Team15 (T15) Champions Cup - Seven teams compete

by Susie NationGrainger on 14 Oct 2013 This weekend, just under 90 young windsurfers from seven teams across the UK took to the water at Pitsford reservoir to compete in the Team15 (T15) Champions Cup 2013 where the West Kirby Warriors clinched the victory.

After dominating in their West Zone regional heats, the Warriors won their place in the final and despite fierce competition they continued to perform at the national final where they reclaimed their 2011 title as T15 champion of champions.

'It’s amazing and we’ve come so far, I don’t think we really expected it to be honest as it was really tough competition at first. We wanted it and we went for it and it feels really good to win as a team. That’s what matters!' said Team captain Milo Callaghan.

West Kirby Warriors coach Simon Moore said: 'I’m really proud of them, it’s a good team effort. They’ve been working really hard and it’s the third time we’ve won the Champions Cup in the last five years so we’re absolutely delighted'.

Held at Northampton Sailing Club at Pitsford Reservoir, the event saw youngsters from as far afield as Cornwall and Scotland hitting the water in challenging conditions including shifty wind, heavy rain and at times very little wind at all.

Racing was split between the four windsurfing classes (3.5m, 4.5m, 5.8m, Techno 6.8) with a total of 37 races taking place throughout the weekend on the two courses. The Spray Sprites, Pugneys Pirates and the West Kirby Warriors all claimed victory winning first place in their classes and received prizes donated by Boardwise and Tushingham.

Special merit awards were presented to Pugneys Pirates Kate-Lynd Smith and Thomas Hunter, Spray Sprite Louis Mile, Pitsford Pirate Robin McAllister and Loch Insh Monster Tristan Millidine.

RYA Youth Racing Manager Duncan Truswell said: 'It’s been a great weekend. Even the rain hasn’t dampened the spirits of the competitors today and the standard of windsurfing we’ve seen out on the water all weekend has been fantastic.

'This weekend has allowed many of the competitors to experience their first taste of competing at a national competition and it’s been great to see them having fun whilst learning a lot about their racing. We hope they’ve been inspired to do more and will come back to compete for places in RYA Squad programmes next year'.

Team15 Champions Cup 2013 Final Results:

Place	Team
1st	West Kirby Warriors
2nd	Pugneys Pirates
3rd	Axbridge Animals
4th	Spray Sprites
5th	Pitsford Pirates
6th	Polkerris Pirates
7th	Loch Insh Monsters

T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level. It delivers fun and informal training and competition opportunities which take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15. These are run weekly at minimal cost by specialist RYA qualified coaches and instructors.

The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is deliberately kept low to maintain the accessibility.

To get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit Team15 website or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400