The Bishop Luffa Sailing Team took to the water in Chichester Harbour in style on Sunday 29th June for the practice race of the Schools Sailing Championships. This is an annual event where pupils in Years 8-10 compete in a double-handed dinghy the RS Feva against schools from all over the UK. The team left the slipway first and sailed out confidently in very breezy conditions to the start line. Thomas Machell (8Wilson) and Evan Williams (8Wilson) made a strong start in the challenging conditions gaining 12th place.
On Day 1 of the series the wind conditions were even stronger than Sunday and again the team confidently launched early amongst a fleet of 89 boats. They all were keen to get out on the water despite the strong wind conditions that saw many boats capsizing the previous day. Once again the team sailed brilliantly completing three races with all five boats from Bishop Luffa gaining places in the top half of the fleet. Charlie Gran (7Burrows) crewed by Eliza South (9Sherborne) gained a 7th place and the best result for the day. Charlie and Eliza’s comments for the day were “Fast, fast and FASTER!”
Day 2 saw a change in conditions to lighter winds and throughout the day great results were attained. In the first race four out of five of the team came in the top 20 and the yellow Bishop Luffa bibs worn by the sailors were certainly getting attention from other schools!
Overall the team were fantastic and a real credit to the school demonstrating great skills on the water and a really good team spirit. The team RIB was surrounded by team boats between every race, sharing their success, giving tips to each other and stopping for much needed food and sweets!
The event finished off with team photos and a celebratory jump into the Sailing Clubs swimming pool followed by prize giving. Well done to all who sailed. Edith and Max - "It was really good conditions and great sailing." Hazel and Kira - "Everyone was amazing and sailed well." Evan and Tom - "Great team effort."
The final results were:
Charlie Gran (7Burrows) and Eliza South (9Sherborne): 11th
Max Sydenham (8Andrewes) and Edith Ingram (9Ridgeway): 12th
Hazel Jones (8Burrows) and Kira Robinson (8Burrows): 36th
Thomas Machell (8Burrows) and Evan Williams (8Wilson): 39th
Toby Greatorex (9Burrows) and crew: 50th
Click here for a video of some highlights of the second day of RS Feva Racing
Thanks go to Savills for sponsoring the Bishop Luffa bibs for the event.