After an exciting event in sunshine and brisk winds, the home team of Pugneys Pirates were crowned RYA North Zone Champions for the second year in succession.

The Pirates will now compete in the national final, the Team15 Champions Cup, against the Zone Champions from other regions of the UK, at Northampton Sailing Club on 13-14 October.

“Pugneys Pirates made it a clean sweep in the Zone this year,” said David Dobson, RYA North Zone Team15 Co-ordinator. “They were the top team in every round of the competition and we wish them the best of luck in the Champions Cup next month.”

“It’s good to end the season on a high,” said David Dobson after the Pugneys event.

“I would like to thank the coaches and scorers from all the teams for their help all season, and the parents of course whose contribution to the success of these events is often forgotten. We had 35 young windsurfers on the water today, one of the highest attendances we have had all season.”

“Even though we now lose some of the older members because they have reached the grand old age of 16, we have attracted lots of younger windsurfers this season which is great because they will move up through the classes next year.”

Team15, which is now in its 11th year, is an RYA initiative set up to make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level.

The young windsurfers, all of whom are 15 years of age or under, sail for their local team and the teamstaking part this year include:

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.

RYA Team15 North Zone Competition – Round 4 results (to 5th place)

3.5m fleet

4.5m fleet

5.8m fleet

6.8m fleet

“We had some great performances across the classes,” said David Dobson. “And we gave out special merit awards in the 3.5m class to Bethany Cooper of the North Lincs Invaders, and Rory Davis and Eimear Hanley of the Derwent Devils, for their “can do and never give up” attitude!”

To get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.