Exeter Alumnus at World University Games

Elliott, a Mechanical Engineering student and 2009 graduate was Commodore of the University’s Sailing Club in 2008/09 and was representing Great Britain in the Match Racing competition against students of countries from around the world including Italy, Australia, Denmark and Singapore.

Two Great Britain teams competed in Crete; Elliott’s crew finished a commendable 6th place, losing in the quarter-final stage to eventual finalists Australia, and the other Great Britain crew took gold, having finished the event in 1st place overall.

On his team’s achievement Elliott commented, “I’m delighted to have been involved in such a successful campaign for Team GB. The week was great fun and conditions for sailing were perfect with temperatures in the mid-thirties and winds of 20 knots. Before the event I was a bit worried about making the weight category; our crew of 5 could not exceed 350kg and we were relieved when we weighed in at 349.2kg on the first morning.

It was such a fantastic event to be involved in and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the University’s Athletic Union for helping to fund my entry into the competition. Throughout my time at Exeter, and even now as an alumnus, the University has been incredibly supportive of my sailing. Sailing at Exeter has developed greatly in recent years to the point where the University is now renowned as a leading institution for the sport.”

Such is Exeter’s strength in the discipline that the University is currently reigning champions in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport – the umbrella organisation of inter-university sport) Fleet Racing. The University’s Sports Scholarship Scheme supported 10 sailors in the 2009/10 academic year.

Elliott’s next challenge is a race around Jersey starting in early August. During his four years of study at Exeter, Elliott played an integral part in securing funding for a new fleet of Firefly boats for the University’s Sailing Club which are due to be delivered early in the new academic year. The Sailing Club has secured funding from various sources including the University’s Annual Fund which is supported by Exeter alumni. The Club are currently planning a launching and naming ceremony for the new boats in December as part of the clubs 75th anniversary celebrations. The University hopes to attract many generations of Exeter Sailing alumni to this event. For more details on this event or for information on supporting sailing at Exeter in general please visit the Athletic Union's website.