Bristol University’s Sailing Club will host the biggest and most competitive student sailing event in Europe.  The British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) National Team Racing Championships 2004 will be held from 14 to 16 April at the Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club, near Bristol.  

The Championship, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, is the pinnacle of the university sailing calendar.  Held over three days and with over 300 races, it will be attended by the cream of British student sailing including future Olympic and Americas Cup hopefuls.

Steve Brindley, Bristol University Athletic Union Chair, said: “It’s a great opportunity for both the sailing club and University sport in general.  The prestige of the event was proved by Princess Anne’s appearance when Bristol were last hosts.”

Over 200 sailors will take part in the event, with 24 mixed and ten ladies teams racing in 42 identical boats.  The team racing itself consists of a short race between six boats, three on each team, with the total team score, not the individual results, counting.  The event also comprises three après-sail social events, including the BUSA ball, attended by competitors, umpires and sponsors alike.

Ed Hill, the event co-ordinator, said: “The aim of Bristol University’s Sailing Club is to host the most successful and memorable championship ever.

“With preparations almost complete, it looks as though the competition will live up to these high expectations.”