BUCS Fleets 2023
As the cars full of hungover students rolled into Helensburgh Sailing Club on Saturday morning, it was immediately apparent that we wouldn’t be launching quite as early as hoped, however pretty the glassy water of Gare Loch was. When a light breeze floated through in the early afternoon we all excitedly launched into the 4 knots, before what can only be described as one of the most chaotic race attempts I can remember. Special mention to Callum Bell (Strathclyde) for building a lead of about half a lap in the lap and a half we completed drifting around before abandonment. The early finish left us plenty of time to get ready for the nights ceilidh, a first ceilidh for many competitors and one of the best Saturday night socials BUCS Sailing has ever seen.
As competitors arrived more or less on time to the early Sunday start they were greeted with champagne conditions, a 15 knot easterly and the autumn sun shining. The handicap fleet were first to set off, with the 420 of Ollie Meadowcroft and Oliver Rayner (Exeter) disappearing into the distance, leaving the RS 200s and the Wayfarer to have some close competitive racing, a theme which continued through the 4 races. The firefly fleet had a close three way battle between Steve Carver (UEA), and brothers Ben (Loughborough) and Jamie (Exeter) Tylecote, with Ben coming out on top winning 3 of the 4 races, and Jamie narrowly beating Steve on countback. After the tired competitors had completed all the races Exeter came out on top in both Men’s and Women’s team competition. A massive thanks to Helensburgh Sailing Club and all members of Strathclyde for hosting a great all-round event.
