MONSTERS PUT THE BITE ON RIVALS

Clyde Barracudas hosted the third event of this year’s RYA Team15 (T15) interclub series on their home waters of Lochwinnoch on Saturday 9 August.  T15 is the nationwide network of windsurfing clubs for youngsters of up to age 15.

The hosts were up against a strong team from Loch Insh, the Monsters, and smaller teams from East Kilbride Eagles and Monikie Maniacs. The Monsters have been in rampaging form so far this year, winning both interclub events, and now had the chance to go for three in a row.

A wet morning with no wind prevented any windsurfing, but organisers kept the kids amused with paddle races. After an early lunch, a light breeze came in, and the rain stopped, so all was ready for the contest.

Competitors were a mix of older experienced windsurfers, to young beginners. Luca Dominguez, age just 8, of the Barracudas did well to complete all races in his first ever competition.

Both of the small sail classes fell to the Monsters, with Eilidh Sutherland and David Taylor taking the 3.5 meter and 4.5 meter classes in style, with other Monsters in second places in both classes. Eilidh’s score of six wins was the best in any class.

Most popular class was the 5.5 meter class, with eight competitors, including members of all four teams. The contest was close here, but Caitlin Sedgeworth took the class for the Monsters by just two points from Callum Kerr of the Barracudas, who started slowly, but sailed four good races at the end of the afternoon to take second.

Jordan O’Hara took the Techno 6.8 meter class, with Hannah Burns and Ross Kenmuir close behind.

It was another good win for the Monsters, with the Barracudas just four points behind in second, with East Kilbride Eagles in third. After three wins, the Monsters have a great chance of going forward to represent Scotland to the T15 Champions Cup in October, to compete against top teams from all the regions and home countries.

The other Scottish clubs can have a last tilt at the Monsters in late August, when the sportscotland superstars will be the hosts on the Island of Cumbrae where the young windsurfers will have the chance to enjoy sea conditions.

Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Ultra Sport/Bic, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, T15 was set up by the RYA to provide youngsters up to the age of 15 with the opportunity to learn all about windsurfing and improve their skills in a friendly club environment. Weekly training sessions take place at RYA approved centres and clubs and are run by RYA trained instructors and T15 coaches. All safety aspects are taken care of and equipment can be provided to children who don’t have their own kit yet.