OA The magazine for Dulwich College Alumni Issue 03

PAGE 45

ALLEYNIAN SAILING SOCIETY My thanks to the Committee, Skips and crew who make the BSTW possible, the Arrow Trophy team for all their support over the past twenty odd months. As we move forward, I have special thanks to the parents of recent school leavers who have participated in some of the Society’s activities. It would though be remiss of me not to thank the College for their support and advising that the BSTW ‘would’ be going ahead and also the Friends of Dulwich, the Alleyn Club for their continued financial support. It would be great to have onboard more parents of boys at the College, more school staff and of course more alumni. You are more than welcome and your sailing ability is not really important, having a good time and enjoying yourself is! As we emerge/reverse into normal life depending on the corona-flux (who knew that the Greek alphabet contained such interesting letters?) we can reflect on a year where nothing was ‘normal’. Despite that the ASSs had plenty of activity. The Belvidere Cup was help on Queen Mary Reservoir with teams racing J-80’s (this is a small sports boat with an extending bowsprit). The team, Mark Richmond (95-00), helm and skipper, Ben Taffs (09-16), Harry Tinker (02-11), Matt Gorvett (06-13), William Holmes (12-19) and Tomasso Quaglia (15-20) had not practiced together before, and the conditions were blustery. The Society Older-Boys cruise took place in May when we had two boats out for a short week. We explored the delights of Newtown creek and Yarmouth. The boats made their own way to Chichester harbour with a strong South West wind with the Commodore sailing around the south of the Island (the only boat out there that day!) and the Hon Sec taking the inshore passage under headsail. Despite having made no plans the boats arrived within 30 seconds of each other at the Chichester Beacon and made their way up to Bosham where they picked up vacant buoys and enjoyed a quiet night and magnificent sunset. Visits to Bucklers Hard and the Medina followed before we went back to the Hamble River. Matt Gorvett’s drone piloting skills were in force and the videos he produced at the end of each day were of the highest quality. Our third outing was our raison d'être the Boys Sail Training Week. This was the first activity for pupils in 18 months and was made possible through the blessing of the Admiral and the efforts of Harry Willets. Each boat was a bubble and lateral flow testing before, during and after the event showed no cases. We were able to complete our usual agenda although the tides were not as favourable as some years. The Wednesday barbeque at Bucklers Hard and the Pursuit Challenge the following day remain the highlights of the trip. Several opportunities for swims presented themselves and on one boat a pupil volunteered to be the ‘man overboard.’ He was obviously popular as his crew mates expertly picked him up quickly, under sail, with a minimum of help or fuss. Again, Matt Govett’s drone photography excelled, and the shot of the year must be the 7 boats in formation leaving Yarmouth. The final ASS related activity was the Arrow Trophy regatta. The conditions were unpleasant with pouring rain and strong winds. There were two fleets as Sunsail had not enough of their new boats and some Schools raced in the Fairview 37’s. Dulwich had several new faces on board and were mid-fleet and did not make it into the match racing places for the silverware this year. Let us hope for fairer winds and some crew practice for next year! A society can only be successful if there are willing and dedicated Officers. The Commodore rotates after 3 years (4 in my case as Covid deleted a year) but the real work is done by the Hon Sec and Treasurer. We are truly fortunate in having such capable men in the form of Anthony Frankford and Simon Brown and I thank them, and the Admiral, for their support this year. Richard Sainsbury (63-72), Commodore ASS If you would like more infomation regarding joining the Society, please contact Anthony Frankford Hon.Sec. email: anthonytfrankford@gmail.com phone: 07511 381843

From the locker room...

| Caps £25

| Bow Tie £20

| Ties £8

or combo purcahses: Bow Tie, Society Tie, Cap £49 • Cap and Society Tie £39 • Bow Tie and Cap £30

You do not have to be a member to purchase the above kit - but only members can wear the Society tie. Membership is £25 * , inclusive of the tie! For more information, please contact the Hon Secretary, Anthony Frankford (62-69) anthonyfrankford@gmail.com or 07511381843 *Please contact the Hon Secretary if you are under 25 as special rates apply

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