NSSA Team Racing Championships at Bury Lake Young Mariners

Thirty-two sailing teams from across the country took part in the National School Sailing Association’s Team Racing Championships © James Hamilton

Thirty-two sailing teams from across the country took part in the National School Sailing Association’s Team Racing Championships © James Hamilton

Oxford A win the National School Sailing Association’s Team Racing Championships © James Hamilton

Oxford A win

Last weekend, thirty-two sailing teams from across the country took part in the National School Sailing Association’s Team Racing Championships, which were held this year at Bury Lake in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. The event was organised for the NSSA by Hertfordshire Youth Dinghy Race Squad and Bury Lake Young Mariners and was supported by local and national companies Cadbury Schweppes, Clamcleats, Crest of a Wave, Crewsaver, Fitzpatrick and Tentorium Marquees.

Around 150 short races were held each day in mostly breezy conditions and by Sunday afternoon, Oxford A, Yorkshire & Humberside, Worcester A and Kent B had reached the semi finals. The final was contested by Oxford A and Yorkshire & Humberside, with the Oxford A team of Guy Stephens, Imogen Stanley, Hermione Stanley securing a decisive 2-0 victory. Prizes generously donated by Clamcleats and Crest of a Wave were awarded to Oxford A, Yorkshire & Humberside and the first junior team of Northamptonshire. The prize for the Best Improver was awarded to the Derbyshire B team.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Chairman of Three Rivers District Council, officiated at the prize giving. He said: "I am delighted that Bury Lake Young Mariners have hosted this event at the Aquadrome, and it is wonderful to see so many talented young sailors from all over the country competing in the most significant sailing event to be held in Three Rivers. I congratulate them all."

It was the first time that Bury Lake had held such a large sailing event and for many of the sailors, it was their first experience at Team Racing. They clearly enjoyed the weekend and learnt a great deal.

Roger Edwardson, Chairman of the NSSA, said: “It’s great to see a club like Bury Lake rise to the occasion and deliver such a high-profile event. We are extremely grateful to HYDRS, BLYM, Jon Sweet and Craig Johnson for their hard work.”

Event organisers Jon Sweet and Craig Johnson, who both learnt to sail at Bury Lake around 15 to 20 years ago, said: “We have spent a lot of time planning this event over the last year. It was great to see all the hard work finally pay off and all the young people enjoying the weekend of sailing. We look forward to going to Northamptonshire next year!”