New Zealand to join Team GB

You would think we would learn our lesson.  After losing nearly all our young female windsurfers when Australian Natasha Sturges joined Team GB it seems that we are ready to do the same with the RS:X class.  It seems that J P Tobin of New Zealand will be given top Lottery funding and funding allowance from the RYA.  What does this say to our young up and coming windsurfers such as Richard Hamilton and Elliot Carney who have put their education on hold in order to pursue their olympic dream.  In 2003 Dom Tidey was dropped by the RYA and earlier this year Leo McCallin (Nick Dempsey's long time training partner) was also dropped by the RYA.  Now we can see why. 

I have no idea, but I do know that he has been sailing for NewZealand for years and has not made the cut for any of the Olympics and now he has been dropped by his own country he wants to come here and take the funding which should be allocated to our own youth sailors.  It should not be allowed.  There should be some rules that say if you have sailed for one country then you should not be able to change tack as it were.  There is nothing to stop him coming here, collecting our knowledge and then returning to New Zealand and passing it over.

The RYA want to win.......if it means using dual nationality they'll do it. One thing young aspiring sailors need to learn about the Squad system and elite sailing is that if you don't make the grade they you get dropped like a stone.  

Of course you are welcome to your thoughts but he may be as British as you & me ... so that just leaves us with the age issue and I would agree that the youth should be developed as a priority.

The RYA are pretty good at getting medals so I am sure their processes and methods are sound.

I am sure if you asked the RYA Windsurfing Coach what the score is they would give a fair statement.