THE Dorset Schools Sailing team represented the county at the National School Sailing Association (NSSA) Regatta, held at the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy.

The record-breaking regatta, which was the last event to be held there prior to the Olympics , attracted more than 700 competitors and 500 boats.

The sailing was exciting, with challenging conditions both in terms of wind and rain, and the Lasers were lucky enough to sail off the Nothe on the proposed medal course for the Olympics with its shifting wind conditions.

It did not deter the Dorset team from achieving good positions in all fleets.

Ross McFarlane from the Gryphon School, Sherborne, followed his success in becoming Topper National Series champion with a second place in the 146-strong Topper Fleet. Hamish Munro finished seventh and Tom Rowell was 21st.

Meanwhile, James Bishop from All Saints School finished fifth in the Laser 4.7 fleet.

Emma Stevenson from Wey Valley School achieved 17th in the Laser Radial fleet, which had a total entry of 82, and Royal Manor School’s Adam Greaves was 27th.

Alexandra Stevenson and Scott Chudley sailed very well in the Rookie Topper Fleet and managed to finish mid-fleet.

In addition to the success on the water, the team also enjoyed a visit from Princess Anne and several social activities.