Inter-club Challenges
The T15 inter-club challenges are really friendly events and the competition is pitched to cater for all levels of ability.
The day starts off with a bit of real fun on the water to help break the ice (not literally - the water's quite warm!) then once everyone has relaxed a little and starts to enjoy themselves, various other challenges are set.
You will sail with others who have the same size sail as you to keep things fair and there are trophies to be won - and not just by those who get top scores - so join in the fun.
We reckon if you try it you will be hooked!
Every Team15 zone will have four events per year; being zone based travel distances are kept to a minimum so we hope all clubs will attend.
Events are one day events so there is no need to arrange overnight camping, though some teams choose to do this at some events.
As well as individual class trophies to be won (1st-3rd places) there are also merit awards and Techno awards, which could be won by anyone - even a newcomer attending their first event!
The main emphasis at T15 inter-club challenges is on the team trophy -which team will win the event? Which team will win the series and qualify for the T15 Champions Cup - the national final which takes place in October?
As a result of sponsorship support, the majority of T15 clubs have been provided with their own set of race vests.
Team race vests are colour-coded to each club; they carry the club name and the appropriate sponsor's logo, as well as an individual sailor identification number. Watching from the shore is a bit like watching footie teams afloat (except there will be more than just two teams!). Spectators will be able to see very easily the positions of each club and each competitor within the fleet.
Since there are only 15 race vests per club team (hence you're one of the 'Team15' ) you will need to let the coach know that you wish to take part in T15 inter-club challenges.
As clubs grow then more than 15 people may wish to be in the team. Where this is the case then numbers over 15 can enter as individuals to gain competition experience and will wear generic black race vests, individually numbered; whilst you can win the individual trophies, merit awards and Techno awards, your score will not count towards your club's team score.
For those clubs who don't yet have race vests, a generic set of black T15 race vests can be provided until we find your club a team sponsor (if you know of any local companies who may be interested, please ask them to contact us).
When you take part in Team15 inter-club events, it is a requirement that you are an RYA member; you will need to take your RYA membership card along to events. RYA membership starts at just £5 for junior membership. You can join online.
Take a look at Events to find out where and when the inter-club challenges are scheduled for your zone.
The Notice of Race (NoR) will tell you about classes, trophies and who's eligible to enter; have a read of the Sailing Instructions (SIs) to find out about start flags, scoring, etc. Your Team15 coach will help you understand them.
Also have a look at Events to read the event reports and results from challenges which have already taken place; these will give you an idea of what to expect when you go to your first event.
None of this would be possible without the support of the Team15 sponsors, so a big thanks to the companies listed on the T15 home page.
We encourage all teams to keep in touch with their sponsors on a regular basis to let them know how your club is doing at inter-club events or at club level if you are not yet competing. Perhaps send some photographs - and don't forget, a 'thanks for the support' message is always welcomed.
Contact UsArticle Published: August 09, 2010 16:54