Over 250 sailors will be heading south for the British University Sailing Association Fleet Racing Nationals to be held in the new Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on the 6/7th November 2004.
With 32 different universities represented at this year?s Nationals, the competition for BUSportA points will be close. With some of last year?s medallists attending, and many new students coming to Uni from the RYA Youth Squad programme, we can expect a challenging competition! We can hope for two good days of racing and some excellent socials, of course!
The Laser, Firefly and Laser 2 fleet entries are up this year, with almost double the number of Firefly sailors!
The Laser 2 fleet has always been one of the most prestigious fleets to win. Last years winners, Paul Smalley and James Tingle from Warwick University, won it by 5 points, with 2 bullets in the last two races. This year James has teamed up with Matt Wright in the hope of keeping the title for a further year. But 2003 runners-up from Bath University Rob Shorrocks and Tim Riley, will certainly give them fierce competition.
In the Laser fleet, the ones to watch are the Exeter University team, with 5 entries, including last year?s runner up Charles Bailey-Strong, who is currently ranked 6th on the Laser Standard Ladder. The others to watch out for from Exeter are Nick Thompson and Andy Brooks, who are ranked 8th and 10th in the UK.
The Handicap fleet last year was dominated by single-handers, taking the top 3 slots. This year?s entry list includes 18 RS boats [200/300/400/600/800s], and a variety of 420s & B14s as well as a Cherub! This will be an exciting fleet to watch!
At the end of the weekend the team prize will be awarded to the university who?s nominated team members perform the best during the races. Last year?s winner, Exeter, will be defending their title from Bath, London and Warwick who where close on their heels last year.
Reports, results and photos will be put on the BUSA website.
For further information about BUSailingA please contact Jessica Mapplebeck
Tel: 02380 604 167 E: busa@rya.org.uk