Although some BUCS sports have reached their conclusion following BUCS Big Wednesday, the vast range of what BUCS has to offer means there is always something going on. In this case, university students who have spent their free time sailing in freezing cold temperature finally have the opportunity to compete. It is safe to say that sailing often falls into the category of sports which are enjoyable to watch during the Olympics. However, competitive sailing events certainly take place more often than just once every four years, and after a bit of research, prove to be quite the spectacle. BUCS Sailing: Match Racing is no different. With the event coming very soon, Freshered has complied this preview, which includes an explanation of match racing for those who might not be aware. After reading this article, I’m sure you will be eagerly awaiting the BUCS Sailing championships.
What is match racing in sailing?
I have to confess, I was not 100% certain of how to explain this either. However, I believe I have done enough research to explain this coherently. This is probably helped by the Royal Yatching Association describing match racing as the ‘simplest form of racing.‘ In short, two identical boats go head to head around a course, with the win going to the team who cross the line first. Although the racing is easily explained, actually being part of a match race team is extremely difficult. The races are very tactical, with a great deal of emphasis placed on strategy, given the similarity between the two boats. Teamwork is essential, boathandling skills are a must, and all of this before even mentioning knowledge of the extensive rules.
Location and Date
It is not long before hopeful university sailors will take to the water for the main event of the BUCS sailing calendar. The event is taking place on Monday 4th April, Tuesday 5th April, and Wednesday 6th April. The location for the event is Ullswater Yacht Club, in Penrith. The Yacht Club comes with breathtaking views, given it is situated within the Lake District National Park.
Is there a programme for the event?
At the moment, the programme for the event is only provisional. It is currently planned that the race office will open each at 8am, with competitors able to register from 8am to 8:30am on Monday 4th April, or at any time on Sunday 3rd April, if arranged. Following the registration, the first race briefing will take place on Monday at 8:30, with further briefings taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday. After the briefing, the racing will get underway at 9:30am on Monday. This is not the case for Tuesday and Wednesday however, with racing starting 30 minutes earlier, at 9am. The cut off time for racing is 4pm on Wednesday, with prizes distributed following the conclusion of the final race.
Who, and what, will be racing?
Ullswater Yacht Club will be providing six RS21 type boats for the racing, with the following sails available: mainsail, jib and symmetrical spinnaker. The boats will be assigned randomly by draw during the competiton. The teams will consist of 4-5 sailors, with at least one male, and one female, weighing less than a combined 350kg. The event will start off with a single round robin, before the top teams qualify for the semi-finals, before the final decides the winners.
What is at stake for the winners?
BUCS medals will be awarded to the top three teams, with BUCS points also on offer. The team in first place with be awarded 50 BUCS points, with the second place team taking home 35 points, and third 24 points. The university finishing in fourth will earn 16 BUCS points, with the teams from fifth to eighth earning 14, 12, 10 and 8 points respectively.