WEYMOUTH windsurfer Kevin Greenslade achieved second place at Weymouth Speed Week (WSW).

Every year, the event is hosted at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and attracts competitors on a range of equipment.

The first day got off to a slow start with light winds.

A few competitors chose to save their energy for the second day which was forecasted to have stronger winds.

Talking about the week, Greenslade said: “The wind was light on the Monday but showed signs of improvement through the latter part of the week and by Tuesday, we were back out on the water, improving on Sunday’s speeds.

“Unfortunately, the wind had backed off a little making it look as if it may be difficult to achieve the necessary speeds to gain classification as a British Championship event where 20 per cent of the fleet have to achieve a speed in excess of 28 knots twice during the session.

“Wednesday morning delivered a short time where conditions were good enough to achieve Championship speeds, but still, the required 20 per cent didn’t quite make it.”

He added: “The forecast for Thursday was similar, at this time I had the highest speed of the week but was still hoping for a counting round for the British Championships, so it was up early to rig equipment and hope for the fastest time.

“The course was run from the opposite way from the previous day and proved slightly quicker.”

Kevin finished second overall with a speed of 30.627 knots.

He said: “For me, my sixth British Championship title in this competition will have to wait.

“Si Cofield won the week’s fastest craft as well as the windsurfing speed British Championships with a speed of 31.368 knots.

“Patrick Van Hoof of Belgium finished third.”

He continued: “A massive congratulations to Zara Davis winning her ninth Women’s Speed Week title beating some very accomplished men along the way.

“Dave Williams managed, in tricky kite conditions, a very impressive 28.541 knots with Russell Clark getting fastest boat with an amazing 25.08 knots.

“The first timer award went to George Fulton, first Amateur was Andrew Finlay and the first Gold Fleet sailor was Simon Pettifer.”

Greenslade was also encouraged by the youth competitors in the event. He said: “Having competed since I was 15, it is fantastic to see so many local kids involved in the sport and competing at this event.

“This is all testament to the hard work by Tris Best and the team at the Official Test Centre and the Will Mackaness Trust doing a fantastic job of making windsurfing accessible to local children.

“Congratulations to Scott Stallman on yet another amazing effort in his short but very impressive career, I’m sure there will be plenty more.

“Also a massive congratulations to Tyler Baker, James Faley and in particular Samuel Anstey, who decided to run a BustinSkin Triathlon on the Sunday morning before returning to Speed Week and getting third place.

“We are very lucky to host this fantastic historic sailing event here in Weymouth and Portland and I look forward to returning to try and regain my title.”