Naval Air Command Regatta

The Naval Air Command Sailing regatta 2013 saw two counties collide in Falmouth this week when RNAS Culdrose from Cornwall came up against RNAS Yeovilton from Somerset. Her Majesty’s finest Royal Naval Air Stations battled it out for the Inter Command Sailing Championships.
Sailors taking part in the annual Naval Air Command Championships welcomed a break in the weather for perfect sailing conditions, as they fought with some tough and tricky racing conditions in Falmouth bay.

A Fleet of 16 lasers and bosun dinghies set sail from the Royal Navy Sailing Centre at Falmouth, representing teams from the rival Air Stations, but there were no aircraft in sight for this week, as the choppy waters of the Cornish town become their playground.
“Swapping Wings for Sails” and the occasional flurry of a Spinnaker, they tacked and jibed across Falmouth Bay over two days of tense sailing, produced some lasting memories for the sailors, which also included the occasional Capsize!

Captain Mark Burgess RM Physical Training Officer at RNAS Culdrose said: “All the people who took part agreed it was the perfect way to break away from the office routine and enjoy a fun few days on the water - with a competitive edge for good measure.” He added, “Admiral Nelson would have been so proud of his sailors battling to a conclusion on the choppy seas of Falmouth estuary on a wet cold Cornish summer afternoon”

The overall Championships winners were RNAS Culdrose, with Leading Seaman (HM) Natalie Roach and Leading Hand Alex Pickles winning the top prize in the Gold Fleet race. Next year the Naval Air Command Championships are set to return to Cornish waters and the nautical rivalry renewed for 2014.