On Wednesday 6th July, the BUSA team led by Andy Cornah and Mark Lees convincingly beat the American College Allstar team in Sonars at Cowes. After a day of random pairs on Tuesday involving Royal Thames Academy sailors, the Brits and Yanks embarked on their first of five trophy matches, two boat keelboat team racing, to decide the outcome of the 2005 BUSA-ICSA Tour. On what was a breezy day, the race committee decided on cut down mains and no spinnakers for the best of 7 match. BUSA looked to have the first race wrapped up, but a mistake only metres from the finish line handed the race to the American team. BUSA then raised their game to win the next race with a one, two breakaway and followed this up with a further three wins to take the match. The racing was close and the umpire team led by Jack Edwards of RTYC were kept busy.
BUSA will be looking to continue this winning start when they travel North to West Kirby to compete in the second trophy match; three boat team racing in fireflies.
Many thanks to Malcolm McKeag and his team from the Royal Thames for conducting a fantastic opening event for the 2005 Tour.
BUSA team:
Andy Cornah, James Roche, Orwin Murray.
Mark Lees, Dave Royse, Connor Myant.