A hundred young windsurfers, from nine teams across the UK, took to the water at Pitsford Reservoir this weekend (08-09 October) to compete in the 2011 Team15 (T15) Champions Cup, where the West Kirby Warriors from the West Zone clinched the victory.  

"Over the moon"

After dominating throughout the season in their regional heats, the Warriors won their place in the final, back in September, and despite fierce competition they continued to dominate at the national final and were delighted to lift the cup and be crowned this year's Team15 champion of champions.  

 "I am really thrilled for the kids as they've worked so hard all year. They are the ones who really deserve it" commented Simon Moore who coaches the West Kirby Warriors.  

"We are absolutely over the moon to have won first place and when you look at the smiles on the kids' faces you can see just how much it means to all of us."  

New faces

Held at Northampton Sailing Club at Pitsford Reservoir, teams hailed as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall, taking to the water despite challenging conditions which included at times very little wind at all to compete for the title.  

There were plenty of new faces at this year's event including the North Zone's Pugney's Pirates who knocked out last year's Champion Cup winners the North Lincs Invaders in their regional heats, and the Siblyback Water Warriors who also qualified for the first time.  

The competitors whizzed around two courses in four different classes 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.8m and Techno 6.8m competing in nine different races and one fun race to round up the weekend.   

Superb talent 

RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer Gillian Wright who coordinates T15 said: "This year's event has gone fantastically. We have seen some great races going on and the talent that can be seen out on the water is superb. It's very exciting to see some new teams coming through and qualifying for the Champions Cup and there has been some really exciting battles going on throughout the weekend."  

Competitors, parents and local supporters also enjoying testing the Tushingham/Starboard and Neil Pryde demo kit which was available to try out throughout the weekend.  

Prizes and merit awards

Winners the West Kirby Warriors picked up a BIC Techno board for their club which was presented by ex Team15er and member of the RYA Volvo RS:X Transitional Training squad, Adam Purcell.

Other prizes were donated from Neil Pryde, Tushingham /Starboard and Boards Magazine.  

Special merit awards were given to Oxford Zoomer Alice Read, Rowena Conway and Saskia Walsh from the Norwich Force Eighth, Spray Sprite Bruce Partridge, Pitsford Pirate Zoe Bowen and Beth Mickel from the Loch Insh Monsters.  

"I want to come back next year"

Tadhg Al-Hassan (11) from the Oxford Zoomers who was at the event for the first time said: "I would recommend windsurfing as a sport for other kids to do. It's a lot of fun, you go fast, all you need is a board, and as long as there is water and wind you can go!  

"My advice for other kids would be to learn one step at a time. Sooner or later you will find yourself with huge sails cruising along the water. It's really fun! I've had a great weekend at the Champions Cup and I definitely want to come back next year".  

Get involved

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard, Boards magazine 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.  

Champions Cup 2011 Final Results