Spinnaker takes victory

Light winds dominated the UK Ladies Team Racing National Championship

The UK Ladies Team Racing National Championship began in tricky conditions at Spinnaker SC, as light shifty winds dominated the first day of racing.

The top three slots in the first round robin – which was divided into two leagues - were taken by Bristol, Oxford and Southampton one respectively, Sevenoaks won league two.

Following the first round robin boats were seeded into gold and silver leagues. A sail off for the final gold league places took place leaving Cambridge Renegades and Spinnaker Scallywags going through.

Competitors awoke on Sunday Morning to a total lack of wind so the inevitable decision came to postpone racing. Eventually a steady breeze began to creep over the lake and racing could get underway. The gold league was won by Oxford putting them, Bristol and Spinnaker Scallywags into the semi finals. Racing in the silver league was extremely close with London eventually coming out on top, beating Cambridge one and winning the chance to race Southampton one for the final place in the semi finals. In the single race sail off London beat Southampton one and so went through to race against Oxford for a chance to go through to the final.

The semi final between Bristol and Spinnaker Scallywags went down to the last race with Spinnaker eventually coming out on top in what was a very close semi final. Oxford also won their semi final over London and went on to meet Spinnaker in the final.

The final was very hotly contested but it was Spinnaker Scallywags who eventually took the first two races and claimed the title Ladies Team Racing National Champions.

All the competitors agreed that it had been a fantastic event in trying conditions, and also extended their thanks to sponsors Joules clothing for providing fantastic prizes.

Results:

1-Spinnaker Sailing Club
2-Oxford University Ladies