The annual alumni team racing event hosted by Queens University took place on the 20th of May. The event brought together eight teams consisting of past and present students from Queens University but Trinity College and UCD were also invited to participate. Ballyhome provided perfect conditions for team racing with a steady 12-knots while the rest of the country suffered from a lack of wind.
Throughout the event, over 50 races took place, showcasing the teams' skills and strategies. During the round-robin phase, Trinity demonstrated their sailing expertise by finishing top of the table. Their coordinated efforts and smart tactics quickly established them as a strong team.
In the semi-finals, Trinity faced-off against UCD in a closely-fought battle. Both teams displayed their sailing abilities, but Trinity's strategic choices and decision-making ultimately led them to success, securing their place in the final.
Luke Donagh (crew), Tim Norwood (helm), Trinity, at the Queens University Alumni Team Racing Event
The Queens 1st team prepared for a thrilling showdown against the unbeaten Trinity sailing team. An aggressive start line led to hails of protest from both teams. Splitting either side of the first beat, it was hard to tell which team was leading. There were multiple place changes throughout the race (with manoeuvres called pass-backs). Ultimately, Trinity's consistent performance and smart tactics paid off, as they emerged as the overall winners crossing the line with a 1,2,3 combination.
As the Queens University Alumni Team Racing Event drew to a close, it marked the end of a thrilling season for university sailing. The event provided a fitting finale, bringing together talented teams from UCD, Trinity, and Queens for one last exhilarating showdown on the water.
The winning Trinity College team (from left to right); Tim Norwood, Emily Arrowsmith, Madison O’Conaill, Finn Walker, Luke Donagh and Henry Higgins
