And just like that, the season ended. It feels like yesterday we were pitching tents in a field in Cambridgeshire and now the series has drawn to a close.

Finishing out the event series in Bristol the weekend started as all do with a warm introduction and then off into town to reunite with friends from up and down the country. We got to the Brass Pig for a few more relaxed drinks than the SWA usually had, after all it was racing in the morning. Before too long, everyone was off to bed.

Early start the next morning with bacon (or vegan sausage) sandwiches before heading off to Bowmoor Sailing club. Debrief done, the advance racers got out on to the water. After a couple of false starts, racing was underway and after several rounds of heats Ben Tweedle (Warwick) came first, Matthew Carey (Bristol) came second, and Paul Le Bret (Exeter) came third in the men’s race. In the women’s race, Kate Hatcher (Exeter) came first, Tasha Bateman (Bristol) came second, Catrin Williams (Exeter) came third, Josie Spencer (Southampton) came fourth, and Georgia Stolliday (Swansea) came fifth.

A quick turnaround meant that soon the intermediate races were underway. In the men’s race Josh Davies (Bristol) came first, Matt Firth (Exeter) came second, and Daniel Perrin (Sheffield) came third. In the women’s race, Reid Shrubsole (Liverpool) came first, Grace Main (Southampton) came second, and Holly McManus (Liverpool) came third.

Concurrent to this the beginners race was underway at a different part of the res. In the men’s race, Jacob Meshler (Loughborough) came first, Benjamin Milne (Bristol) came second, and Craig Stanton (Liverpool) came third. In the women’s beginner’s race Isabelle Martin (Bristol) and Caterine Howe (Liverpool) came first, and Ella Hodson (Sheffield) Vivienne Lewis (Sheffield) came third. On shore Leo Calnan treated us to tunes all day and we were also treated to some yoga. 

After a very packed day, it was time to head back to the hosts’ houses for pizza, predrinks, and some relaxation before getting into costumes and heading to Take5 Café. Here Hugo Taylor and Leo Calnan took to the decks giving the right music to boogie.

The next morning was a significantly slower start as there was a less packed day. Once down at Bowmoor, freestyle got underway. This was then followed by team racing. We also got to experience Bristols famous Jelly Wrestling.

Before long it was time for prize giving and to find out the series results. In the men’s series Cameron Barr (Southampton) came first, Maximillian Latoy (Bristol) came second, and Harry Porteous (Swansea) came third. In the female series Georgia Stolliday (Swansea) came first, Katrina Patterson (Birmingham) came second, Catriona Lindsay (Edinburgh) came third.

In freestyle Georgia Stolliday (Swansea) came first, Cameron Barr (Southampton) came second, and Isobel Roberts (Bristol) came third. Finally, for team racing Birmingham came first Bristol came second and Swansea came third.

A couple of thank yous also need to be given. First to Bristol for hosting and doing an amazing job running this event. Second to Bowmoor Sailing Club for being excellent hosts for this event. And to our sponsors, Boardwise and Red Bull, we couldn’t run events without your continued support.

Before we sign-out for the season, we have two dates to add to your calendars:

1. AGM: May 5th
2. Presidents Training: 8th-10th July (Provisional)

A final thank you must be given to everyone who has attended an event this year. You really make the SWA what it is and we’re so glad you have had a great time. See all the results for BUCS below.

Men's Advanced

Women's Advanced

Men's Intermediate

Women's Intermediate

Men's Beginner

Women's Beginner

Team Racing

Freestyle (Non-BUCS)