Paul Wright has recently stepped down from the post of T15 Competition Organiser but is still very much involved with racing. Paul is still helping with the T15 coaching at his local club (Carsington Force XV) and is involved in UKWA regional racing, scooping up all the ex-T15 clubbers as they grow too old for the programme.

How many years have you been windsurfing?
21 years

Where do you windsurf yourself?
Mainly Rutland and Carsington.

What kit do you sail?
No money - no kit!

Best windsurfing moment?
There's a bay called Pont-Mahé near La Baule that's SW facing and flat and baking hot. With my greybeard mate Eric Holt (WFA) a couple of years ago we reached up and down for about 2 hours without a break, flat out, maxed out with Equipe 1 and 2 raceboards and big rigs. We flew by everything, just having fun.

Favourite place you have ever windsurfed – UK & abroad?
In the last 5 years I have windsurfed at Mercury Bay (NZ), Maxwell Beach, St Lucia, St Vincent, La Baule, Yesa, Jullouville, Rhosneigr, and Rutland Water. You could say I move around a bit! Maxwell Beach (Barbados) was the best, apart from the sharks.

Who or what has inspired you the most?
Russ Towns was a tireless leader in promoting the National Junior Scheme back in the 80's and was often working against the prejudice of the 'establishment'. He's still pushing hard today, just look at the rewards!

How long have you been an RYA instructor?
Since 1985 I think.

What motivated you to become and instructor?
Russ said he'd buy me a beer if I went on his course. Then he shouted at me for a whole week.

What's the biggest buzz about instructing?
Watching people laugh.

Have you had any other careers?
Windsurfing's not a career, it's a way of life. I earn money by designing machines and software.

Any hidden talents outside of windsurfing?
I can crash a mountain bike 27 different ways.

Any other Hobbies?
Learning French so I can abuse the in-laws in their own tongue.

Alive or dead, who would you most like to meet?
Nikola Tesla, Slav/US citizen and inventor, because I want to know how he got his incredible ideas.

Any top tips for T15 clubbers?
3.5 and 4.5 rigs are usually not set up properly for low windspeeds. Get someone who knows how to set it up and mark all the settings with a felt tip pen.

Finally, what's the best thing for you about team15?
Sharp competition on the water, great friendships off the water, adults could learn from it.