Students sail to success
Southampton Solent University's yachting team is celebrating winning the 2008 British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) Yachting National Championship for the third year in a row.
The crew braved the elements and successfully defended its national title after an exciting and challenging week of eight races on the Solent. By winning the long inshore race, it ensured Southampton Solent University was crowned national champions for the seventh time in nine years!
The University has firmly established its position as the premier yachting institution in the yachting sector. The winning team was coached by Niall Myant, and skippered by Chris Evens and crew - Paul Childs, Shane Hughs, Henry Bagnell, Ben Pym, Nick Blevins, Laura Newnham and Hannah Burywood. The team will now go on to compete in France for the Student Yachting World Cup in autumn.
Chris said:
"We are over the moon about our victory, the whole team has worked really hard for this and we are eager to continue our success at the Student Yachting World Cup later in the year."
Thirty two teams, from universities all over Great Britain, battled it out over four days of racing, with Southampton Solent University dominating the competition, with both Southampton Solent University student teams taking first and second place.
Director of Sport Solent, Phil Green, added:
"I am extremely proud of the sailing team. Their hard work and determination has paid off yet again."
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