Lancaster vs. York Roses Team Racing at Bolton Sailing Club

Racing in the Lancaster vs. York Roses Team Racing at Bolton © Elizabeth Grabham

Roses is an annual inter-sport varsity held between the University of York and their old rivals the University of Lancaster. The sailing aspect of this year's event was hosted by Lancaster at Bolton SC in 6 matched Laser 2s.

Both York 1 and York 2 ended their best of five series (against Lancaster 1 and Lancaster 2 respectively) within 3 races with no finish worse than a 1,2,x. Lancaster fought bravely but the York teams made the most of a wind bend on the left hand side of the first beat and had control of most races by the windward mark. From this position the York teams dominated and secured victories in the Mixed 1sts and Mixed 2nds without dropping a race.

For these wins York clinched the highly regarded Millard-Holroyd Trophy and 6 Roses points which proved invaluable as York won the overall competition by the small margin of two points. The event was well organised by the Lancastrians and a great time was had by all involved. Each team left in high spirits vowing to win next years event (to be hosted by York in its new fleet of 6 Fireflys).

Overall Results:

Mixed 1sts
York 3
Lancaster 0

Mixed 2nds
York 3
Lancaster 0