Cambridge Blue were lucky enough to make the cut for the UK Team Racing Association – UKTRA – Nationals 2025 held at Farmoor Reservoir, competing against alumni and university teams for the converted national title. With Exeter Blue winning the trophy last year, spirits were high to try and replicate this feat.
This event was the redemption arc of the Wessex Winter Warmer, where issues associated with starting and general strategy on the first beat were highlighted. Blue’s training following the Warmer (and the fleet racing the previous weekend) focused on these issues, and led to a very successful Saturday. Starting off strong, Blue won their first 6 races which tentatively placed them 1st overall! Unfortunately, the team were unable to continue this run of fine form as two tight races against a Cambridge alumni team (Bonbonbons) and the Rutland Raiders left Blue 6th overall – the only university team to qualify for the Gold Fleet.
After a lovely evening staying with Charlie, featuring an incredible curry cooked by his parents and chocolate brownies baked by Blake, day 2 of the UKTRA Nationals 2025 arrived. Unfortunately, the favourable wind forecast did not materialise, with glassy conditions resulting in 2 hours of delays. Regrettably, this forced PRO Keith to revert back to the round robin, removing the safety net of 6th place. Blue continued to sail well, with a number of tight races and lots learnt. In the end, Blue finished with a score of 7/12 which corresponded to 7th place overall, one place behind top university Exeter. The whole team was really pleased with the progress since the Warmer, and we are looking forward to BUSA Finals in April!
