EUSC: Here Comes the Boom

First Crew Member, Lucy Goff, reports on EUSC’s latest action.

EUSC South West South West Qualifiers

 

It was far from plain sailing for Exeter University Sailing Club at the South West South West Qualifiers for the BUSA/BUCS Team Racing Championships as we tasted both success and defeat in one weekend.
 
Exeter was well represented with our 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams squaring off with 18 others from around the region, vying for a place at the finals.
The competition was tight with only 5 teams going straight to the finals and the subsequent 4 qualifying for playoffs.
 
Upon arrival the lake was frozen and the weather for the rest of the weekend was particularly difficult with snow and very little wind meeting already cold sailors on the Saturday afternoon.
 
The firsts consisted of Jason Saints, Sophie Knight, Harrison Hodgkins, Lucy Goff, Matt Rainback and Freya Adams – the team didn’t have the most convincing start losing to favourites Bristol and Bath but after warming up (literally!) the number of race wins grew.
 
At the end of the first day, as the snow was settling, we were in a strong position with the seconds also in contention.
The thirds put in a strong effort but unfortunately failed to place as well as they would have hoped.
 
The second day saw very little sailing due to light winds; Exeter 1s’ only race was a convincing win against Cardiff that left us tied for second place – to our dismay however this was with five other teams!
After a tense wait it was confirmed we were joint 4th and had therefore qualified.
 
The seconds performed well on the second day finishing 7th that both luckily and unluckily means a mammoth trip to Glasgow for playoffs where they stand a very high chance of qualifying for the Team Racing Championships in April.
 
All in all a very successful weekend against stiff competition and in freezing conditions – well done EUSC!