Sailing

Sailing is activity which runs throughout the year, and it is open to all members of the School. It exists to enable boys to carry on sailing while at School, and to give the opportunity for sailing to those who might not get the chance during the holidays. At present, the Club’s fleet of dinghies consists of eight 470s, seven 420s, seven toppers and access to a Hobie 16. There are also two rescue boats.

The sailing is split into two, racing and recreational sailing but the two are not exclusive and boys may do both. In the Michaelmas and Lent terms sailing is at the local reservoir and largely directed towards team racing where boy’s racing and sailing skills are honed and then tested in matches against schools within the south west area.  In the summer the racing continues and there is an inter-house competition but there is a strong emphasis on recreational sailing in waters of  Poole harbour with the opportunity to explore its backwaters and to journey further afield to Studland or Bournemouth beaches.  For new or relatively new sailors this is the perfect opportunity to learn.  By the end of the term the majority are able to sail a dinghy with a degree of competence.  There is also the possibility of boys completing basic RYA dinghy and powerboat qualifications. At the end of the Trinity Term there is a sailing camp in Poole Harbour.

All equipment for sailing is provided by the school, although there is a small charge to belong to the sailing club.

In addition to the school sailing club the Old Shirburnian Sailing Society sponsors a  weekend, when boys are invited to cruise in the Solent in larger boats. They also sponsor The Andrew Yorke Award allowing pupils of 16+ to gain their RYA dingy instructor qualification The award also provides money to promote race training.

Dr Chris Hamon PhD CSci CChem MRSC
Master in Charge of Sailing