The UCD Windsurfing Colours returned after a number of years as UCD came out on top of the ever competitive event.

The Windsurfing colours hasn’t been run in a number of years due to the non-activity of the Trinity windsurfing club the only other significant competitor aside from ourselves. However with the revival of the Trinity club this year, it was decided by UCD and Trinty to have a rip roaring return to form as both clubs are undergoing significant growth and improvement in standards. So rather than the traditional affair of a few bouys thrown in the water in malahide while a few hung-over lads float around for a while, 50+ intrepid young competitors gathered under the bell tower in TCD got riled up on free red bull and headed off to Belmullet for some serious wind and races. With race training, tactics, race courses and judging being provided by Danny Mulryan and Maurice Owens of the hugely successful Irish Slalom Series the event couldn’t fail to be, not for the want of a better word, Awesome. Saturday was used to train competitors in correct racing starts, tactical gybes and staying on the board for aslong as possible. There were as at all windsurfing events beginners lessons being provided for those who were still struggling to get started or just wanted to give it a bash. Under the guidance of Danny and Maurice significant improvements were witnessed by everyone. After a hard day on the water, with hit and miss winds, we retired to the centre for hot grub being served up by the uisce staff and a night of serious banter which is something that windsurfers never fail to provide regardless of the wind.

After an early start to catch the good conditions it was time for the serious competition. Races were run in 3 divisions Gold, Silver and Bronze and a Girls race in each division was also run. The standard in the bronze fleet was exceptional considering a number of the racers had started the sport very recently and in a tightly fought contest Trinity pipped us taking the win but ucd dominated the rest of the top of the table. Next up in the silver fleet UCDs superior training and dedication came through as Kevin Buffet claimed the win after nailing his first ever carve gybe the day before. In the Female Fleet our secretary Ailbhe Mc Mahon took the win after leading the girls to victory in the female boat race(the drinking game not the rowing one) the night before. Finally in the Gold fleet in which Trinity had entered Ronan Mc Guire a sponsored semi-pro victory seemed impossible.  Exceptionally unfortunate performances by the captain, treasurer and gear officer, I crashed horribly at the first bouy and finished last and Kev went for a warm up blast beforehand but got caught in a lull and was left floating a mile away as the race started, left disaster looming for UCD and things looking like Trinity had it wrapped up and would have enough points for the overall victory!! But somebody forgot to mention this to Guillaume who flew out of the blocks like he was possessed and won by a hugely impressive margin considering the level of the competition and clinched victory for UCD!!

Another notable performance was by Stephen Kelly UCD alumnus and Slalom Series competitor who despite his experience just missed out on the podium. A big thanks must go to the Trinity committee for making the whole thing come together especially Danger Dave McCloskey for his hours of work behind the scenes. Lets see if we can do better as we’re up to host it next year. Also thanks to everyone who came for being such all-round sound chaps. It was a fantastic weekend of windsurfing, banter and Cool Runnings quotes! The success of this event is a testament to the work put in by the UCD club committee over the previous 3 years, as the standard and number of active members has inexorably increased. This leaves UCD poised to compete on the top level at IVs with the west coast universities for the first time in many years. We’re gonna bring the Thunder!!!

(26th, 27th and 28th of February,  Location: UISCE Centre, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Hosted by Trinity Windsurfing club. Sponsored by Wind & Wave and Red Bull. Attended by UCD, Trinity, DCU, DIT and Coláiste Dhulaigh) 

Written by Ronan Hunt, UCD Windsurf Captain 09/10