Schools Match Racing Champions!
Over the weekend, two RHS sailing teams competed for the Schools Match Racing Championship at Queen Mary Sailing Club, West London.
The weather allowed for a full weekend of racing in Sonars, kindly provided and supported by Royal Thames Yacht Club. At the end of the round robins, RHS Falcons - Toby S (skipper), Izzy B (sail trim), Ottie S (pit) and Ralph M (bow) - had won 14 out of 16 races, completing a clean sweep against the majority of the other teams, only losing races to one of the Ryde School teams. This put them in a strong and confident position going into the semi-finals.
The RHS Pink team - Tild P (skipper), Lyndon P (sail trim), Daisy A (pit) and Sam W (bow) - didn't fare quite so well, finishing the round robins in 5th place and just missing out on the semi-finals. The team did remarkably well throughout the weekend, constantly learning and developing their skills, and consistently sailing with character, resilience and spirit.
In the semi-finals, RHS Falcons raced against the second Ryde School team, comfortably winning the semi-final 2-0, displaying excellent boat speed and handling along with some exceptional match racing skill. The other semi-final went against the form, meaning that RHS Falcons met Cowes Enterprise College, from the Isle of Wight, in the final. Having consistently had the upper hand against this team in the round robins and having had to sail one fewer races in their semi-final, thereby getting a break before the final, the team were feeling good going into the final races of the competition. RHS Falcons gained the upper hand in the pre-start for the first race and were in a strong position coming off the start line. They quickly gained the lead and held it comfortably throughout the race, winning by 10 boat lengths by the end.
If RHS Falcons could win the second race of the final, that would be it and they would be crowned champions. The team looked a little tense at this stage but coped well with the pressure. The Falcons couldn't gain the advantage in the pre-start this time, leading to an even start but with the Falcons slightly ahead. They were able to win the first cross and take the lead but some poor boat handling halfway up the first leg saw Cowes Enterprise College take the lead halfway round the first of two laps. They led by about 4 boat lengths and were in a strong position, but the Falcons were looking fast and confident. Halfway down the second leg, the Falcons broke away from Cowes Enterprise College who struggled to get their boat up to speed following a gybe. This was the mistake the Falcons needed as they calmly took the lead and were 3 boat lengths ahead at the end of lap 1. The Falcons extended away through the second lap and had a good lead as they started the final leg to the finish. They were far enough ahead that their opponents were unable to slow them down and they sailed across the finish line with a commanding lead to win the final 2-0 and become the Schools Match Racing Champions.
This is the first time RHS have won this event, which is a phenomenal achievement when you consider the talented sailors that have attempted to win it in the past. The team displayed an exceptionally high level of skill and teamwork, both in the keelboats and at match racing, and should be very proud of their achievement.