SAILING This year’s match took place on the Solent after the end of Trinity term. The teams, one mixed and one ladies’, competed in Sonars, each with three people on board. On the first morning the sun was out and there was a light breeze. Adrenalin was high and the evenlymatched nature of the teams made for exciting racing. Oxford cruised home in the first Mixed race and also the first Ladies’ event. The Ladies subsequently added to their advantage, notching up two further wins before the end of the first day. In contrast, there was everything to play for in the Mixed contest with the teams level at two races apiece The next morning saw a change in conditions with heavy rain and a stronger breeze. The Oxford Mixed team secured an important triumph in the first race on the water. Then it was down to the Ladies to demonstrate their superiority once again. With Cambridge needing to win, the Dark Blues recovered from a poor start, pulling out some of their best teamwork and manoeuvres to complete a resounding four-nil victory. Meanwhile, the sixth race of the Mixed event went to Cambridge, leaving the score tied with only one race remaining. Oxford maintained their focus however, gaining the upper hand in the crucial seventh race. The Dark Blues overtook their counterparts coming round the final mark and held on to the finish. This was to be the first time in over twenty years that Oxford sailors had achieved the Double.ARCHIVE: 0th Week MT2003
