Local windsurfers head to national final
Spray Sprites qualify for Team15 Champions Cup
Eastbourne’s youth windsurfing team Spray Sprites, sponsored by Neil Pryde, will be travelling to Northampton Sailing Club, Pitsford, Northamptonshire, this coming weekend of 08-09 October where they will represent the South East region in the national final of the RYA Team15 (T15) Champions Cup.
The event will see some 100 young windsurfers from across the country battle it out on the water over two days, in a bid to win the prestigious title of T15 National Champions 2011.
The competitors, all under 16 year olds, will compete in four different windsurfing classes, (3.5m, 4.5m, 5.8m, Techno 6.8) pitting their skills against each other, trying to post the best results possible for their team.
The Spray Sprites, who sail at Spray Watersports in Eastbourne, earnt their place in the final after winning a series of highly competitive heats in the T15 Inter-Club Championship that took place throughout the region this summer. Beating teams from as far afield as Hythe and Redhill the Spray Sprites were crowned South East T15 Regional Champions securing their place in the national final.
It has been a close battle between Hythe Hotshots and Spray Sprites this season, with Spray Sprites being last year’s winner and keen to defend their title again this year.
Both teams celebrated numerous fleet victories in each round but Spray Sprites proved to be the strongest team on the water and took the lead after round two, with all young windsurfers showing great skill and talent throughout the rounds.
Craig Coupe, Chief Instructor at Spray Watersports, commented: ‘The team have worked very hard this year. The squad is full of regular sailors and this shows in all their sailing. Although there is the pressure of the national event I know that Spray Sprites will ultimately have fun which is the aim of Team 15.’
The young sailors are excited about the upcoming final and have got their eyes firmly set on bringing the national title back to the South East.
RYA National Windsurfing Development Officer Gillian Wright who organises the competition says: “We are very excited about the Team15 Champions Cup this year, it’s always a fantastic weekend with a fun yet competitive atmosphere.
“For many youngsters and parents this will be their first taste of competing at a national regatta. With changes to the zones this year, new teams and plenty of new faces it will be really exciting to see which windsurfing team will be crown the champions”.
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.