Chronicle January 2021

54 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Sailing By Leo Wilson, Captain of Sailing

Despite having to deal with the new Covid-19 regulations, the Autumn Term may have been one of the most successful sailing terms for a number of years. There are now 21 members of the Club who make full use of all the facilities at their disposal. Last term, four distinct squads were created – the Seniors (1st VI), the Fourth and Fifth Forms (2nd VI), the Shells (3rd VI) and the Development Squad. ​The focus last term for the junior teams was introducing them to more “adult” boats that require more strength and precision to sail well. For the 1st and 2nd VI, the focus was about taking the core sailing skills developed over the last year, and applying them to race situations – where mistakes can cost positions. After Half Term, the Club took the opportunity of the worsening weather to see how far they could push themselves in heavy winds. Despite numerous capsizes, morale remained high!

Leo Wilson

their racing abilities had improved over the course of the term. It also gave the junior squads the opportunity to push themselves (and their boats!) in the race. Results were generally impressive but particular congratulations should go to Fifth Former Aidan Saunders who took third place overall despite being several years younger than many of his competitors. With so few fixtures, the overall focus for the Club became refining physique and technique in preparation for winter regattas this term. We ran extra fitness sessions after Monday and Friday lessons, and on Wednesday mornings. There was a great deal of enthusiasm (though perhaps not afterwards!) for these sessions, and it was great to see the Club taking these opportunities and getting stuck in. It was also pleasing to see some of the Lower Sixth taking more of a leading role in the Club. Archie Screech-Dean, Joe Porter, Izzy Rogers and Thomas Hales, in particular, are always quick to help and guide others. The Autumn Term was a hectic one for everyone but the Club has been a real release for the pupils, an opportunity to get off the main school site and participate in a thriving social community. I am looking forward to seeing what members of the Club will achieve this year.

Although most races and regattas last term were cancelled, the Club was able to sail against Abingdon in November, allowing the 1st VI to demonstrate how much

Gigio Rizzini-Bisinelli