Oxford and Bristol the champions

A report from the final of the BUSA Team Racing Championship at Datchet Water Sailing Club

33 university teams took part in the 2009 BUSA Team Racing Championship finals at Datchet Water Sailing Club this week.

The progression to the finals for some teams was difficult, with some facing snow and ice and others a trip to the playoffs to win their slot at this prestigious event.

Ben Towell BUSA Chairman commented; "Firstly a big thank you to Tanya and the team at Datchet, who have pulled this event together along with the Inlands under challenging circumstances. This year promises to be a closely contested battle for the title and i look forward to congratulating the champions at the end of the week."

So would Southampton dominate the mixed and Cambridge control the Ladies championships again?

The finals kicked off in perfect sailing conditions allowing everyone to get through a staggering 133 races in the first day. The mixed teams raced three leagues of eight with Exeter 1, Cambridge 1, and Edinburgh 1 winning the respective groups. The Ladies league completed a full round robin, with Durham Ladies in the lead, closely followed by Bristol Ladies in second place.

After a long day of sailing everyone relaxed enjoyed a social in the Windsor Suite enjoying the sunset over the reservoir, before an early start on Thursday. With the lack of wind on the second day, racing was delayed until 11am. The winners of groups completed super gold leagues, with Exeter's 1st Team claiming 1st place and Oxford 1 and Bristol 1 dominating the gold league.

For the final day competitors turned up early for a 9am start to utilise the wind conditions and get the maximum amount of sailing. When the rain cleared and the wind settled everyone enjoyed some competitive quarter finals. Exeter 1 came first in the super gold, with Edinburgh 1 following their lead. In the gold fleet Durham 1 are in the lead followed by Oxford 1. Bristol 1 came 5th in gold and won the playoff against Bath.

Tensions were rising in the ladies league with Bristol 2 competing against Durham 1, and Bristol 1 Vs Southampton, with Bristol 2 coming 1st.

OXFORD 1 WIN!
Matt Podger/Phil Derry
Stuart Adams/Ed Greig-Gran
John Platts-Mills/Federica Nocera

2nd Place - Southampton 1
James Large/Holly Hewat
Tom Sain/Katie Restall
Andy Shaw/Sarah Hickman

Ladies Champions - Bristol 2
Charlotte Savage/Sarah Wickerdon
Helen Rollinson/Lindsey Noakes
Claire Walsh/Louise Fisher