Royal Hospital School Crowned RYA Women’s Team Racing National Champions

From left to right: Sophia, Daisy, Sarah, Scarlett, Abbey, Anna

The Royal Hospital School (RHS), in Holbrook, Suffolk, is celebrating a major sailing success with its RHS Blue team winning the RYA Women’s Team Racing Championship on home waters at Alton Water, Ipswich, on 6^th-7^th December 2025.

Hosted by RHS and supported by kSail, the event saw nine teams compete in Firefly dinghies in challenging but fair conditions. Saturday delivered a breezy Force 3–4, gusting 5, allowing an intense programme of racing, with 48 races completed by dusk. Sunday brought lighter, shifty winds, with all teams completing Stage 1 before closely fought semi-finals and finals.

RHS Blue progressed through a dramatic semi-final win over Exeter University SC before defeating Bristol University Teal 2–0 in the final. Despite strong performances earlier in the regatta, Southampton Light Blue finished fourth overall.

The winning RHS Blue team comprised Daisy Adams (Year 13), Abbey Penny (Year 13), Anna Edmonds (Year 13), Sarah Davis (captain) (Year 13), Scarlett MacLennan (Year 12), and Sophia Hiller (Year 12). Davis and MacLennan retained the title, having also won in 2024. Over the weekend, RHS Blue won 17 of 21 races and were the only team to beat all other competitors.

Overall results:

1. Royal Hospital School Blue
2. Bristol University Teal
3. Exeter University SC

Event Director Ed Sibson, Director of Sailing & Watersports at RHS, said: “The semi-finals were incredibly tight and decided on the final beats. It was team racing at its very best, and we are immensely proud of our national champions.”

RHS Blue Team captain Sarah Davis added: “Our ability to reset and refocus after setbacks made the difference. Our teamwork really came together in the final.”

Prizes were presented by RHS Headmaster Irfan Latif and his wife Jo. RHS thanked Anglian Water, Race Officer Eilidh Millar, Chief Umpire Chris Atkins, and the many officials, volunteers, staff, students and parents who supported a highly successful championship.