The 2010 Dorset Schools Regatta run by SailLaser in conjunction with Rockley Watersports, was held yesterday, 24 June, at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). All Saints School celebrated wining the Regatta yesterday with Sam Barker, James Bishop and Jordan Fredrick collecting the cup from Nicola Lane of the Chesil trust.
Schools in Dorset selected three children to compete in fleet racing heats held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and the Rockley Watersports Centre, with the final regatta being held yesterday at the Academy by SailLaser.
The individual winners of the fleet racing were Sam Barker (All Saints) in 1st place, with 2nd place going to Millie Allcock (St Edwards), and in 3rd place was James Bishop (All Saints).
A total of 16 schools have competed in the Regatta, with 11 schools making it through to the final yesterday. The 12 – 16 year old students competed in Laser Pico dinghies at the WPNSA in five races throughout the day run by SailLaser.
Emma Dawson from SailLaser commented, ‘SailLaser have worked with Rockley Watersports to enable as many schools as possible across Dorset to compete against each other in this event. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves sailing with SailLaser at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy’.
The Dorset Schools Regatta which had 45 school children participating this year aims to get school children more involved in the sport of sailing by encouraging grassroots level participation in the racing side of the sport. The Regatta invites schools in Dorset to participate and provides sailing instructors and all sailing and safety equipment needed.
John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy commented, ‘we are delighted to have so many children participating in this regatta enjoying the first class sailing facilities that the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy offers. We will look forward to seeing them all again next year with hopefully some more newcomers as well’.
Image Caption: Emma Dawson, Chief Instructor at SailLaser, All Saints School pupils James Bishop, Jordan Frederick and Sam Barker collect the cup for winning the Dorset Schools Regatta from Nicola Lane of the Chesil Trust with their teacher Mr David Hyde © WPNSA 2010