Eastbourne's Spray Sprites heading to national final 

The fourth and final round of the RYA’s Team15 inter-club championship in the South East Zone took place on Sunday 11 September at the Aquasports Company, Surrey.

With this round deciding which one of the teams would make it through to the national final in October the competition was set to heat up between the two leading teams, Spray Sprites and Hythe Hotshots. There were close battles in all fleets and the tension on the sidelines was evident, it certainly can be said that the battle between Spray Sprites and Hythe Hotshots was intriguing and exciting for everyone, competitors and spectators alike.

Spray Sprites, sponsored by Neil Pryde, proved to be the team with the best performances on the water in challenging conditions and managed to not successfully defend their lead but also secure the much sought after place in the Team15 Champions Cup.

After an overcast start with gusty winds, the day brightened up and the wind filled in, with gusts of 20-25 knots being measured in the more exposed areas of the lake.

Highlights from the fourth round included the performances of Stefan Gorzynski from Spray Sprites, aged 15, who put in a consistent display in a hotly contested fleet to take a well earned 4th place. Zara Petts, 13, from Hythe Hotshots also put in a performance worth highlighting. Zara stepped up to the 5.8m fleet and took bullets in 3/5 races, achieving 2nd place in the two other races. Racing alongside the 6.8m fleet, she was consistently in the top 2/3 finishers from both fleets and her victory in the 3.5m fleet was well deserved.

Merit Awards were awarded to Miro Alleyne-McCarthy, 7, from Bewl Blasters, Gavin Jackson, 15, from Aquasports Aquanauts, and Catriona Hards, 15, from Hythe Hotshots for determination and persistence along with ever present smiling faces.

Catriona Hards commented on receiving her award: ‘Wow, I have not had one of these for years. I am so going to miss Team15!’

The following eight teams from the South East have been competing in this year’s championship: Aqua Sports Aquanauts, Bewl Blasters, Hythe Hotshots, Spray Sprites, Lagoon Aqua Badgers, 2XS Rippers, Rye Rebels and Bewl Vallep Vipers.

Overall Results from RYA South East Zone Team15 – Round 4 (to 3rd place):

3.5m class:

1. Zoe Fossett (Aqua Sports Aquanauts) 2. Oscar Williams (Spray Sprites) 3. Max Howitt (Hythe Hotshots)

4.5m class:

1. Luke Williams (Spray Sprites) 2. Guy Carney (Hythe Hotshots) 3. Alfie Mason (Spray Sprites)

5.8m class:

1. Zara Petts (Hythe Hotshots) 2. Finn Howard (Spray Sprites) 3. Hannah Williams (Spray Sprites)

Techno 6.8m class:

1. Josh Miles (Spray Sprites) 2. Jenna Canterbury (Hythe Hotshots) 3. Jake Roberts (Spray Sprites)

South East Zone Team Results 2011 with overall points:

1. Spray Sprites, Neil Pryde (48)

2. Hythe Hotshots (66)

3. Aqua Sports Aquanauts, Tushingham (194)

4. Bewl Blasters (218)

5. Rye Rebels (225)

6. Bewl Vally Vipers (256)

6. Lagoon Aqua Badgers (256)

6. 2XS Rippers (256)

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, Team15 (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.