Sailing

NSW Secondary Schools Team Racing Report

Last weekend, six Pymble Sailors competed in the 2023 NSW Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championships. Over the Friday and Saturday, we sailed out of Woollahra Sailing Club against Ascham, Cranbrook, Knox, and Scots, just to name a few.

Prior to the Regatta we had spent weeks training both on and off the water, consolidating what we already knew whilst also learning new skills and tactics. Our first day started at 2.00pm as we set out in the 35 degree heat, eager to compete and have fun as a team.

The race was set out in a round robin format which was divided into four different pools. This meant that each team would verse every other team in their pool and the results would be collected at the end of the day to determine the divisions for the next day of racing. Unfortunately, we were met with unforeseen challenges which included hard to sail boats and tough wind conditions. Subsequently, we became overwhelmed which led us, to not sail our best.

Despite our poor performance and disheartening results on the first day, we returned the next day ready to compete against other teams, after qualifying for division two. Despite receiving the same boats as the day before, we learnt from our mistakes and as a team rose to the challenge. We finished the day with a fantastic result, winning most of our races and ultimately placing second in our division.

States proved to be a huge learning curve for us and as a team as we learnt how to be better sailors and teammates. Alongside the continued support of our coach, Rob Brewer, team manager, Chris Wood, families, and each other, we managed to walk away with a fantastic result, ready to return next year with this experience under our belts. Although I will not be competing with the team next year as I am graduating, I have full confidence that our next generation of Pymble sailors are ready to tackle whatever lies before them, as a team with their heads held high. Congratulations and thank you for a fantastic season! 

Written by Chantelle Wu (Year 12 and Sailing Captain)

Chris Wood

Sports Co-ordinator – Sailing