Sailing team from Royal Hospital School, in Holbrook, Ipswich, secure gold medal atU UK Women’s National Championship

A Suffolk school is celebrating the achievements of its sailing team after it took home the gold medal at a national championship.

Two teams, each comprising six sailors, from the Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Ipswich, competed at the UK Women’s National Championship on March 16 and 17.

The teams navigated through intense races against strong opponents from universities and sailing clubs.

Ed Sibson, Director of Sailing at Royal Hospital School, commented on this achievement saying: "We are immensely proud of the RHS Blue team for their remarkable achievement at the UK Women's National Championship, their victory is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering determination as well as the school's commitment to excellence in sports and character development.”

On the first day of the championship, the RHS Grey team won nine out of 10 races,securing the top position in the rankings. while the RHS Blue team won seven races, securing the 5th position.

Advancing to the gold league on the second day, the Blue team shone brightly, winning 5 out of 6 races and securing the 2nd position in the league standings. They secured victory against Cambridge University with a 2 - 0 win in the semi-finals to advance them to the finals where they faced Girls Afloat, the top team in the competition.

In an exhilarating final showdown, the RHS Blue team displayed remarkable teamwork and determination to emerge victorious and secure the UK Women's National Championship title.

Ed Sibson, Director of Sailing at Royal Hospital School, commented on this achievement saying: "We are immensely proud of the RHS Blue team for their remarkable achievement at the UK Women's National Championship, their victory is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering determination as well as the school's commitment to excellence in sports and character development.”

Year 13 Pupil Georgie, RHS’ Blue team Captain also commented saying: “It was a really smoothly run, well organised event that had a bubbly friendly atmosphere with great team racing taking place throughout the whole weekend.

“The organisers made the racing fair and enjoyable, we all had a great time.”