Team15 Champions Cup - Windsurfing teams prepare for battle

by Susie Nation-Grainger on 28 Sep 2011 RYA Team15 (T15) Champions Cup is being held at Northampton Sailing Club, Pitsford, Northamptonshire. Youth windsurfing teams are preparing to hit the water over the weekend of 8 and 9 October 2011 to compete in the national final.

The event will see some 100 young windsurfers from across the country, hailing as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall, battle it out in a bid to win the prestigious title of T15 National Champions 2011

The windsurfing teams have earned their places after winning a series of highly competitive heats in the T15 Inter-Club Championship that took place throughout the UK this summer.

Amongst the teams desperate to win the title are North Zone qualifiers the Pugneys Pirates. After a very successful season they successfully inched ahead to claim the North Zone Inter-Club title for the very first time, defeating last year’s National Champion Cup winners the North Lincs Invaders.

The South Zone‘s Oxford Zoomers are hoping to improve on last year’s second place finish as they head to the Champions Cup for the fifth year running. Despite their dominance at zone level they are yet to claim the national title and are delighted to be given another chance to attend the final.

'Oxford Zoomers qualified by the narrowest of margins (just one point) for the Champions Cup and I know they will be looking to do their zone proud!' Said Chris Lewis, RYA T15 Competition Organiser for the South Zone.

'This season we have seen the closest racing to date across all fleets and all teams, and right now the sport and the zone (South) look very healthy for the future.'

Joining the Pugney’s Pirates and Zoomers out on the race courses will be Norwich Force Eighth, Pitsford Pirates, Spray Sprites, West Kirby Warriors, Loch Insh Monsters Reservoir Dogs and first time qualifiers Siblyback Water Warriors.'

The competitors, all under 16 year olds, will compete in four different windsurfing classes, (3.5m, 4.5m, 5.8m, Techno 6.8) pitting their skills against each other, trying to post the best results possible for their team.

RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer Gillian Wright who organises the competition says: 'We are very excited about the Team15 Champions Cup this year, it’s always a fantastic weekend with a fun yet competitive atmosphere.

'For many youngsters and parents this will be their first taste of competing at a national regatta. With changes to the zones this year, new teams and plenty of new faces it will be really exciting to see which windsurfing team will be crowned the champions'.

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard, 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.

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