The RYA's West Zone Team15 interclub series finished with a bang this weekend (Saturday 6th Sept) when over 50 windsurfers congregated at Manley for the final event of the year.  This was the best turnout ever in the West zone as Team15 (T15) continues to fire the imagination of youngsters in the area.

There was plenty of new blood coming into the sport. Hosts Manley Mere Katz mustered the biggest team allowed with 15 sailors, as did West Kirby Warriors and defending regional champions Team Astbury, while both Hollingworth Hunters and the far flung Windermere Rufwinds brought six person teams, meaning that all 6 counted towards the team score.

20 youngsters fought for the class prize in the 3.5 metres. West Kirby managed a one two in this class, with Rupert Trambusti winning the class despite only winning one race in this very competitive class. Team mate Isaac Bradley Baker, aged just 9, took second, while Manley's Rebecca Thompson just got better and better as the afternoon went on. She took the last two races to gain third place, just two points behind the winner. Henry Andrew of the Windermere Rufwinds also did very well in his first T15 event to take fourth in this class.

In the 4.5 metres, Tomos Bulkeley from Manley almost achieved a perfect score while overcoming an 18 strong fleet. Four wins and a second gave him a clear win from Edward Wardle of Astbury, with Manley's Scott Collins in third.

In 5.5 metres, Oliver Bradley Baker backed up his younger brother's efforts in the 3.5 metres, but managed to go one better to win his class from fellow West Kirby sailor Sam Coldham.

West Kirby piled more points on the scoreboard when Charlie Lloyd took a clear win in the 6.8 metres, from Astbury’s Jack Green. But it was Astbury’s turn in the 6.8 metre Techno, when Jack Bailey fought off West Kirby's Joash Knight, finishing just a point ahead.

With wins in three classes, West Kirby Warriors had added a fourth successive event win to complete an unbeaten year. Team Astbury came second, with Manley Mere Katz third. West Kirby now go forward to the Champions Cup in October to meet top clubs from other regions and home nations.

Organiser Mike Roberts was delighted with the growing turnout,"56 sailors was an all time record for the West Zone (and maybe anywhere? - confirmed: Ed). It made for a tremendous spectacle. West Kirby Warriors now have the chance to match the success of last year’s winners Team Astbury at the Champions Cup."