Sailors from the Pirates, the Roseland Wave Riders and Siblyback Water Warriors competed in four different classes over a downwind slalom course, and all posted excellent results in such difficult conditions, with south-easterly winds gusting up to 25 miles an hour.   Particularly notable performances came from Pirates Adam Phipps (13) and Finn Hawkins (10), both from St Austell.

Adam moved up to the 5.8 class at the start of this year and flew around the course, finishing first. For Finn, this was his first-ever T15 event, and he finished first in the 3.5 class.  

Also among the Pirates’ secret weapons are the three Sioufi brothers; Oscar (14), George (12) and Eddie (12) from St Austell, who have been windsurfing in Team15 for two years. Eddie was second in the 3.5 class, and George battled every race against Siblyback’s Iona Scobie (13) for fourth place. Oscar came third in the 4.5 class – they are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

At the prizegiving ceremony, George and Iona both received merit awards ‘for hanging on in there’! Tom Whitaker of the Roseland Wave Riders also received a merit award for ‘hanging on when the going gets tough’.  

Polkerris Pirates coach George Shillito commented: “It was fantastic to get some decent wind for this event as all the T15ers are such amazing windsurfers and it’s great to see them battle it out in some difficult conditions. Clearly all the practice in the open ocean (as opposed to lakes) gave my guys a slight advantage as they excelled in the choppy, gusty conditions.”  

The third event in the competition will take place on Saturday 13 July at Stithians Lake.  

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.