NATIONAL windsurfing champions Hythe Hotshots had to settle for fifth place defending their title at Rutland Water.

More than 100 youngsters were in action for the culmination of the RYA’s Team15 National Championship – The Champions Cup – for one of the most closely contested finals in the championship’s history.

Hythe, champions in 2005 and 2006, were again chosen to represent the South East region this year, hoping to make it a hat-trick, but after two frustrating light wind days, they struggled to make inroads with west zone’s Team Astbury, from Cheshire, crowned 2007 champions.

With light winds and few races to demonstrate their skill, tactics and stamina proved vital for the teams with just seven points separating the top four teams.