An exciting and extremely testing Team15 South Zone Inter-Club series for young windsurfers up to aged 15 drew to a climactic close at The Watersports Academy, Sandbanks, Poole, on Saturday (16 September).  

Visiting team Axbridge Animals competed amongst 55 youngsters to win the coveted champions title and with it a place in the Team15 Champions’ Cup National Final which will be held on 13-14 October 2012 at Northampton Sailing Club.  

Axbridge missed out on victory last year by just one point but finally took the trophy from defending champions of five consecutive years, the Oxford Zoomers.  

A windless start to the racing did not stop Axbridge Animals and the Oxford Zoomers trading first places in various heats in the slalom racing.  As the wind built a more tactical upwind and downwind race brought some superb performances.   

Ben Tweedle of the Calshot Flyers displayed some real prowess to dominate the 5.8m class fleet. The 6.8m class, for the more experienced sailors, was also closely contested, with Alice Read of the Oxford Zoomers claiming honours.   

With the top two fleet honours (5.8m and 6.8m) shared between the Calshot Flyers and the Oxford Zoomers the smaller fleets were to play the decisive role in determining the final winning team.  

Axbridge Animal's junior sailors proved to be dominant. Mollie Densley-Robins pulled off an outstanding performance. She and her team mates took the majority of the podium places in the 3.5m and 4.5m fleets to seal the championship.  

“The season has been challenging and difficult with two events in the series producing absolutely no wind and one event of gales. In eleven years of Team15 I have never known such difficult conditions,” said Zone Coordinator Chris Lewis.

“It's tested everyone from the sailors to the coaches, parents and organisers!"  

He concluded “It has been a privileged to have worked with such a great bunch of sailors and with such talent. The progression and ability shown by all that have competed this year have been fantastic.  The social aspects, sportsmanship and friendships has really stood out in 2012.”  

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard 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 www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.