The weekend of the 29th Feb - 2nd March saw the first ever SWA Core event run in London by Imperial College.

With the amazing backdrop of the Natural History Museum and the Albert Hall for the parties at Imperial College Union and the views over Windsor Castle at sailing location, Datchet Water, the event was run in true London Style! Plenty of Demo Kit was on hand from Boardwise and new sponsors Severne Sails and perfect conditions combined with adrenaline packed racing and high flying freestyle made for a fantastic weekend.

 

High Octane Figure of 8 slalom was the call for Sundays racing. The standard of the fleet was impressive in both the men’s and women’s. Al Graham’s (Southampton) superior consistency and experience on the race course powered him to 1^st place and stretches his lead in the running for the overall series. Sarah Bibby’s (Southampton) performance in the women’s fleet added to Southampton’s dominance in the racing proving that they are, once again, going to be a force to reckon with at this years BUSA national. However, all is not set in stone as newcomer Baptiste Labat (Imperial) displayed some lightning pace on the race course but was unfortunately let down by his starts which proved crucial in the short course racing format.

 

 

The 3^rd round of freestyle was held in perfect planing conditions with one of the strongest fleets ever present at an SWA competition. UK Pro Mens fleet Sailor, Nick Moffat (Bath Spa) was unlucky not to advance to the final despite an awesome first heat with clean loops and flakas. Eventually it was Joe O’Callaghan (St Mary’s) who rose to the challenge to beat Chris Beng (Imperial) in the final with huge variation of both planing and non planing tricks. Tough competition all round leaves the overall Freestyle crown open for the taking over the next two events.

Things are hotting up for the lovely ladies of the SWA. Liss Earle (Exeter) has been preforming consistently throughout the series in all three disciplines throughout the year. However, with top honours at both Avon in the waves and London on the race course, Sarah Bibby (Southampton) is starting to come to form and mount a challenge for the women’s league title. Jess Longley (Imperial) also put in a good effort on home ground to finish in a well deserved 2^nd place in the racing at Datchet at London’s Core Event.

The London event was sponsored by the SWA Sponsors, Datchet Watersports, Aquasports and Sport Imperial.