Southampton Institute yachting team produced an outstanding performance to win the 2004 British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) Yachting Nationals and firmly established its position as the premier yachting institution in the university sector

This is the fourth time in five years that Southampton Institute has finished first overall in the championships and this result sees Southampton Institute competing in the student World Cup this summer as the English representative for the second year running.

The BUSA yachting nationals were once again hosted by Portsmouth University and run out of Port Solent marina and they were as competitive as ever, with some excellent teams competing in Sunsail Sunfast 37s.

The first three days racing saw Southampton, London and Newcastle Universities showing great boat speed but despite a poor start to the event Southampton Institute 2 led the fleet without a discard going into the last day. This made the final day crucial between the Southampton University 2 and Southampton Institute 2, helmed by last year’s victor Mike Henning.

Two wins on the final day secured first place overall for Southampton Institute 2 and it’s worth noting that between them Southampton Institute 1 and 2 won every race over the last two days of racing. Southampton University 2 and 1 finished second and third respectively, with London University fourth and Southampton Institute 1 fifth.

Head of Sport and Recreation, Phil Green, commented: “The sailing team have once again done the Institute proud, winning the BUSA title for the fourth time in five years. It is a tribute to the dedication and self-discipline of the students, who largely organise and administer their own training programme. We have now established a considerable reputation in this university sporting sector, and a success in the world championships will hopefully be the next step.”