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05th January 2025

A full throttle year

It has been a very busy year both on and off the water for us. Harry took part in his first RORC Fastnet race on board the Sparkman & Stephens Swan 44 ‘Astrid’. The youth team had a strong performance and proved to the more experience sailors that they can be competative even in foreign conditions.

Since 2018, when the brothers first trained for the upcoming 2019 Gibraltar International Island Games, they had always set their sights on medals. The first experience for them in Gibraltar 2019 was a steep learning curve which was successfully built on in 2023 in Guernsey when they came away with Team Silver. Unfortunately, only Harry managed to qualify for the 2025 games held in Orkney this time round. Just like the previous Games, team Isle of Wight went in stronger and stronger. Fighting until the final race Harry finally claimed an individual medal (Bronze) after over seven years of trying. They went on to also dominate in the team event, taking Gold and beating the all time team score record.

Squib sailing has been a huge part of the brothers 2025 calendar, sticking to local events has not hindered their growth, walking away with many titles once again but importantly more experiences and friendships than before. They sealed the deal taking trophies at Bembridge, Seaview and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. They purchased a second Squib (Party Hat – 751) early in the season. Both were often raced in the latter stages of the season with family and friends either crewing or helming, which made it a speical as well as exciting experience for everyone.

Domination was not quite on the cards at Seaview this year in the Mermaids as Harry didn’t end the season on minimum points, but it was still enough to win both the Wednesday Evening and Thursday Evening Series in the Mermaid One Design fleet. They thank Seaview for the season of enjoyment and close racing on the water and express how nice it is to see the fleets sailing strength grow. The social side is equally as good with lush evenings spent overlooking the Eastern-Solent.

Cowes is always a tricky place to sail, especially at evenings when wind often finds itself reducing to a gentle breeze. Harry sailed once again on Fandango, the First 40.7 acting primarily as bowman and tactician. This is a wonderful team to sail for, with so many stories it is impossible to write. As a group, they produced some fantastic memories, made new friends and had great laughs, all followed by some good bar talk at the end of the night. This concludes Harry’s forth year on the boat and thanks both Brendan and Suzie for all the hardwork they do and for allowing him to remain as part of the team. They secured another 1st overall under ISC in the Tuesday evening series and 3rd overall on IRC. Not only this they re-claimed their fancy dress crown with their ‘Cops & Robbers’ inspired theme on a delightful sunny evening in September.

The classic Eight Metre, Njord, a true gem of the yachting world has been a delight for the brothers to sail again this season. Competing in British Classics Week and other classic events, they have once again pushed a classic to her limits. While not coming away victorious on this occasion, the team certainly have improved and shared some excellent moments together. They extend their thanks to the owner and team for the support and friendship over the years as they look forward to another great year ahead.

Sendit 3.0 (Open 5.70) was out making her debut season in the East Cowes Sailing Club Thursday Evening Series. Pre-season testing went well for the team as they had good amounts of breeze, they got to feel and understand this new boat which had some excellent prospects. Club racing would prove to be a struggle this season as the majority of races were under light wind conditions, making it tough to gain any advantage with her handicap and the asymmetric sail. They worked hard and had a lot of fun on the water even though the results did not prove to be as favourable as first hoped. They finished 3rd in two series this season and aim to bring back the silverwear that was won back in 2023 with Sendit 2 (Open 7.50).

One thing the brothers nearly enjoy more than actually sailing is teaching. Volunteering at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club has been another eye-opening year. Harry was made the Senior Instructor and Chief Instructor of the Cadet (junior) program, which is run on Friday evenings after work/school. Charlie and Harry (Tom at times) also instruct some of the Adult Sailing groups on Wednesday evenings too in both dinghies, double handers and Squibs. They extend their gratitude on to the other instructors, volunteers and helpers whom all join together to make it work. Learning and getting new people interested and enjoying sailing and on the water activities is paramount to the continued existance of the RVYC and all other Island clubs and sailing scenes. They look forward to all the new challenges 2026 has and cannot wait to help support new people on their sailing journey.

In conclusion, the year has been busy but has brought them so much joy and fullfilment. They thank everyone for being part of it and making their lives so truly wonderful. Thank you.

Regards

Team White

Swan 44 ‘Astrid’ at the start of the RORC Rolex Fastnet 2025

Squibs ‘Kestrel’ & ‘Party Hat’ racing at the RVYC

Sendit 3.0 with Charlie at the helm, Guy & Harry crewing

The elegant ‘Njord of Cowes’ Eight Metre carving through the Solent

Guy and Harry racing a Mermaid at Seaview

Fandango (First 40.7 on the right) racing in the ISC Tuesday Evening Series

Harry in Kirkwall, Orkney receiving his individual medal in the ILCA 7 class (bronze)

27th August 2024

The World Cup

The Eight Metre World Cup was held in The Clyde, Scotland. The wet and windy climate proved to be a struggle for all attending Eights with many suffering technical failures as they raced in 20 gusting 30 knots over a five day period. Harry & Charlie White were on the oldest attening Eight, Njord of Cowes, built in 1918 under the First Rule catagory. They are not new to Njord, as they regulary can be seen sailing her in The Solent throughout the summer months.

Due to the windy conditions in The Clyde, Njord was forced to race under a more conservative sail plan than others benefitting from a selection of smaller jibs and multiple reefs in the mainsail. Her low freeboard and narrow hull result in the Eight taking on large amounts of water when heeled heavily to leeward. Although the team had its challenges they persevered to take home the title of First Rule Eight Metre World Champions sucessfully completing all seven races held.