The 2012 South Zone Team15 Inter-Club Championship got under way at Queen Mary Reservoir on May 19 with high hopes and expectations, as young windsurfers took to the water in the first event since Oxford Zoomers narrowly held onto their 2011 Regional Champions title ahead of new challengers Axbridge Animals.  

With host team the Queen Mary Skimmers facing further strong competition from Poole Allstars and Calshot Flyers the scene was set for an exciting start to the 2012 windsurfing season.  

A busy scene greeted sailors at registration, but as the wind failed to settle on any one direction or strength some practice sailing was all that eager competitors could enjoy in the morning. At lunch new course and race formats were organized; the afternoon’s racing would consist of some simple yet exciting drag racing out and back with speed being the key.  

The sailors took to the water to do some close quarter battle, with their teammates gathered ashore to cheer them on. The absence of wind provided no lack of spectacle and the racing provided some very close and exciting starts and finishes.  

As the results came in it was impossible to see which of the teams would take the days honours, with fleet wins for Poole Flyers in the 3.5m class courtesy of Kharis Waite, and Queen Mary Skimmers taking the win in the 4.5m fleet with an outstanding sail from Hugo Thomas.

The 5.8m fleet victory went to Isabel Ashman of Oxford Zoomers, and Lou Brown of Axbridge Animals rounded out the first places in the 6.8m fleet. A different team winning every fleet was a first for the South Zone and indication of just how tight it can be at the top.   

With the wind failing to build on early promise an end to racing was called with one race per fleet completed, and it was reigning champions the Oxford Zoomers who had just done enough to take the event win and set themselves up for a flying start to the season.

Axbridge Animals were only just behind in the runners up position, followed by the host team Queen Mary Skimmers, Poole's Academy Allstars and the newly rejuvenated Calshot Flyers.  

The Zoomer’s Isobel Ashman (15) said: “The Oxford Zoomers were lucky enough to compete at the Champions Cup in 2011, so we all know what a fantastic event it is, and we really want to qualify again in 2012.

Winning the first event was a great start; it could have been anyone's day.  There's a long way to go, but we'll be trying our hardest!”  

Race Officer and Team15 Competition Organizer Chris Lewis was pleased to see great racing and performance in such testing conditions: "The sailors did very well today, for a while it looked like we may not have any racing, but a break in the weather got all fleets out. The conditions are tough on days like this and they really test the sailors’ ability, nerve and concentration. I'm really looking forward to the next event where I know the sailors will be looking to improve and post some impressive results."  

The next event will be at Farmoor Reservoir, Oxford, on the 16 June 2012, where the other South Zone teams will be looking to spoil the Oxford Zoomers’ party and get their campaigns back on a winning track.  

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard 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 get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.