Scottish Student Sailing Team Racing Qualifier 2

Last weekend St Andrew’s University Sailing Club and Scottish Student Sailing teamed up to host the second weekend of Team Racing qualifier. On arrival on Friday evening the sailors were able to experience what St Andrews’ night life has to offer. With most of us reaching our pub destination in town, others found themselves lost on the beach!

Excited to get sailing! (Photograph by Jocelyn Hill)

With Saturday morning came strong winds of 20 gusting 40 knots, so the reefing began straight away! The late start gave the teams some much needed recovery time to indulge in the toasties and coffee being fired out by the amazing kitchen team, so that by launching time they were all in fighting form. First team had a close first race of the day, after a decent start they had a 1-3 around mark 3 before it all went wrong around the final mark. The next 3 races were won convincingly which was enough to secure their spot in platinum.

First team getting ahead (Photograph by Jocelyn Hill)

Second team started the day strong with a 123 and despite a small smashy mishap they ended the day securely in Gold league. Third team had less luck in the pools stage on day one with high winds proving to be a challenge. Third team remained positive and were placed in Bronze league at the end of the day.

Race results from the pools stage (Scottish Student Sailing)

On Saturday night most of Glasgow dressed as their favourite ‘Retro Icon’ Freddie Mercury for a bogie in St. Andrew’s Union whilst the rest of them rushed back to Glasgow for GUSA ball.

The light winds on Sunday proved tricky for first team as their starting tactics broke down and they struggled with boat speed. After a disappointing day they found themselves in the playoff to maintain a spot in platinum which will be sailed at SSS3.

Smiles for second team securing their spot in Gold League (Photograph by Jocelyn Hill)

Second team had another strong start with 2 wins, then an unfortunate loss to Strathclyde 3. With the dying wind they weren’t able to sail their final Gold league race of the day and ended the weekend comfortably in Gold. Third team bounced back in the lighter breeze of day two, winning a race and really pushing towards a win as the wind died out on the weekends sailing.

League results and Playoff races (Scottish Student Sailing)

The teams return to Lochore next weekend for the third and final SSS team racing qualifier hosted by Edinburgh University Sailing Club and Scottish Student Sailing.