A team of young windsurfers has started the Team15 season with a resounding victory over their Cornish competitors. The Polkerris Pirates, who only began their 2013 practice sessions two weeks ago, made light work of sending the Siblyback Water Warriors and the Roseland Wave Riders  packing in the event last Saturday (18 May) at Roseland Paddle and Sail – in spite of the fact that both the other teams practised throughout the winter!

On a day of sunny intervals, with a steady breeze of 8 to12 mph and perfect flat water, the windsurfers had fantastic conditions in which to compete. The course was a triangle, with marks to port for all fleets for the first five races. The last race was a much-enjoyed ‘master blaster’ that involved a downwind start and an upwind finish.  

In the 3.5 fleet, Anna Phipps (14) and George Sioufi (12) took first and second for Polkerris, but Jeremy Whale (14) and Oscar Sioufi (13) had to settle for second and third in the 4.5, beaten by the Wave Riders’ Lowenna Penny (14). This was, however, a particularly memorable event for Oscar, as his dad had over-tightened his sail when helping with the rigging, making the speed of his progress particularly surprising.  Jeremy and Lowenna have progressed to this fleet since last year, and are obviously enjoying the challenge.

The 5.8 class was won by the Pirate’s Adam Phipps (13). Team mate Jowan Sleep (14) was beaten into third place by the Warriors’ Amy Morris (14).

However, the Wave Riders and the Warriors gained some consolation in the 6.8 class. First and second went to Ross Warren (14) and Lucy Grayston (15) from Roseland, and third was Warrior Joe Parrot (13).

Unusually, the event included an additional fleet for anyone over 15, the top age limit for T15. There were four competitors  - Paul Grayston (Roseland) won, with Matt Parkinson (the Siblyback instructor) second,  Jon Phipps  (Polkerris) third and Julian Parrot (Siblyback) fourth.

Polkerris will be building up a new selection of pirates over the coming weeks, and hope to give their competitors a further ‘heave-ho’ at the the next event, which takes place at Siblyback Lake on 16 June.

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.

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