Young windsurfers from across the south hit the water for the second round of the RYA South Zone Team15 (T15) Inter-Club Championship at Oxford Sailing Club, Farmoor on 8 June 2013.  

Home team Oxford Zoomers faced stiff competition from across the south, including Thames Valley neighbours Queen Mary Flyers, and from further afield the Axbridge Animals and Poole’s Academy Allstars.  

In the first round the Zoomers took a third place behind Axbridge Animals and new team Will's Weymouth Warriors.

Great performances

Following more training sessions it was all up for grabs at round two, where some 40 youngsters competed in four different fleets suited to their age and size: 3.5, 4.5, 5.8 and 6.5.  

Twin brothers Ben and James Barnwell from Queen Mary Skimmers battled it out in the 6.8 fleet. Both brothers had race wins, and at the end of the day there was only one point in it with Ben taking first place.  

Ethan Moddy (11) from the Zoomers put in a great performance in the 3.5 fleet coming over the finish line in race one saying: “That’s the first race I’ve ever finished in lots of wind.”   Isabel Lawrence (11) also from Oxford Zoomers also showed great determination in her first ever T15 event.  

Axbridge Animal’s Kate Hatcher continued to put in a strong performance in the 4.5 fleet, building on her success from round one with a win here in Farmoor.  

Challenging conditions

RYA T15 South Zone Co-ordinator Tessa Ingram said: “With sunshine and 15 to 20 knot winds the conditions were perfect. The morning saw more gusty conditions which proved challenging for some sailors, but they all showed what T15 is all about and kept going with great smiles on their faces.  

“In the afternoon the wind became more constant, and the 6.8s on the main course had two great races. The 3.5s raced closer to the shore and had some great races across the wind.

"The 4.5s and 5.8s took to the same triangle course as the morning and all put in some great performances with four races and then a long distance master blaster to finish of a fantastic day of sailing.  

Event a great success

“This event was a great success, and it was fantastic to see so many sailors out on the water. All the sailors supported each other, offering encouragement and advice where needed.”  

Zoomer Charlotte Rodgers offered this advice to the 4.5 sailors in her team: “Make sure you go through the start line. That is like the most important bit!”  

Tessa Ingram added: “The 6.8s made me so proud, they took on a massive challenge to join the main fleet and they did it with grit, determination and huge smiles. They should all be pleased with the performance they put in.”  

The winners of the regional heats will qualify for the Champions Cup, the national final, taking place in October.  

T15: getting youngsters windsurfing

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.    

Find out how to get involved in Team15 and locate your nearest local club.  

More information about Oxford Sailing club