THE windsurfing Solven brothers from Storridge near Malvern have fought and excelled in a wide range of conditions in the 2002 season and have emerged victorious.

From windy and wild conditions at Shoreham, Hove and the Isle of Wight, through marginal conditions at Weymouth, Bridlington and Hearne Bay, to the frustrating light conditions of Whitwell, Christ-church and Queen Mary, both brothers have displayed impressive, consistent and tactical sailing.

Guy (Bic, Gaastra) ended 2002 placed 1st Espoir (under 22) in the International Fleet with an excellent 7th overall.

In a hard fought battle in the National Fleet, Harry (16-Bic, Tushingham) was placed 1st Junior, 3rd Youth and 6th overall. Harry was sidelined early in the season by a re-occurring throat infection and had surgery at the beginning of July and he did well to recover.

Internationally the boys gained excellent achievements. Guy was selected to represent Great Britain in the ISAF World Sailing Games in Marseilles in July. He achieved 10th place in the Men's fleet, a fantastic result at only 20 years old.

In addition to his National Fleet achievements, younger brother Harry had a very successful 2002. In February he was awarded Herefordshire Sports Council's Junior Sports Personality of the Year for his outstanding achievements in 2001. Later, in June, he gained a Highly Commended at Ready Steady Win Sportsperson of the Year 2002.

Harry qualified to represent Great Britain in the Youth Windsurfing World Championships in Largs, Scotland in August and finished 2nd Junior, 19th Youth.

He was invited to race in the Bic Formula Experience European Championships in Brest in August, which was an 'experimental' event. Harry excelled himself, coming 2nd in his group.

In September, Harry swept the board at the Royal Yachting Association/Volvo Youth Champion- ship at Weymouth. He won the course racing and the long distance marathon to become RYA/Volvo British Youth Champion 2002.

Harry has qualified for the 2003 British Youth Squad, and both he and Guy are looking forward to next season, training and wavesailing over the winter.

Next year promises to be exciting with events in Portugal and Lake Garda, as well as the newly developed Grand Prix Tour of Great Britain.

The boys would like to thank the following for their support: Ready Stead Win, Boardwise of Cannock, Bic Sport, Offshore Sports, Kreative Sail Graphics, Banana Fitness at Malvern Splash, Gaastra Sails, Tushingham Sails, University of Gloucestershire, Royal Yachting Association and Herefordshire Sports Council.