With the end of the world at risk last weekend, 150 students headed to Nottingham to take it on together – would they survive to windsurf another day or was it really the end?

Arriving in Nottingham on Friday evening, the students caught up over a beverage or five at the Bag o’ Nails, before moving on to Red Bar to show the locals how windsurfers like to party

Somewhat worse for wear on Saturday morning, but fuelled by bacon and eggs, the windsurfers arrived at Notts County Sailing Club.

The day’s action kicked off with the advanced racing, and the borderline wind conditions meant that pumping action was crucial in many of the heats. With over 20 competitors, it was a tight field. Showing some great gybing and pumping it was Liath Campbell (Durham) who was victorious over Mikey Jarman (Swansea) and Matt Duffin (Bristol).

After refuelling and re-warming in the club house, the competitors headed back out for the team racing. Defending champions Cardiff were unable to get a full team together for the final, leaving the field wide open. Swift changeovers were the key to Durham’s success, as they managed a clear victory, with Southampton and Swansea fighting a close battle for 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. These results have certainly shaken up the overall podium standings, meaning it will all be to sail for at BUCS Nationals in April.

Team Racing

1. Durham
2. Southampton
3. Swansea

The conditions were ideal for the intermediate racing, which lived up to it’s reputation of chaos at the gybe buoy. Coming off the back of her success at BrUWE, Izzy Mitchell (Bristol) was once again victorious, followed by Ronan Smith (Imperial) and Niko Bugelli (Liverpool).

Those who didn’t fancy the chilly water kept warm with a spot of sumo wrestling – which for some still resulted in them taking the plunge!

Back in Nottingham, students indulged on Domino’s pizza and put the finishing touches on their ‘End of the World’ costumes – with everything from Angels and Zombies to Mad Max making an appearance as they partied into the early hours.

Sunday morning and the combination of RedBull and some unexpected wind worked wonders in blowing away the hangovers from the previous night. The tandem windsurf, kindly provided by Notts County Sailing Club, was a favourite of many, whilst others opted for the vast collections of kit kindly provided by Boardwise and XPLG. Meanwhile, the beginners showed their racing prowess – Giovanna Siadaoui (Southampton) took victory over Kieran Picford (Nottingham) and Robyn Murdoch (Swansea).

The final event of the Core Series certainly was a great one. Next stop – Cardiff Wave for some, then BUCS National in April – where students will go all out in pursuit of both BUCS points and the coveted SWA titles!