The sailing programme is open to any pupils; whether they have previous experience in the sport or not; and has a dual aim of providing pupils with an opportunity to learn new skills on the water, while allowing competitive sailors to reach their full potential in the sport.
Sailing at Clifton takes place year round at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club, where the College keeps its fleets of Firefly and RS Feva dinghies.
The racing squads compete in fixtures and regattas throughout the year, culminating in British School Dinghy Racing Association’s regional and national events in the Summer Term. U16’s primarily compete in the Feva class, with seniors racing in Fireflies. In the Michaelmas and Lent Terms most competition and training is focused on individual fleet racing, whilst in the Summer Term the focus shifts more towards the team racing format where pupils can represent the College.
The College’s Sailing Club also gives pupils the opportunity to explore many non-competitive aspects of the sport. From their first experience of going afloat or taking the helm, to preparing for and being awarded professional qualifications such as RYA Dinghy Instructor Certificate. As well as sailing at Chew, pupils have the chance to broaden their horizons on many sailing trips, including a summer yacht cruise on the Norfolk Broads.
I joined Clifton in Year 4 and I had the opportunity to start sailing in Year 8. To start I could barely perform the basic manoeuvres but I loved the sport and still aspired to be one of the brilliant sailors I saw in the Upper School. I am at the end of Year 10 now and I have learnt so much over the last 3 years as I continue my sailing journey, I hope I can be an inspiration to a Year 8 who has a passionate love for the sport even if they don’t have the skill to match it yet.
Sam B., Year 10
