Unstoppable Axbridge Animals windsurf to regional triumph 

Axbridge Animals to compete in the National T15 Champions Cup

The Axbridge Animals windsurfing team – including three fearsome Savages - have made a clean sweep at the 2009 Team15 (T15) interclub windsurfing series, triumphing for the fourth time over their South West rivals at the final regional event at Wimbleball Watersports on Sunday (6 September).  

The amazing Savages of Weston-super-Mare, Alex (13) Isabelle (12) and Georgina (10), have been sailing for just 17 months, but each of them took first place in their fleet, winning all of their individual races.  In fact, Alex, who sailed in the 5.5m class, was second overall in four races - beating most of the 6.8 fleet -  and first overall in one, beating all of them, and achieving his goal of winning all of the series events this year.  

Animals B Al Martin (14)  and Joe Barnes (13) tussled for first place in the 6.8m fleet, but B Al came through with 4 bullets out of 5 races. Third was another Animal - James Bennett (15).  

Jemima Beath (14) of Wellington was the only sailor representing Wimbleball. She found the conditions quite difficult but took part in every race in the 5.5m class. Elliott Cash (13) of the Croft Farm Flyers (Tewkesbury) saw that she was struggling and took time to coach her around the course. Jemima was presented with a merit award for determination and Elliot received one for sportsmanship. Individual racer Ben Wood (12) from Bridgewater carried on with a borrowed sail after his broke, despite its instability in the wind conditions. He was given a merit award for perseverance and despite his challenges on the day said: “This was great fun and I can’t wait to do more.”  

The Axbridge Animals will compete in the National T15 Champions Cup at Rutland Water in October.  

Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, 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 find your local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.