Framlinghamian 2023-2024 Single page - web 144dpi - Flipbook - Page 125
SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
two hours, Henry recalls the challenging
“Earlier this year, I passed my Assistant
conditions he had to navigate. “There
Dinghy Instructor course and have really
were many moments when the waves
enjoyed working at my home club,
became so high you couldn’t see the front
Aldeburgh Yacht Club, teaching juniors
of the boat. Usually, the optimal wind
and senior adults to learn to sail. Next
conditions for sailing an IC is 15-20 knots,
year I’ll be eligible to achieve my RYA
but in one race we reached 29 knots.
Dinghy Instructor quali昀椀cation, which as
Despite missing out on a placement, it
an international quali昀椀cation will allow
was a fantastic experience sailing against
me to teach sailing around the world – for
some of the best sailors in the world.”
me it’s important to give something back
to the sport.
Henry’s sailing journey began at a very
young age after attending his 昀椀rst boat
“I would like to take this opportunity
show at just three-weeks-old. Following
to thank everyone at Framlingham
in his father’s footsteps, who is also a
College in supporting my sailing journey,
world competitive sailor, Henry received
particularly Deputy Head of Pastoral
his 昀椀rst boat at eight years old – an old
Mr Lloyd who drives the minibus to
RS Tera which he promptly named ‘Tera
Aldeburgh every week, and for having
Turtle’ after he ‘turtled’ or ‘capsized’ the
the support of the College to attend the
boat a few times during his early years
Thursday night sailing activity during the
of training. His next boat was a Laser,
Summer Term, which provided me with
before swapping to an International
much needed additional time on the
Sailing Canoe (IC) – the fastest non
water.”
foiling monohull and very technical boat
– so he could sail alongside his father in
Sharing his inspirational story and
competitions.
advice to others, Henry says: “You are
never too old – or too young – to get
Looking ahead, Henry has more
into sailing. Anyone can learn to sail as
championships in his sights. “My next
the sport is accessible to everyone. I
sailing challenge will be completing
would urge anyone interested to contact
my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Sailing
their local sailing or yacht club. We are
Expedition o昀昀 the South Coast, before
very fortunate at Framlingham College
taking part in the Aldeburgh Adult
to enjoy a partnership with Aldeburgh
Regatta at the end of August.
Yacht Club with a brilliant Royal Yachting
“The next UK National Championships will
Association summer programme. Sailing
be held in Brixham in 2025 where I look
is also brilliant for your wellbeing and
forward to climbing the rankings, with
mental health; it has improved my
the hopes of returning to the next World
con昀椀dence and being on the water is a
Championships which will take place in
great form of mindfulness. Sailing is a life
Australia, 2027.
skill, once learned never forgotten.”
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