For the final time this summer, young windsurfers from all over the North of England collected for the North Zone RYA Team15 2009 Championship. This event, the final event of this year’s four match series, was held at Covenham Sailing and Windsurfing Club – home waters of the Covenham Cyclones. 45 young windsurfers took part in an exciting series of races on the reservoir. The Covenham Cyclones, Pugneys Pirates and the new kids on the block, the Derwent Devils, were desperate to rein in the current series leaders, the North Lincs Invaders – but in the end the Invaders showed the fleet a clean pair of heels and won the Championship in fine style.
Simon Seal, Team15 Coordinator for the North Lincs Invaders paid tribute to all the Team15 competitors and their supporters:
“We are delighted that North Lincs Invaders have won the North Zone Team15 inter club series for the second year running. This is testament to the volunteers who give their time, and the commitment of the young sailors. The result for 2009 builds on foundations laid three years ago to a formula that has worked for the club which regularly sees up to 40 participants at training sessions ranging from new beginners to zone sailors seeking a chance on the national squad soon. None of this would have been possible without the support of our funders – North Lincs Community Pot, grassroots, youth Opportunities Fund and North Lincs Council, without whom we would not have the equipment to do all this. Our thanks also go to our team sponsor Windsurf Magazine for supporting T15 and providing our race vests – without sponsors like these there wouldn’t be Team15.
Dave Dobson does a great job as North Zone co-ordinator and every club has been a brilliant host helping run the events and have provided great young sports men and women who have competed fairly and with enthusiasm, whatever their ability.
Both Covenham and Pugneys have some excellent sailors and growing talent. Derwent Devils are where we were 3 years ago and I am sure will grow to be a force to wach out for in time. There is no room for complacency and we look forward to healthy competition in 2010. In the meantime, we will do our best in representing the region in the Champions Cup in October – we believe we have a real chance of bringing the cup home. The current champions, West Kirby Warriors, had better watch out!”
Team15 Covenham results (to 5th place)
3.5m
1. Jack Dunn North Lincs Invaders
2. Oliver Anderson Pugneys Pirates
3. Jacob Newton North Lincs Invaders
4. Benjamin Clavert Pugneys Pirates
5. Lewis Russell North Lincs Invaders
4.5m
1. Harry Davis North Lincs Invaders
2. Sarah Labourne North Lincs Invaders
2. Jordan Howram North Lincs Invaders
4. Max Butler North Lincs Invaders
5. Isaac Hall North Lincs Invaders
5.5m
1. Robert Griffiths North Lincs Invaders
2. Lewis May North Lincs Invaders
3. Nicola Dinsdale Pugneys Pirates
4. Kathryn Durham Pugneys Pirates
5. Jed Davis North Lincs Invaders
6.8m
1. Max Bushell North Lincs Invaders
2. Emma Labourne North Lincs Invaders
3. Robert York Covenham Cyclones
4. Luke Raistrick Pugneys Pirates
5. Joe Dickinson Covenham Cyclones
RYA North Zone Team15 Champions 2009 – North Lincs Invaders
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.
