Another gold for Hamilton windsurfer Natalie McWilliams

May 12 2011 Hamilton Advertiser

PROUD Natalie McWilliams beamed with delight after winning her first gold medal at the 25th RYA Eric Twiname Championships last weekend.

Natalie (16), from Quarter, took the title of first girl in the 7.8m Techno windsurfing class at the championships, held at Rutland Sailing Club in the East Midlands on Saturday and Sunday.

Dad Arthur said: "The event is one of the top regattas on the sailing calendar, attracting young sailors and windsurfers from all over the UK.

"Sadly, this will be Natalie's last attendance at the Eric Twiname event as in 2012 she will be moving up from the under-17 age group to the RS:X class, which competes at a senior level right up to Olympic standard."

Natalie was thrilled to spot two of her windsurfing heroes in Bryony Shaw - who took a bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 - and Nick Dempsey, who is tipped to medal at London 2012.

"It was a wonderful experience to be training at the same location at the same time as two sporting greats," said fourth-year Holy Cross pupil Natalie.

The 2011 racing season started on April 2 for Natalie when she attended the first ever RYA Scotland Spring Championship at Largs Sailing Club, which saw her take the title of first girl and second overall in the mixed fleet two-day event.

On April 16 and 17, Natalie competed in the UK Windsurfing Inland Series event at Pitsford Sailing Club in Northampton, where she was second girl and eighth overall in the combined boy and girl competitions.

Natalie has reduced her current training programme to focus on her standard grades, but following her final exam on May 26, she intends to intensify her preparation - both on the water and in the gym - for the forthcoming Windsurfing World Championships, which are being held in San Francisco, USA, from July 17-24.

Natalie, a member of the East Kilbride Eagles Windsurfing Club, was honoured recently to be invited to join the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club. She thanks Hamilton Sports Council for its financial support and encouragement in the last two years.