Strong performances on the slopes from Navy boarders and skiers

Royal Navy skiers and snowboarders have come close to winning their first Inter-Service title.

Strong performances across the board meant the men’s team nearly topped the Army at Meribel in the French Alps.

Both the men’s and ladies’ snowboard teams did well, with AET Ross Taylor winning the individual snowboard title; he enjoyed three podium finishes.

Sub Lieutenant Craig Howie from the Navy’s home of sport and fitness, HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, claimed third as the men’s team excelled in the slopestyle event by claiming overall team winners.

Slopestyle involves performing a variety of tricks while gaining as much height as possible from a jump.

This result was made all the more special as the ladies took first and third places on the slopestyle podium; Portsmouth-based LPT Lucy McKenna of HMS Nelson took gold and AB Mel Southern of HMS Excellent bronze.

The ladies’ team took the slopestyle trophy as well, giving the navy a clean sweep in that format.

The men’s performance put them in serious contention to be Inter-Service team champions for the first time, but they were narrowly beaten into second place by the Army.

The Royal Navy was well represented in all events apart from the ladies’ ski team where work commitments prevented sufficient skiers being available.

In the skiing events the men battled hard to retain their title but could not repeat their 2011 victory.

Lieutenant Chris Sharrott of 815 Naval Air Squadron in Yeovilton was the top Royal Navy skier, claiming a podium place in the giant slalom and narrowly missing out in the other races.

In the telemark event, the Senior Service performed well but the Army team proved too strong this year and took all of the prizes.

Captain Andy Lison, Chairman of the Royal Navy Winter Sports Association, said:

“All of the Royal Navy teams showed skill, courage and determination in competing with the other Services.

“Last year it was the skiers who took the plaudits and this year it was the snowboarders who came home with silverware which all bodes well for the future of RN Winter Sports.

“Most notably, from the junior able rate and marine upwards, the personnel competing and those on the Combined Services organising team were all a tremendous credit to the Service.”