A day's racing in the Solent, on board the Royal Yacht Squadron's fleet of J70 sailboats
Charterhouse pupils, teachers and parents joined the Old Carthusian Yacht Club (OCYC) for a day's racing in the Solent on board the Royal Yacht Squadron's fleet of J70 sailboats. The group travelled down to the south coast with some trepidation with high pressure and light airs ruling the roost. The local meteorological experts were anticipating a sea breeze to kick in at lunchtime but things were not looking promising as the fleet was towed out of Cowes into the western Solent. The pick went down and "hands to bathe" was ordered to freshen up before lunch. As lunch concluded, some ripples appeared on the water to herald the arrival of the sea breeze right on schedule to enable a full afternoon's racing followed by tea and a return to School in time for Chapel. It is hard to imagine a more perfect way to spend a hot Sunday in June.
The races were conducted as Old Houses versus New Houses for the Baden Powell Trophy. The Old Houses, led by David Aisher (S68), were worthy winners.
The OCYC is working hard to include current Carthusians and parents in their programme. A dinner was recently held on board HMS Victory to commemorate Dr Scott, Nelson's Chaplain, who was an Old Carthusian sailor. Other opportunities are in the pipeline to maintain sailing as part of the Charterhouse experience. Charterhouse Royal Navy cadets will again be on the water with a trip from Portsmouth to Seaview planned as part of the forthcoming Activity Week before the School breaks up for the summer holidays.
