British University Sailing Association 2025 Yachting Nationals
by Tom Clayton 29 Apr 16:41 AEST
14-17 April 2025
British University Sailing Association 2025 Yachting Nationals © Matt Taylor, matt_b_taylor
Monday 14th April
Day 1 saw the 13 boat strong fleet hit the waves bright and early for what was looking to be a glamorous start to the week. Racing began with a windward leeward, and with the fleet split between going right for wind and left for tide, places were tight and gains were big. Bristol's last minute team entry managed to shoot up the rankings in the second beat - earning them the first bullet of the series.
The following races followed a similar style, with tacticians shaking their heads all day long, and Mason the coach shaking his even harder. The final round the cans race was widely regarded amongst the race committee and competitors as one of the closest and most exciting races in BUCS Yachting history, with tidal gains meaning smooth gybes and a good knowledge of local race marks was pivotal for victory.
After a hefty 2.5hrs of racing in race 3 of the day, the teams returned to the Hamble for a competitive quiz night where each team had prepared a round of fascinating trivia.
Tuesday 15th April
Day 2 started with more tidal fun and games, with some teams underestimating the speed of the tide pushing them over the line, or in some cases into the committee boat. Indeed some teams got so into prestart upwind practice they weren't able to punch tide downwind fast enough to make the gun! A game of snakes and ladders ensued for the rest of the day, with podium positions being spread across the fleet. A slightly shorter round the cans lead the teams to a finish in Cowes with plenty of time to prepare for the highlight of the week - the Black Tie Social hosted by the Island Sailing Club.
Wednesday 16th April
After a (dark and) stormy night, day 3 greeted the somewhat bleary eyed competitors with gusts of over 30 knots leading to a much appreciated AP by the race committee. Fortunately, the forecasted rain appeared to have passed overnight along with the worst of the wind and, after only a short delay, the fleet were released into a stunningly sunny but punchy force 6. Two reefs and a short chop lead to refreshing wake ups for the bow teams in full winter kit, while the trimmers were hard at work in t-shirts, pushing the cruisers to their limits. A short race one in the shelter of Osbourne Bay led to tight racing with an emphasis on boat speed and lay lines.
Race two of the day took its sweet time to begin, with two general recalls needed to get the enthusiastic fleet on their way behind the line. As a result of the maintained wind speeds, the decision was taken not to run the coastal race leaving race three and the final race of the day to be a race round the cans back to the Hamble with tough tidal conditions and wind against tide pushing the teams to their limits even without spinnakers. Indeed fresher representatives from some teams pushed even harder - participating in the bake off during the final round the cans. Congratulations to the freshers from UEA for victory in the bake off as well as a solid race performance.
Thursday 17th April
Day 4 started early, with the release signal being an hour earlier than previously to maximise time on the water. Despite promising wind as the fleet made their way out of the Hamble river the puff died down to just 3-4 knots and the AP was raised. Nevertheless, spirits remained high and teams waited dutifully, and were soon rewarded with building force 3 and the final race of the series was squeezed into the morning. UEA took the final bullet, securing their overall victory and well deserved first race win, after an incredibly consistent week of only carrying seconds and third places. After a slow start the seemingly unstoppable force of the Southampton Yachting team took silver, followed by Portsmouth in third place. Edinburgh took home the John Derbyshire Trophy as the 1st placed Scottish team.
Special mention to team Bristol who, despite not being eligible for BUCS rankings, had led the event most of the week and ended in second place overall. Finally a big thank you to Simon and Mike for another year of mark laying, Mason for returning as coach, Prue, Jimbo and all those at Fairview, and Matt Taylor for stepping in at the last minute as RIB driver and impromptu event photographer.