The curtains closed on the School Teams Racing Term 4 with a spectacular grand finale, marking the end of an exciting term on the water.

The day kicked off with unexpected challenges as The Southport School faced trailer issues, preventing them from participating in the final day’s events. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and this setback paved the way for a more streamlined competition, with two less teams in the silver fleet. This adjustment not only ensured a fair playfield but also set the stage for an intense and decisive series of races.

With the storm clouds staying on the horizon, the silver fleet battled it out in 10 races that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The results were incredibly close, with Team LHC1 securing 5th place with one win, BGS3 at 4th place with one win, and Iona Grey taking 3rd place with two wins. MBC Silver and MBBC Silver both tied with three wins, an application of the Racing Rules of Sailing (Appendix D4.4 A) tiebreak favoured MBC Silver. The celebration from the girls echoed in a resounding school chant, echoing the joy of their victory.

The gold fleet witnessed equally intense racing, with 15 races pushing teams to their limits. MBBC Gold claimed the 6th spot, BGS2 secured 5th place, MBC Gold took 4th place, and Iona Black landed at 3rd place, both with three wins each. The real climax unfolded with a tie for 1st place between BGS1 and Iona White, both boasting four wins. The tiebreak leaned in favour of BGS1, securing them the top spot and pushing Iona White to 2nd place.

As the results unfolded, it became evident that every team in both the Silver and Gold Fleet deserved commendation for their outstanding performances. The competition was so tight that only a few well-positioned mark traps could have made all the difference. The thrill of the races and the determination of each team showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The last day of School Teams Racing Term 4 was a fitting end to a season filled with passion, competition, and sportsmanship. The challenges faced only added to the drama, making the victories even sweeter. As the results transition to the archives, the memories of this thrilling finale will linger, and teams can look back with pride at a season well-fought and a competition that truly tested their sailing prowess.