Senior Schools National Championship 2025 at Itchenor Sailing Club

Senior National Schools Championship 2025 at Itchenor © Kirsty Bang

The 2025 Senior Schools Week at Itchenor Sailing Club, sponsored by Magic Marine, brought together 80 Fireflys for an exhilarating three days of youth racing in the picturesque Chichester Harbour. Despite varying conditions, competitors across the fleet rose to the occasion and achieved a high calibre of racing.

The Senior Schools National Championships is a time-honoured tradition, and for decades has brought together the UK's youth sailing talent. Across three days of dynamic sailing, this year's edition highlighted the passion, skill and sportsmanship of the next generation.

Wednesday - Day 1: Miniseries

A training day, as is traditional, Wednesday featured a mini-series of short-course races designed to help sailors familiarise themselves with the harbour. Races were held on either side of a picnic break at East Head.

Thomas Night and Ted Reynolds took the overall win on countback from Ryde School's Ben Anderson and Jasper Jenkinson. Both teams would have been keen to carry this early momentum into the main regatta on Thursday and Friday.

Senior National Schools Championship 2025 at Itchenor - photo © Kirsty Bang

Thursday - Day 2: Main Regatta (Races 1-4)

Race 1

Blustery conditions eventually settled into a steady 15-20 knots. With 80 Fireflys fanned out across the reach, the first beat was a spectacular sight. RHS, who did not compete in Wednesday's mini-series, made a commanding start with a clean sweep of the podium:

1st - Toby Smith & Harriet George 2nd - Thomas Davey & Sam Grout 3rd - Christopher Marsh & Daisy Adams

Race 2

The racing moved around the corner with a change in course layout. Ryde School's Catherine Brading Palmer and Zeb Fellows upset RHS's monopoly, finishing 2nd between winners Toby & Harriet and 3rd place Ralph Musto & Jameson Hayward (RHS).

Senior National Schools Championship 2025 at Itchenor - photo © Kirsty Bang

Race 3

Despite a further course change, Toby & Harriet claimed another bullet. New schools made an appearance on the podium: Daniel Larsen & Tom Wrightson (Magdalen College School) finished 2nd, with Izzy Johnson & Grace Davies (Sevenoaks) in 3rd.

Race 4

Toby & Harriet completed a perfect day with their fourth consecutive win. Izzy & Grace improved to take 2nd, while Thomas & Sam returned to the front of the fleet in 3rd, having overcome boat issues in Race 2 thanks to Keith from Ksail and his spare boat.

Friday - Day 3: Main Regatta (Races 5-8)

Race 5

With the forecast threatening stronger wind, the fleet got away promptly. Once again, the first beat saw boats split across the channel. Izzy & Grace continued in strong form with a win, followed by Catherine & Zeb in 2nd and Toby & Harriet in 3rd. Thomas & Ted, Wednesday's winners, just missed out on the podium.

Race 6

In Thorney Channel, Sam Brown & Victoria Jesseman (Claires Court School) claimed their first win of the regatta. Izzy & Grace kept up the pressure in 2nd, with Jamie Middleburgh & Josh Beverley (Sevenoaks) in 3rd.

Senior National Schools Championship 2025 at Itchenor - photo © Kirsty Bang

Race 7

Determined to secure the overall title, Toby & Harriet returned to the top spot. Izzy & Grace followed in 2nd again, with Oli Chambers & Henry Wilkinson (Sevenoaks) rounding out the podium.

Race 8

Catherine & Zeb secured a convincing win to close out the regatta. Toby & Harriet finished 2nd, confirming their dominance overall, while Izzy & Grace made it six podium finishes in a row to seal 2nd place in the event.

Many thanks to Magic Marine for sponsoring the event and generously providing the prizes; to Alistair Shaw (RO) and the race management team for delivering a superb regatta; to the Itchenor House Team, led by the exceptional Chef Danny, for feeding over 200 competitors, teachers and helpers each day; and finally, to all the teachers and parents for their vital support throughout the week.

Prize Winners:

1st Place - Toby Smith & Harriet George (RHS Holbrook) - Sir Richard Fairey Trophy
2nd Place - Izzy Johnson & Grace Davies (Sevenoaks School) - Gavin Anderson Trophy & Astral Cup
3rd Place - Catherine Brading Palmer & Zeb Fellows (Ryde School)
4th - Oli Chambers & Henry Wilkinson (Sevenoaks School)
5th - Thomas Davey & Sam Grout (RHS Holbrook)

Mid-Fleet Trophy - Scarlett Gladman & Amelia Salter (Seaford College) - Nick Prosser Trophy
Team Prize - RHS Holbrook

Overall Results: