Sailing – Michaelmas Term Recap
The Michaelmas term was an outstanding one for RHS Sailing, with pupils competing – and excelling – across a demanding programme of national and international events.
The term concluded on a high note with an exceptional performance at the RYA Women’s Team Racing National Championship at Alton Water. Racing predominantly against university teams, RHS Blue demonstrated remarkable skill and composure. After a demanding first day, they were in third place overnight.
On day two, RHS Blue finished Stage One in second place and progressed to the semi-finals, where they faced Exeter University. After losing the opening race, the team showed great determination to win the next two and secure a place in the final. In the final against Bristol University, RHS Blue delivered a calm and assured performance, winning 2–0 to retain their national title. Over the weekend, they won 17 of 21 races – a truly outstanding achievement.
RHS Grey also deserves significant praise. Competing against highly experienced university teams, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork and determination to secure three hard-fought race wins.
Women’s Team Racing National Champions:
Sarah D, Daisy A, Abbey P, Anna E, Scarlett M and Sophia H.
Sarah D and Scarlett M are now two-time national champions.
Before the term started, RHS hosted the Schools International Team Racing Championship at Alton Water following Speech Day. Over two and a half days, a phenomenal 579 races were sailed in excellent conditions. RHS Orange finished fifth in the Under 17 division, while RHS Falcons performed superbly, finishing second overall and first school in the Under 19 division, also securing the Whitstable Trophy.
In September, a team of keelboat racers travelled to the Isle of Wight for the British Keelboat League Final, racing in the Solent against teams from universities and yacht clubs across the country. After 22 races – including five wins – the RHS team exceeded expectations to finish second overall, qualifying for the European Sailing Champions League.
Further competitions included fleet racing at Burnham-on-Crouch and Topper Team Racing in Worcestershire. Half term concluded with the RYA Youth and Junior Team Racing Championships in Oxford. Six RHS teams competed, though challenging weather conditions limited the number of races sailed.
Despite this, RHS teams produced excellent results. RHS Falcons finished third in the Under 19 Championship, winning all four of their races and tying with the winners, separated only by a tie break. RHS Orange (Year 10) also placed third in the Under 17 Championship, winning five of six races and tying on points with the winners, having lost to them in one race.
The standout performance came from RHS Green, who won the Under 15 Team Racing Championship with five wins from six races, including victories over the second- and third-placed teams. The team – Jenny S, Joshua B, Phoebe P and Jacob R – were awarded the RYA Under 15 Team Racing Championship Trophy, the Itchenor Schools National Championship winner’s plate, and the Itchenor Schools Championship Team Trophy.
The second half of term began with the third annual Alumni Regatta on Remembrance Weekend. After a competitive afternoon of team and fleet racing, RHS pupils defeated the alumni for the first time.
Soon after, ten pupils attended an RS Feva training camp at Hayling Island, enjoying coastal sailing, long spinnaker runs and challenging tidal conditions.
At the end of November, two senior teams competed in the Schools Keelboat Team Racing Championship at Royal Thames Yacht Club. RHS Blue finished an impressive fourth overall, while RHS Falcons dominated, winning 11 of 12 races to claim the national title.
The winning keelboat team:
Will M-G, Scarlett M, Ottie S, Sarah D, Sam W, Ralph M, Dany P, and their coach.
