During the May half-term, 30 students from First to Third Year headed to Poole in Dorset for an unforgettable week of sailing, sunshine, and adventure. Armed with sailing gear and plenty of enthusiasm, we spent five action-packed days on the water, improving our skills and making memories along the way.
The weather could not have been better, with warm sunshine accompanying us throughout the week. The highlight for many was taking part in the inaugural ‘Ultimate Trinity Rockley Regatta 2026’. The standard of sailing on display was incredibly impressive, and all students (and Mr Savile and Mr Doherty!) had a great time competing. However, due to the exceptionally low tides, some discovered that the fastest way back to shore wasn’t by boat at all…it was by getting out and running through the mud!
Of course, the trip wasn’t just about sailing. Our evenings were packed with activities, including a fiercely competitive game of Ultimate Frisbee, a visit to a water park, pizza nights, and watching The Sheep Detective. One afternoon, after a particularly energetic sailing session, we swapped boats for giant stand-up paddleboards, with varying levels of success at staying dry! The staff at Rockley were fantastic throughout the week, keeping us entertained and well looked after despite sacrificing part of their own half term.
The trip also had its fair share of wildlife encounters. We became surprisingly skilled at rescuing flying fish that had accidentally landed in our boats. A special mention must go to our cook Lou, whose delicious food kept us fuelled for every adventure, both on and off the water.
No school trip would be complete without a few memorable mishaps. One standout moment came when Ben and Tom found themselves carrying out an unexpected rescue mission after Mr Benjamin became trapped in a toilet cubicle when the door jammed shut!
Overall, the Poole sailing trip was an amazing experience filled with sailing, laughter, teamwork, and a few unexpected adventures. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, it’s a trip packed with opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and have a brilliant time. If you’re thinking about signing up next year, don’t hesitate – you’ll be glad you did!
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