All change for Joanne

Following a challenging season in the Topper class where light winds have seen almost all events dominated by the smaller, lighter sailors it is time to reflect on lessons learned and plan for next year.  Despite having at least one more year in the Junior classes with the possibility of least a further year if pursuing the female singlehanded pathway into the Laser Radial Joanne is considering her options.

Despite some genuine high points and very strong performances both in training and at moderate and high wind events, the UK Inlands being a key example, it has been a season dogged by significant challenges.  Missing the Gold fleet cut at the Worlds was a particular disappointment as were the very light conditions which dogged the first two days of the UK Nationals. But sailing is a weather dependent sport and champions have to be competitive in all conditions. There are still issues to work on. Starting technique being a particular challenge, again especially in light winds when on a 100 boat start line it is vital to be able to match the acceleration of everyone around you.

With nature taking it's course Joanne is now fast approaching 6 feet and another season in Toppers would mean another season of dieting at a time when working on fitness and muscle mass is what is really needed for her longer term goals Joanne as faced a difficult choice.  Hang on in the Junior classes until the normal transition point and hope for a windy season next year and a chance to excel as a Junior or move up early (very early) to the Women's Olympic Class, the Laser Radial and accept a step outside the National Squad system for a year or more in pursuit of longer term goals.

After discussion with her coaches, her parents and the high performance manager Joanne has decided to take the plunge and move now in to the Laser Radial Class.  Having just turned 14 she will be one of the youngest female Radial sailors for the next year but by leaving the Junior classes early she will gain a full year of extra training before it is time to seek transitional training and Laser Squad places next year.

So it is with some considerable sadness that Joanne has packed away her Topper for possibly the very last time but with great determination that she will be out on the Laser Radial race course from the weekend of the Scottish Zone Championships at Largs which is also a Scottish Laser Radial event.