The Siblyback Water Warriors came out on top when 27 keen windsurfers aged between 9 and 15 competed in the first RYA Team15 event of the year at Siblyback Lake on Sunday (20 May).  

On a day that started cloudy and cold, the Roseland Wave Riders and the Polkerris Pirates put up a spirited fight during the racing, with parents supplying lots of support for all competitors from the shore.   Siblyback’s William Tamblyn (13), sailing in the 3.5m fleet, was given the merit award, after he started the day in the beginners fleet and progressed to the main fleet after just one race, putting in an impressive performance.  

Joe Parrot (13, Siblyback) dominated his class (4.5) and got bullets in every race, despite some tussles at the finish with team mate Charlie Hickman (12) and Polkerris Pirate Adam Phipps (12).

“These three boys like a good fight for the prizes”, said Marianne Bryan, RYA T15 Competition Organiser.  

Josephine Spencer and Megan Massey (both 11 and from Siblyback) only started windsurfing at the at the end of last season but have been practising all winter. Good friends off the water, they were battling each other for places on the water, and ended up finishing  7th and 8th respectively in the 4.5 class.  

In the 5.8m class, the four competitors each scored the same points in every race – first place went to Siblyback’s Jacob Henning (15), second to team mate Ben Redgrove (15) and third to Roseland’s Paul Carbis (14).  

Despite their win, the Water Warriors didn’t have it all their own way. Roseland’s Scarlett Croft (12) took first place in the 3.5 class with Oscar Sioufi (12) coming second and Lowenna Williams (12) from Polkerris in third.

And in the 6.8 Techno class, the Roseland Wave Riders had a clean sweep, with Ross Warren (12) in first place, Joshua Croft (14) in second and Lucy Grayston (13) coming third. A spokesman from the Polkerris Pirates described the day as:

“Brilliant, tiring and fun. All but two of our team managed to collect themselves a trophy whether it was due to their racing expertise or just outright determination to win their own personal battle on the race course! So we reckon that is pretty good!”  

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.