become more and more consistent in all wind conditions.” Despite its shortcomings, the RS:X remains Squires’ first love. “The reason I’ve stuck with the RS:X and love it so uk WIND SURFING much is its racing. One design equipment has its flaws but at the end of the day the person who is a better windsurfer wins. There are some incredible guys across the world that like us Brits spend almost every day training. To be the best you can’t buy your way out or have better sponsors, you’ve got to be the real deal.” Barton is in agreement. “The RS:X provides the most competitive windsurfing in all conditions that demands different skills, fitness and tactics in order to be successful.” Emma Wilson, a three-time youth world champion who is now coached by Edgington, added, “Being able to sail an RS:X in most conditions is definitely a good thing, and having so many good people in the fleet is always challenging. The pumping aspects means you also have to be as fit as possible, but the bottom line is it’s just great fun.” Adding to Shaw’s Beijing bronze, Dempsey won silvers in the RS:X in 2012 and 2016. With the Tokyo 2020 Games just eighteen months away, and the RS:X recently given the nod for Paris 2024, there will be plenty more opportunities for British success in this most successful of classes.