Year 11 pupil, Henry W, has become the youngest competitor to take part in the XXI International Canoe World Championships in Germany, after getting his first boat seven years ago.
Teams from the USA, Australia, France, Germany and Denmark were at the starting line, with Henry and his boat ‘Mongoose’ representing the GB team.
Talking about the moment he qualified, Henry said: “It was only when I attended a Worlds Training Event in Southampton back in May that I was given the green light to compete in the World Championships in Germany and join my fellow GB teammates. Having only had a few months to learn to sail an International Sailing Canoe (IC), preparing to compete on the Baltic Sea, and as the youngest competitor on the start line, I knew it was going to be very demanding.”
With 10 races, over five days, some lasting two hours, Henry recalls the challenging conditions he had to navigate. “There where many points when the waves became so high that you couldn’t see the front of the boat. Usually, the optimal wind conditions for sailing an IC is 15-20 knots, but in one race we reached 29 knots. Despite missing out on a placement, it was a fantastic experience sailing against some of the best sailors in the world.”
Henry’s sailing journey began at a very young age after attending his first boat show at just three-weeks-old. Following in his father’s footsteps, who is also a world competitive sailor, Henry received his first boat at eight years old – an old RS Tera which he promptly named “Tera Turtle” after he ‘turtled’ or ‘capsized’ the boat a few times during his early years of training.
His next boat was a Laser, before swapping to an International Sailing Canoe (IC) – the fastest non foiling monohull and very technical boat – so he could sail alongside his father in competitions.
Looking ahead, Henry has more championships in his sights. “My next sailing challenge will be completing my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Sailing Expedition off the South Coast, before taking part in the Aldeburgh Adult Regatta at the end of August.
“The next UK National Championships will be held in Brixham in 2025 where I look forward to climbing the rankings, with the hopes of returning to the next World Championships which will take place in Australia, 2027.
“Earlier this year, I passed my Assistant Dinghy Instructor course and have really enjoyed working at my home club, Aldeburgh Yacht Club, teaching juniors and senior adults to learn to sail. Next year I’ll be eligible to achieve my RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification, which as an international qualification that will allow me to teach sailing around the world – for me it’s important to give something back to the sport.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Framlingham College in supporting my sailing journey, particularly Deputy Head of Pastoral Mr Lloyd who drives the minibus to Aldeburgh every week and having the support of the College to attend the Thursday night sailing activity during the summer term, which provided me with much needed additional time on the water.”
Sharing his inspirational story and advice to others, Henry says: “You are never too old – or too young – to get into sailing. Anyone can learn to sail as the sport is accessible to everyone. I would urge anyone interested to contact their local sailing or yacht club. We are very fortunate at Framlingham College to enjoy a partnership with Aldeburgh Yacht Club with a brilliant Royal Yachting Association summer program. Sailing is also brilliant for your wellbeing and mental health; it has improved my confidence and being on the water is a great form of mindfulness. Sailing is a life skill, once learned never forgotten.”
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore! Dream! Discover!” – Mark Twain
