Windsurfing ‘north Lincs Invaders’ crowned 2009 Team15 Champions

by RYA Media on 13 Oct 2009 In near perfect conditions; sunny and windy, it was the North Zone’s North Lincs Invaders who this weekend (10-11 October) clinched victory and raised the 2009 Team15 (T15) Champions Cup trophy.

Having dominated throughout the season in their regional heats to claim their place at the final, the Invaders were confident they could do well. Head coach Simon Seal commented: 'This has been awesome. We were confident coming in to the finals as we have been training very hard and winning the regional event was a big boost. The team has really put their heart into their racing this weekend and I am very proud of them. They gave their best and I can’t ask for more than that.

'It feels amazing to hold the cup, it’s been a real team effort and it definitely paid off.'

Simon went on to say: 'We have a good set up at North Lincs and this does not happen on its own and it’s down to the support of parents, coach and volunteer that deliver the weekly sessions and events.'

Held at Rutland Water, the event saw over 100 competitors and 10 teams hailing as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall take to the water. It was also the first time that a team from Wales had attended the final. Despite being only a team of one, it was great having an entry from that region. Ben was really welcomed by the other competitors and become an honorary Loch Insh Monster for the fun race held on Sunday, an example of true Team15 spirit.

Racing was split between five classes, 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m, 6.8m and 6.8m Techno, with nine races and one fun race taking place throughout the weekend.

The sunshine and 10-12 knot wind on Saturday provided perfect conditions for the young racers, with slightly more challenging conditions on Sunday with winds gusting up to 16 knots.

T15 Manager Gillian Wright commented; 'It has been a truly fantastic weekend, helped a little by the sunshine, but the standard we have seen out on the water has been phenomenal. All the competitors sailed extremely well.

'The Champions Cup event seems to go from strength to strength each year and we look forward to seeing the teams again next year and maybe even some new faces.'

Presented by RYA Chairman Richard Langford, winners North Lincs Invaders picked up a BIC Techno 293 one design board and board bag courtesy of Boardwise and BIC sports, with other prizes coming from national T15 sponsors Tushingham, Neil Pryde and Boards Magazine.

'We’ve seen some fantastic sailing this weekend, which seems to improve year on year. There is such enthusiasm from all the competitors and the parents and families that support them, making for a most successful weekend', commented Richard.

Special Merit awards were also given to Alexander McPhee from West Kirby Warriors and Rosie Dixey from Carsington Comets, and a Team15 spirit award going to Ben Marshall.

Roseland Waveriders picked up prizes for winning the fun race and North Lincs Invaders who also won the quiz.

Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches.

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 kept low.

About Team15
Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, T15 involves a network of over 80 T15 windsurfing clubs, which meet on a weekly basis to practice and learn more about windsurfing .Youngsters are taught and coached on how to windsurf both competitively and for fun. Up to 15 of the best windsurfers from each club represent their club at 4 inter club regional heat events over the summer, followed by the Team15 Champions Cup, the national final in October.

To find out how to get involved and your local club visit www.team15.org.uk