Sprites Want More of the Same 

Spray looking to repeat Team15 round one success but rivals have other ideas

Spray Sprites team of young windsurfers will be looking for more of the same when they head to Rye Watersports in East Sussex for round two of the Team15 South East Inter-Club Challenge Series on Sunday 23 June.

The Sprites, who won back-to-back regional titles to qualify for the national Team15 Champions Cup grand final in 2010 and 2011, claimed the early bragging rights at the opening round of the 2013 series on their home waters in Eastbourne last month, and the youngsters have got the taste for victory.

Team15 is the RYA’s youth windsurfing development programme helping make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to kids aged 15 and under at grassroots level. The Team15 Inter-Club Challenge Series takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills.

Four regional rounds are contested with the Team15 South East crown and a place in October’s national Team15 Champions Cup final at stake.

Especially notable performances from 3.5m class winner, Megan Kraft (3.5m class), and Luke Williams, Louis Miles-Coppard and Oscar Williams, who all claimed second spots, helped the Sprites’ bid to re-claim the regional title off to a winning start.

But the Sprites are likely to have their work cut out at Rye with 2012 regional and national champions, Hythe Hotshots, gunning to get back on level terms with their closest rivals with two events to go after the Rye showdown. Host club, the ever-improving Rye Rebels, will also be looking to have their say after picking up third spot in Eastbourne.

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.

To find out more about Team15 visit www.rya.org.uk/programmes/team15 or contact 0845 345 0400.