Senior School news

Norwich School sailing team record attempt this weekend

23 April 2019

Norwich School sailing team is attempting to set a new record this weekend for 'the number of inland miles sailed in 12 hours in a Norfolk punt'. The record attempt is a fundraiser which the team hope will raise £2,000 to help contribute towards their participation at the RS Feva World Championships being held in Italy, July 2019. 

Their plan is to launch four Norfolk Punts at Beccles and sail north to Barton Broad, the birthplace of this historic boat. Norwich School pupils will act as crew on these exquisite sailing boats. The distance is 46 miles, so if the tide, wind and weather conditions are favourable, they aim to complete this south to north traverse of the East Anglian waterways within 12 hours.

The race will start at Beccles Sailing Club at 8am on Saturday 27 April (if there is insufficient wind the race may be postponed until the following day, 28 April.) The race will finish at Barton Turf. The trophy will be presented to the winning helm by Mrs Jane Mackintosh, widow of Mr Peter Mackintosh, who was an inspirational English teacher and sailing master at Norwich School during the 70s and 80s (1961 – 1995).

The 4 helms are Messrs Mark Elson, Chris Pank, Rupert Redington & Alastair Drew. 8 Norwich School pupils will take turns to crew the Punts during the 12-hour race.

The aim of the event is to raise money for new sails ahead of the school's sailing trip to Tuscany in July of this year to participate in the RS Feva World Championships 20-27 July.  Pupil, Will Pank, became World Champion at the 2016 event that was held in Santander.

Mr Bedford-Payne said 'The money we raise will be spent on new spinnakers with the school colours and logo on them, and new jibs & mainsails. We believe that this will set a record whatever happens!' 

Spectators are very welcome. The crowdfunding page can be found here.