Despite the event’s name, this is an inter-services competition, which this year was entered by 31 crews from fire, police and ambulance services, along with representatives from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the event’s sponsors. We have had a presence at this event since 2016, but thanks to an increase in interest, we were able to enter three crews this year.

Following a successful training day, and the event’s opening ceremony at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, racing began on the Tuesday morning. Throughout the next two days, crews took part in a series of seven close fought races around the Solent. NWAS 3 crew, skippered by Operations Manager Mark Lewis, were the highest placed NWAS boat and also took home the prizes for 1st ambulance service, and 1st non fire service boat.

The four-day event finished with the passage back race on Thursday morning. This was an extended race lasting approximately 3.5 hours. During this race, NWAS 2 were able to demonstrate their learning from the previous two days of racing, overtaking those who had started ahead of them and holding on to their lead until the final leg when they were overtaken and narrowly beaten by the event’s overall winners representing West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue.

Oliver Cubitt, Paramedic, said: “All involved in this event were grateful to have had an enjoyable break from work, whilst representing our service and engaging in some friendly competition. Special thanks should go to Matthew Scott, skipper of NWAS 1 for organising the NWAS entries, transport and finances. Thank you also to the other skippers Michael Stevens (NWAS 2) and Mark Lewis (NWAS 3) for their leadership and support of their respective crews.”

Well done #TeamNWAS!