A youngster from Portscatho, who was awarded a windsurf board by the John Merricks Sailing Trust last September to aid his windsurfing development, was part of the winning team competing at the Cornwall Team15 Windsurf event hosted by Siblyback Lake on 5 June.
Max Beaman and his team, the Roseland Wave Riders, beat the Stithians All Stars and Siblyback Water Warriors in a close competition in near perfect summer conditions.
The action-packed day included no fewer than five races as well as the Sibly Slalom Skills Challenge, which tested their board-handling skills. Roseland Wave Riders were the winners, by a narrow margin, and in the skills challenge, Max was first boy, while Georgia Stolliday from Siblyback triumphed as first girl.
Max was delighted with his performance: "We had a great time at the Siblyback T15 event. The RYA coaches were brilliant throughout the day and really encouraged everyone to improve their skills. I wasn't expecting the wind to be so good and managed to get planing in the afternoon! The Roseland Waveriders had a good turnout and we managed to win the event which was great.
"I am using the Techno kit I was awarded two to three times a week at the moment and I feel my windsurfing is constantly improving. My next event is the second round of the UKWA Inland Cup at Datchet so I am hoping I can do well there, although that is a national event, so it is going to be a bit harder!"
The young windsurfers were also inspired by Joe Parrot, a former Siblyback Water Warrior and ex-national Techno squad, who was practising on an RS:X during the day. Joe came 9th in the RYA Youth Nationals at Easter.
The event was run by Becki Hayward from Siblyback Lake and assisted by the RYA's Duncan West and Tim Cross, and the Committee boat was run by Joe Parrot's dad, Julian, who volunteered on the day and was a great encouragement to the young sailors. The next Cornwall T15 event will be on 9 July at Stithians Lake.
Team15 is a network of clubs across the UK for young windsurfers who want to share their passion and improve their skills. Find out more at www.rya.org.uk/programmes/team15.