Chronicle Spring 2022

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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Sailing By Archie Screech-Dean, Captain of Sailing After a reasonably successful NSSA regatta in Plymouth over the summer we entered the Autumn Term with great anticipation. It was great to see so many familiar faces and to welcome some new ones as well. The whole squad wasted no time in getting back out on the water, preparing and honing our skills for the upcoming Eric Twiname Regatta for the First VI. Being able to sail

three times a week, no matter the weather, was an amazing experience for all involved. Everyone was able to advance their racing knowledge and practical skills through practice races both within the squad, and with other schools sailing at Farmoor. Across all year groups sailors were able to learn new skills, from the very basics, to fine tuning technique through race coaching and advanced theory.

It was especially great to see some of the Shells taking to the water so quickly, developing the skills needed in both single- and double-handed boats, quickly proving themselves as fast learners and capable sailors. The Fourth Form also worked hard, taking advantage of their previous skills and continuing to develop their ability to race in both fleet and team-racing environments. It was especially encouraging to see many of the Fourth Form competing in their first regattas in the Autumn Term, an achievement recognised throughout the squad. Higher up in the School, we saw many returning sailors continue to achieve success, as they worked on their previous experience, both in regattas and in practice, with both the Fifth and Sixth Form working together to develop a more competitive and diverse team. The Eric Twiname Regatta was the first big event of the term, with teams from across the country coming to compete. The First VI competed well in very light winds, maintaining a high morale and good spirits throughout. The Eric Twiname offered a unique challenge to many on the team, as it was one of their first team-racing events for the School, but everyone involved exceeded the expectations. The next regatta of the season was a special event for the Sailing Club, as it was the first event to which the School had sent both a Senior and Junior team. With competition from Clifton, Radley, MCS and Abingdon, it was amazing to see every member of both teams come into their own. The outstanding performance came from Charlie Hutton and Oli Hales who outperformed every member of the Feva fleet, winning the event in their class. Off the water, the sailing team also developed both their physical skill, and practical knowledge. The team continued to develop its pupil-run hiking bench sessions, with attendance having grown from just a few of the first team members to include many of the junior members. It was amazing to see the enthusiasm from each member to improve their physical capabilities and their readiness to develop their skills during extra-curricular sessions. In addition to the hiking bench sessions, the team

Archie Screech-Dean and Izzy Rogers