Southampton Institute prepare their defence

BUSA Student Yacht Nationals to take place next week

Following their outstanding performance in winning the Student Yachting World Cup in October, Southampton Institute's student yachting team are preparing to defend their British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) Student Yachting Nationals title.

The BUSA Yachting Nationals are being hosted by Sport Solent, Southampton Institute's Sport and Recreation Service at the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble from 21-24 March.

The event will see 28 university crews competing in four days of racing, introducing approximately 200 students to the winning environment of Southampton Institute. The competition is made up of eight races and this year's races are set to be the most exciting yet, with the skillful Race Management of the Royal Southern Yacht Club's Chief Race Officers Tony Lovell and Andrew Webster.

The two Institute's eight-man crews are all current students at Southampton Institute. With only one change to last year's winning team, the team is looking as strong as ever to defend the title.

The Institute is now firmly established as the premier yachting institution in the university sector, winning the BUSA Student Yachting Nationals four times in the last five years and are current champions. They have represented England four times at the Student Yachting World Cup and as well as being current world champions, they have produced outstanding performances to come second in 2000 and 2003 and third in 2001.

Susan Hanley Sport Solent Events and Planning Officer, comments: "In recognition of it's yachting excellence, Sport Solent was successful in winning the bid to host the Student Yachting Nationals. The strength of the bid was based on the knowledge and experience of staff in SRS, the student sailing team and the collaboration with the Royal Southern Yacht Club who will be responsible for the race management."

Chief Race Officer Tony Lovell adds: "Due to the highly competitive nature of the fleet, the Royal Southern Yacht Club have ordered a new stock of I, Z and Black Penalty Flags!"