Over the Christmas break, six British teams travelled to Palamos this Christmas break to compete in the 44th Christmas Race Regatta, sailing in the 470 Olympic class alongside an international mix of competitors.
Within this group two sailors from Plymouth, Alex Hughes (2nd year Geology student) and Nick Devereux (3rd year Police and Criminal Justice student), raced in the mixed category with their respective helms.
With mixed teams sailing amongst the conventional single gender pairings, competition was tough, especially considering the strong winds forecasted throughout the week. Despite this Alex performed well with his helm Jess, staying within the top 10 for all of the race over the 4 days and securing 2nd place overall, as well as being the first mixed pairing!
Alex and Jess are at the top of the mixed standings within Britain, having come second at the 470 Nationals and winners of the 420 winter champs this year, as well as being part of the British Sailing Team, with the end goal of being selected to represent GBR in the 2024 Olympics as a mixed team.
Alex Hughes said:
"Happy to come away with a medal after a great week of racing in a tough fleet. Now looking ahead to our Worlds and European's in the spring"
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