Upper School students take to the water

This term, Upper School students have had the opportunity to participate in dinghy sailing as part of their Wednesday Games programme. Sessions have taken place at the Westminster Boating Base, a sailing centre located on the River Thames near Pimlico – a complex area to sail in with strong tides, complex wind and a lot of river traffic to keep out of the way of.

Pupils sailed in groups of two or three per dinghy, each accompanied by a volunteer who provided on-board guidance and instruction. This structure allowed students to develop their sailing skills in a supportive and hands-on environment.

The first session focused on learning how to rig the boats and gaining familiarity with the basic principles of dinghy sailing. During the second week, pupils were challenged by light winds and a strong 4-knot tidal flow — a combination that required focus, teamwork, and adaptability. By the third session, conditions had improved, and with growing confidence, students took turns at the helm and managed the sails independently under the supervision of their instructors.

A special thank you to Joseph Robson (Year 12), who, despite a broken arm, was out on the safety boat helping to launch and moor the dinghies and capturing some fantastic photos on the water.