This summer, students from the University’s Sailing Club joined in with BBC Radio 1’s Giant DJ Hunt, a nationwide challenge with DJ Greg James to find the 30 DJs in hiding across the UK within 100 hours so that the Radio’s weekly schedule could be filled again.
Using clues from Greg’s colleagues and help from station listeners, Greg managed to track down the DJs, including Sian Eleri and Sarah Story who were spotted in Five Guys in West Quay. Sian and Sarah then decided to race against one another to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and whoever arrived first would present their joint show that morning.
Radio listeners suggested to Greg that using the University’s Sailing Club could be a quick way of getting the DJs over to Cowes after Ship Science student and Commodore of the Club, Sam Richardson, joined live on Radio 1’s ‘Yesterday’s Quiz’ the previous day.
Students Sam Wardlaw and Ben McLoughlin took on the race challenge and met Radio 1 DJ Sian Eleri in Town Quay on the University’s Gemini RIB (powerboat).
Law student, Ben McLoughlin told us: “Once out into the Solent, we let Sian drive, it was her first time driving a RIB. The University’s powerboats are impressive, being 6m long with 145hp, and are decked out with plenty of gadgets to play with. She did great as we made our way over to the Isle of Wight with only a little bit of zigzagging.
“Plus, we did a mandatory fly past of the University’s yacht, Flying Formula, which was out running a sailing course in Southampton water.
“Although we lost the race against Sarah on the Red Jet ferry, our most memorable moment was when we were coming into Cowes making our way through a fleet of beautiful wooden yachts flying spinnakers, and we could see the Radio 1 team on Trinity landing waving at us.
“We feel very lucky to be involved in this event. It was undoubtedly a bucket list item checked off, taking a Radio 1 DJ on a boat trip to the Isle of Wight.”
Whether you are new to sailing and fancy a go, or are an experienced sailor, get in touch with the Sailing Club to find out more on how to get involved. Southampton Sport also offer a fantastic range of Watersports courses where you can gain RYA qualifications whilst learning how to drive RIBs or sail dinghies and yachts.
