Sailing (1966)

The School Sailing Club enjoyed a fair measure of success in its first season of racing in 1965. In inter-school matches the team fared very well, coming second in the Hertfordshire Schools Senior League. This result is very creditable in view of the lack of previous racing experience in the team.

Nine team races were sailed in 1965, not all League matches, five being inter-school races and four against local sailing clubs. In addition, the School entered several County Regattas. These were individual races, as opposed to team races, but we managed to provide a challenge in all these events.

Two of the team members were, in fact, selected to represent Hertfordshire in the National Schools Regatta at Chasewater in July. A. Powell (helmsman) and D. Allen (crew) finished ninth overall in their group.

The success of the Club and the team is largely due to the enthusiasm shown by all the members. Under the guidance of Mr. Coleman, all the boat maintenance has been carried out by members. Special mention is deserved by R. Hume, who put a great deal of effort and time into keeping the boats in good condition.

Sailing has been continued in all weathers, only stopping when Bury Lake, our home water, froze. Even then activities, including the construction of an ice-yacht and talks on racing tactics, were continued. At the beginning of this year Bury Lake was drained, but sailing has been continued at another venue. We hope Bury Lake will be refilled in June.

This year with the provision of new Association boats and a dinghy generously loaned by R. Hume, and perhaps one or even two new boats for the School, the Sailing Club hopes to improve even further on its success of 1965. 

A. POWELL, M.VI Arts.