University of Warwick Sailing Club began the season strongly last weekend, winning the Leeds Halloween Howler.

The 1st XI made their debut appearance at the event, hosted by Leeds University, this year and came away champions on 100% race wins. The event was the first of the team racing season, with 21 teams from 12 different universities entered. Despite minimal training, the team sailed quickly and tactically - finishing a number of their races on Saturday in 1, 2, 3 with their opponents in 4th, 5th and 6th place.

Teams were split into Gold, Silver and Bronze flights before Sunday and Warwick lead the event overnight. Conditions on Sunday were challenging, and the Bronze fleet had to be cancelled early in the morning owing to strong winds. With no time to run semi-finals and finals, Warwick won the event based on race wins once in flights.

2nd place went to West Kirby Sailing Club, who won four out of their five races on the Sunday. Not content with just winning on the water, the team also won Best Halloween Fancy Dress at the Saturday night social alongside Sheffield Hallam!

Photo credit: Alex Winward