University of East Anglia Sailing Club - Another Record-Breaking Year to Remember!
by Steve Carver 21 Jun 2023 20:31 NZST
Another record-breaking year to remember for University of East Anglia Sailing Club © UEA Sailing club
UEA Sailing Club, a prominent club from UEA (University of East Anglia), a university specialising in a variety of degrees, is making waves in the world of sailing. Located just a stone's throw away from the picturesque Norfolk Broads, UEA offers an exceptional sailing experience amidst the expansive river and lake network. With recent developments and achievements, UEA Sailing Club is proud to share its progress and invite sailing enthusiasts and keen beginners alike to join their thriving community.
In a strategic move, UEA Sailing Club relocated to its new home at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club in Wroxham at the end of last year. This transition has brought numerous benefits, including closer proximity to campus, reducing transport costs and time. As a result, the club has been able to expand its activities and host more sessions, providing students with an unparalleled shoreside experience. The great facilities at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club have further enhanced the club's offerings, solidifying its position as a premier sailing destination.
One of the club's significant milestones was the successful organisation of their inaugural team racing event, The UEA Unicorn. The idyllic location, coupled with favourable weather conditions, facilitated smooth turnarounds and exhilarating racing experiences. The university welcomed a diverse range of participants, including current students, alumni, local teams, and visitors. This event's success would not have been possible without the support of the club's esteemed event sponsors: Panks, and Jones and Co. Lettings, both local companies dedicated to fostering the growth of sailing in the region and the development of UEA Sailing Club.
On a broader scale, UEA Sailing Club has gained recognition in the competitive world of match racing. As the sole university team actively participating in the World Match Race Tour circuit, UEA achieved an impressive 23rd place finish in the 2022 season and currently holds the 25th spot this season, after competing in events across Europe. This remarkable performance highlights the club's dedication and commitment to excellence.
The club's accomplishments extended to the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions, where UEA Sailing Club secured its best-ever points haul across the four disciplines throughout the year. Their exceptional yachting effort resulted in a commendable third place finish, a mere half-point behind the winners after a week of intensely competitive racing. Furthermore, UEA achieved remarkable rankings of second in the handicap fleet (ILCA 7) and fifth in the Firefly class during the fleet racing event.
The match racing team scored an impressive fifth place after a difficult first day in the Solent. The team racing team also showcased their prowess by finishing 18th out of 75 university teams in the finals. These achievements propelled UEA Sailing Club to an impressive fifth place ranking in the overall BUCS standings.
Recognising the importance of skill development, UEA Sailing Club organized a record number of on-water sessions catering to various skill levels. From introductory sessions to masterclasses across multiple disciplines, the club conducted a total of 51 sessions between September and June and over 30 new members! This commitment to providing ample opportunities for members to refine their sailing abilities is evident in the club's growing membership and exceptional attendance records.
To foster a culture of continuous learning, UEA Sailing Club introduced Theory Thursday. These sessions offered participants a chance to maximise their learning and on-water experience, covering a wide range of topics from weather to racing rules. This initiative has garnered significant attention and has been emulated by other universities across the country, highlighting UEA's influence in the sailing community.
In keeping with their commitment to accessibility, UEA Sailing Club ensures affordability for its students. The club boasts one of the lowest membership fees among university clubs, offering students the opportunity to join at an affordable cost. Additionally, each sailing session costs a mere £3, which includes transportation from campus: an equivalent price to a beloved snakebite from the Students' Union bar.
The club provides wetsuits and buoyancy aids, eliminating any financial barriers to entry for those eager to partake in the sport. Moreover, event entries are subsidised to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students from participating in performance sports. UEA Sailing Club owes these initiatives to the unwavering support from UEA Sport, as well as other generous sponsors and beneficiaries.
UEA Sailing Club's exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by their recent accolades at the university's Sports Awards. The club was shortlisted for Event of the Year, Volunteer Coach of the Year, and Sportsman of the Year. Additionally, UEA Sailing Club emerged as runner-up in both the Club of the Year and Team of the Year categories.
A special recognition was extended to Patrick, the club's president, for his outstanding contribution to sport throughout his time at the University. The Yachting team's exemplary performance was also acknowledged with the half colours distinction.
UEA Sailing Club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters near and far who have contributed to their success. The club invites everyone to mark their calendars for the upcoming second UEA Unicorn team racing event, with further details to be announced soon.
For those interested in learning more about UEA Sailing Club, please visit our website or reach out to us through our social media channels or email.