The windsurfing youngsters of the Hythe Hotshots lived up to their name on  Saturday 2 September by convincingly dominating the fourth and final Team15 South East Zone Interclub Championship event of the 2012 season. 

The victory has clinched the team a place in the Team15 Champions’ Cup National Final which will be held on 13-14 October 2012 at Northampton Sailing Club.  

Local Redhill team, Aquasport Aquanauts played host to the five visiting teams, the Rye Rebels, the Spray Sprites, the Hythe Hotshots, the Bewl Blasters and the Bewl Valley Vipers.   The event was held on the lake in Mercers Country Park.   

The 48 young T15 sailors were racing in four different classes - the smallest being the 3.5m then the 4.5m, 5.8m and the Techno 6.8m.   

William Marsh of the Rye Rebels saw off 17 others to win the 3.5m class while Galahad Wisbey dominated the 4.5m class.  Guy Carney was the star of the day winning all his races in the 5.8m class and Jenna Gibson won the Techno 6.8 class. 

All three represented the Hythe Hotshots, contributing strongly to their event and overall win.   

Despite the walkover from the Hythe team some great individual performances were achieved.  Dan Kuhnel of Aquasports Aquanauts put in a superb effort at this, his first Team15 Event. 

On a big learning curve he persisted hard in getting to the upwind mark and as a result was awarded with a merit award.  

Spray Sprite Drew Beeson who was third in the 4.5m and from the Spray Sprites, said “I have been having a great time.  The racing went really smoothly!”  

Courses were set close to the shore, a benefit to the parents and spectators who were watching the event. The competitors enjoyed a gentle breeze but organiser Craig Coupe commented “We could have done with a little bit more wind but it was fantastic to see over 40 youngsters of all levels of abilities and experience at the event.”  

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.