Robin McAllister showed why he is one to watch after picking up a special merit award as Pitsford Pirates took on the country’s best rookie windsurfers at the RYA Team15 Champions Cup in Northampton this weekend (12-13 October).  

Robin was recognised for his conduct and effort in coming fourth in the 6.8m2 class at the national Team15 Champions Cup grand final - hosted for the fourth year at Pitsford Reservoir - as the host team finished the competition fifth overall.

Teammates David Lett and Andrew King also produced standout performances for Pirates as they finished second and third respectively in the 6.8m2 and 4.5m2 fleets.

Around 90 young windsurfers from seven teams across the UK took to the Pitsford waters with youngsters from as far afield as Cornwall and Scotland contending with challenging conditions including shifty wind, heavy rain and at times very little wind.

The nature of Team15 as the breeding ground for talented young windsurfers means the Team15 Champions Cup final encompasses all abilities from the very new racing windsurfer to the more experienced RYA Zone Squad sailors.

The event introduces the youngsters to the formalities of more serious racing at a fun-focused event.

Karen Patrick, Pitsford Pirates Team15 volunteer, said: “We were really proud of the whole team as the event was far more challenging than anything the majority had encountered before with bigger courses, more competitors on the start line, full racing rules and far more races over the two days than most had ever done.

“The team were fantastic in keeping each other’s spirits up especially in the dreadful weather. The older, more experienced sailors organised warm-ups and helped explain the course and race rules to the newer members.”

Karen also had a special mention for Pirates newcomers, brothers Brandon and Jayden Walker, who have only been windsurfing for about two months.

Karen added: “The event was a massive step up for most of our competitors. Brandon was struggling to reach the start on his 3.5m2 but he persevered and showed such determination in completing the races, even fitting in some coaching between races in an effort to participate. Jayden also did really well and managed to finish 16th out of 24 in the 3.5mR fleet. We were really proud of the boys.” 

Team15 is the RYA’s youth windsurfing development programme making windsurfing more accessible and appealing to kids aged 15 and under at grassroots level. The regional Inter-Club Challenge Series takes place over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills with the regional winners progressing to represent the region at the Champions Cup.

Duncan Truswell, RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: “It was a great weekend. Even the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors and the standard of windsurfing we saw out on the water all weekend was fantastic.

“The weekend allowed many of the competitors to experience their first taste of competing at a national competition and it was great to see them having fun whilst learning a lot about their racing. We hope they have been inspired to do more and will come back to compete for places in RYA Squad programmes next year.”

There are more than 80 Team15 clubs nationwide. Fun and informal Team15 sessions are held weekly, kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.

Find out how to get involved in Team15 at Pitsford Pirates at www.northamptonwatersports.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More details about Team15 can be found at www.rya.org.uk/programmes/team15 or contact 0845 345 0400.