Alumni Challenge 2025

The annual tradition of racing Alumni against the Students in the Sunsail racing Series: Who can win on the water 🌊⛵, in the bar 🍻🥂and on the dance floor🕺🏼💃🏻! Costs for the weekend will be split evenly among the sailors taking part. The fee Includes the boat and the racing fees. Moorings, fuel, boat provisions (water, breakfast, lunch, etc.) will be an additional charge. There will also be a group dinner Saturday evening as an out of pocket expense for attendees. The fee does not include transport to and from port Solent, the training day, if your boat chooses to have one, or damages.

🗓 The dates: Friday evening, the 14th to Sunday afternoon, the 16th March
🏵️ Experience levels: Some level of previous sailing experience will be helpful as we might face some choppy waters

More about the Event:

The Alumni have traditionally challenged the current students in one of the races in this series, and met up for a drink or three on a Saturday night - come and join the tradition!

For the keen racers among you, this is one of our primary outings of the year, before crossing Europe in search of silverware, it's time for the students to show the alumni who's boss on the sea.🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

For those new to racing, this is a great introductory event, as there are roles on any boat which can be carried out by anyone with some level of sailing experience and enthusiasm!

BASICS ABOUT THE TRIP

📍 How to get down there
We will meet in Port Solent Marina⚓

🚂 By train:

Trains leave from London Waterloo, app. every 30 mins
The trip to Portsmouth takes about 1.45 mins

Get off at either Havant, or Portsmouth & Southsea
You will need to take a bus or a cab from there to Port Solent
On arriving at Port Solent Marina, follow the main road going straight across the first roundabout. At the next roundabout, bear right (the only way). At the third roundabout, take the second exit. Then drive over two speed bumps and take the next right. The Port House building is directly ahead of you. Again, further detail is on the joining instruction.

🚗 By car: Does anyone own a car? Let me know if you do and plan to take it down there!
From the west, (Recommended: via M3) motorway access is via the M27 at junction 12. From the east, (A3) take the Hilsea exit off the A27 and follow the signs to Port Solent. From Portsmouth, take the M275 and follow the signs.
Please don't arrive any later than 0800 on Saturday - we'll have to start without you. Any "no-shows" (incl. serious latecomers) will be liable to pay the full amount!

🛍 Stuff you need to bring:
SLEEPING BAGS ***Often Forgotten - makes you miserable if you do***
Wash Kit, Towel (the other two most often forgotten items)
Apart from that, we suggest the following:
"Sweaters/ fleece(s), Sailing Gloves, Hat, Scarf, Thick socks, Tracksuit, Sailing boots (recommended! Deck shoes or white-soled trainers will do at a push, but expect cold, wet, miserable feet) Neck towel or small towel to stop drips. It is much warmer to wear multiple thin layers than one thick layer. We do not recommend jeans as they become very cold when wet and take a long time to dry. Please note that all personal items are brought at your own risk.

You may also want to bring your own waterproofs or hire some. Chest-high trousers and a jacket are available for hire and can be booked in advance or on arrival. Due to reasons of hygiene, we do not hire out sailing boots."

🛠 Damages: If the boats should get damaged, we're liable for the first £800 of damages. This will be shared among the crew of the boat involved. So Don't Damage Anything!!

That should be all. Let me know if there are any questions!
Looking forward to sailing with you

For alumni, to register and express your interest, please email kkonukcu.mba2024@london.edu

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