SOUTH Devon College won their first trophy in competitive racing during the 166th Dartmouth Royal Regatta's offshore RORC sailing races.

Adventure and marine sports lecturer Andy Wright captained the college's yacht Aspiration of Dart, a 38ft Sigma racing yacht, with amateur crews drawn from promising students and staff at the college.

Delighted with being awarded the Wray Trophy for the first-placed Sigma in Class over eight races, Andy said: "Our crew was made up of amateur sailors still learning, and we had a different crew each day.

"We were pitted against professional crews who have sailed together for years. To be the first-placed Sigma in Class and be awarded the Wray Trophy was an outstanding achievement.

"From a team-building point of view it was a fantastic, motivating, inspirational and above all a fun experience!

"I know the guys sailing our other yacht Endeavour of Dart had the same enjoyable time too."

Final placings on handicap saw Aspiration 17th out of 21 entries, and Endeavour — a Beneteau Oceanis 38 — 13th out of 19 entries.

Keen sailor and outdoor education student Claire Smith was a senior crew member on Aspiration of Dart on her first Dartmouth Regatta.

The 24-year-old from Torquay said: "I was there all the way through with Andy; we had different crews each day so people were looking to me for experience.

"I've done a little bit of club racing before with South Devon College, but this was my first experience of Dartmouth Regatta. It definitely won't be my last!

"It was so much fun, and I learnt a lot in the process.

"The South Devon College Noss Marine Academy had a really high profile at the regatta and I made a lot of good contacts, it was a fantastic learning experience and I can't wait to do it again next year."

Other local students involved in South Devon College's crews included Graham Fraser, Charlie Watson, Catherine Wright, Clarissa Disney and Craig Holgate.