Hythe Hotshots, defending T15 National Champions proved too hot to handle again last weekend at the T15 Champions Cup (8-9 October). Competing against eight other regional team finalists, Hythe Hotshots successfully defended their title after a great combined team effort which saw all ten members sail consistently well, including three firsts from the five contested fleets. The Champions Cup is the pinnacle of the T15 season with only the best of the UK's teams qualifying for the final.

Competing at Rutland Water, Leicestershire, Hythe Hotshots had a slow start against the best T15 windsurfing talent the UK has to offer, but consistent sailing from the ten strong team, along with some impressive individual performances saw the Hythe Hotshots claim the prestigious youth windsurfing Championship Cup. As well as the Cup the lucky winners were presented with goodie bags containing prizes (kindly donated by Bic Sport, Riks Windsurfing, Tushingham, Starboard and Naish) by windsurfing wave sailing pro and current White Air Champion John Hibbard.

Hythe Hotshots called on family power with brother and sister duo Catriona, 10 and Stuart Hards, 12 as well as siblings Dani, 11 and brother Sam Conroy, 13, proving vital team members.

Younger Hards sister Catriona competed in the smallest fleet, (3.5) whilst Stuart, after discards claimed top spot in all races in the individual 5.5 fleet. Catriona said: "I love going quickly and I have had so much fun this weekend. I can't wait for next year's competition to start and hopefully be back again next year." Stuart added: "I was in the team last year sailing in the 3.5 fleet and finished second overall so it was great to win in the larger 5.5 fleet. Although I am more pleased with the great team effort and win than my individual win."

One of the youngest competitors, Dani Conroy from Hythe, not only came away with the Cup but also picked up an individual merit award. "I have only been windsurfing for a year but I absolutely love it. I love going fast on the waves and having loads of fun out on the water. It was great to win the Cup and Merit, especially as I was up against kids that have been involved in the sport longer - it just goes to show that you can learn to windsurf well really quickly." Older brother Sam, like Stuart also posted firsts in all of his races, including the discards to win the 4.5 fleet.

Mark Brooks, Hythe Hotshots coach was especially pleased with team's performance: "Winning the Champions Cup was quite unexpected as two team members have graduated to the National squad so were unable to compete. We started off slow but some members pulled some amazing performances out of the bag in the last few races of the final day and we were able to sneak ahead to win the Cup. It's great to carry on our winning streak and who knows, perhaps third time lucky next year."

Helen Cartwright, RYA National Windsurfing Coach commented: "The high standard of windsurfing at the Championship Cup is very impressive, especially from those younger members of the teams. The T15 coaches are doing a great job of not only training the kids to this high standard of sailing, but also introducing all the newcomers into the sport. I have seen a lot of new faces amongst the competitors which is also fantastic to see."

For a lot of the kids, the Champions Cup was their first taster of national competition and for those that didn't manage a podium position it was all about taking part, as Helen explains: "Of course the kids from Hythe Hotshots had a great weekend, but T15 is all about participating in windsurfing and you can see from all the smiles on all the kids that everyone had a great time, along with all the coaches and regional co-ordinators."

Around 50 regional teams have regularly competed in this year's T15 championship, taking part in a series of four heats in each of the nine UK zones over the summer. Competing against other locally based T15 teams, only the overall winning nine regional teams are crowned 'Regional Champion' after beating their rivals in the heats. Nearly 100 youngsters competed at the Cup.

To find out where all the T15 teams are based around the UK and to find out how you can join in, follow the link to THE ZONE ZONE.