Glorious weather and mirror-flat water greeted competitors arriving at
Axbridge for the first Team 15 event for the South West (n) zone.  The
home team, the Axbridge Animals, sporting a full complement of 15
members, went on to win the event in style when the breeze picked up in
the afternoon, to produce some excellent racing.

A total of 33 competitors came from five clubs ranging from Exmoor to
the Cotswolds. Newly-formed teams from Wimbleball and the South Cerney
Outdoor Centre (SCOEC) near Swindon were especially welcome as it was
the first event they had attended.

In the calm morning conditions, a couple of paddling races got the
competition under way but, as the competitors and spectators enjoyed a
barbeque, a decent sea breeze arrived to set up perfect racing
conditions for the afternoon. All four fleets raced together around a
triangle course,close to the clubhouse so that spectators had a good
view. A separate course was set up for newcomers, some of whom had only
been windsurfing a few times before.

Over the course of three two-lap races some close private battles took
place.  In the 6.8 class, Animals Bella Jezard and Laurie Finch changed
places several times before Bella emerged victorious. Behind them was
Helen Browne, racing for Waterland Wonders for the first time. The 5.5
was the most competitive class with several people in contention but
Laurie’s brother Calum took the honours. The battle for third was
intense with Guy Irvine of Craft Farm Flyers, Bran Chambres and Harry
Clark, both of SCOEC Screamers separated by three points. An even
smaller margin separated the first and second places in the 4.5 class:
Rosie Hodgson and Zoe Masters ended with equal points but because Rosie
beat Zoe in the final race she took the trophy. Barney Beauchamp won the
3.5 class in his first event, showing great racing intuition on the main
course, followed by Seb Cooper.

Meanwhile, over on the novice course there was a whole flotilla of
Wimbleball Wombles led by Alzbeta Kincova but with Animals India, Eve
and Kerri ahead of them.

The Axbridge Animals, sponsored by BiC Sport, took the team trophy but
that hides the fact that the other teams had some strong competitors.
They will no doubt be spurred on to win at the next event near
Gloucester in July where the Croft Farm team will have home advantage.

———————–

About Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club

Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC) is a sailing club based at Cheddar
Reservoir in Somerset. The club was established 70 years ago and has
grown to have 900 members and become a thriving centre of sporting
excellence for sailing and windsurfing. It strives to provide a friendly
informal environment and encourage everyone to enjoy their watersports
at what ever level they want to participate. The club recognises that
the future of the club (and the sport) depends on attracting families
and especially young people into the sport. BCYC now has one of the
largest junior training sections of any sailing club in the UK as well
as the successful Team 15 junior windsurfing group.

www.bcyc.org.uk

———————-

About Team 15

Team 15 is an initiative of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to
encourage children to participate in windsurfing. It is a nationwide
network of clubs where the windsurfers aged 15 and under get together
every week to have a great time and learn new skills.  Each region
organises a series of events throughout the summer season at which clubs
can meet for some fun and competition.

www.team15.org.uk