Howard Reynolds Jones

It is with great sadness and regret that we mark the passing of Howard Reynolds Jones who died last week.

Howard was the previous Chairman of RYA North West Region Executive Committee and past Commodore of West Kirby S.C. and a great servant to sailing in the North West.

NW Region Executive Committee Meetings

 The next meeting of the Regional Committee is at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at 1930.

 Representatives of all RYA North West Region affiliated clubs are most welcome.

SUNSHINE SPARKLES ON WINDSURFING’S “HIDDEN GEM”

A “hidden gem in the windsurfing world” was the verdict on new venue Watergrove Reservoir near Rochdale after its debut event in the RYA T15 interclub series, held on Saturday 28^th June.  Six teams came to West Pennine Sailboard Club to enjoy an excellent day’s competition, with plenty of sunshine, while good winds were guaranteed by the Reservoir’s position high up on the edge of the Pennines. T15 windsurfing clubs are based all over the UK, and are for kids up to the age of 15 to learn to windsurf and to race.

T15 teams came from all over the West Zone for this, the second event in the RYA T15 West Zone 2010 interclub series. Competition was in four different classes, using different sizes of sail. Most popular was the beginners’ class, the 3.5 metre class, showing that plenty of newcomers are joining in the fun at local T15 clubs.  Coming top out of the 17 entrants was William Mooney, who took five of the seven races for West Kirby, with his team mate Oliver Eastwood in second place. Ruth Bell made her long journey from Windermere worthwhile taking third place, while two of her Windermere Ruffwinds team mates, Alex Aspinwall- Livesey and Jonathan Tramp took Merit prizes.

The 4.5 metre class had a real battle between Zone squad sailor Zed Spencer Milnes and Isaac Bradley Baker. Isaac was leading a number of the races, before being overtaken by Zed, who took the class for the Manley Mere Katz. Isaac and Samson King took second and third for the West Kirby Warriors.

West Kirby’s Rupert Trambusti made short work of the 5.8 metre class with four wins in six races, but competition was very tight behind him. Isaac Callaghan of West Kirby took silver after tying on points with Max Webb of Team Astbury.

In the 6.8 Techno class, it was a very close contest between Mark Reynolds of Team Astbury and Scott Collins of Manley Mere Katz. Mark managed three wins to Scott’s two, to prevail, while Joash Knight of West Kirby Warriors in third made sure his team was on this podium, as in all the other classes.

The Warriors’ consistency across the classes helped them to take the team prize to win their second event of the season, ahead of Team Astbury in second. Hollingworth Hunters, who now use the West Pennine venue as a second sailing water, took third.

There were plenty of excellent individual performances, and Ian Roberts, Head Coach for West Zone Windsurfing was at the event to talent spot for new people to join his squad. Ian, who stayed on to do some coaching the following day, said, “I was particularly impressed with the standard of starts on all courses.”

Next event in the T15 West Zone series is at Glossop and District Sailing Club, on 10^th July.

Supported by industry leaders Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine, Neil Pryde and Boardwise, T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level.

Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches. The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.

To get involved with Team15 and locate your nearest local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400.