The third round of the RYA Eastern Region Team15 youth inter-club windsurf competition was held last weekend (Saturday 21 July) at Brogborough Board Sailing Club, Bedford, in conditions more suited to catching the rays than serious competitive sailing.  

The Brogadoons used home advantage to take the top spot with nearest neighbours Huntingdon’s Grafham Flyers second, Peterborough’s Lakeside Loafers third, Ipswich based Alton Water Wipeouts in fourth and Welwyn Garden City’s Stanborough Stormers fifth.  

RYA East Zone Team15 co-ordinator Anna Bird said: “Brogborough was an excellent venue and Emma and Sam the owners were extremely welcoming. We did a morning of coaching where we had 23 sailors on the water working on some light wind freestyle.  

“A stand out from the morning was Alex Blackmore, of one-time champions Alton Water Wipeouts, who performed excellently lying down while sailing on his new Techno!  

 “There wasn't much wind in the afternoon so all fleets only managed one race.”  

An excellent performance came from Toby Cave, who again managed a brilliant result on his 4.5m. Another who stood out was Jemma Moore who was the fastest person on the water when she caught a gust!  

“It was great to see so many new people taking part in the event and hopefully we will see them again at Grafham,” commented Anna.  

With one more event to go in this year’s inter-club championship, Lakeside Loafers have a commanding lead over nearest rivals Grafham Flyers (who play host to the last event), with The Brogadoons in third. Stanborough lie fourth with Norwich Force Eighth in fifth and Alton Water Wipeouts sixth.  

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.