Alamanda College had wind in its sails after its first performance at the Victorian Schools Team Racing Championship.
Competing as the only state school in a field of more than 21, the college made waves when it won two titles.
Taking home the 1st – School Sport Victoria Award and 2nd in division 2, the school’s co-ordinator Blake Jobson said it was a rewarding experience for the 14 competing students that ranged from year 5-10.
“I’m just proud of the fact students from the western suburbs are getting the opportunity and exposure to compete in an event such as this,” he said.
“Whether they came last or first, getting exposed is what it’s all about– we want to be providing opportunities for kids in the west.”
All hands were on deck in the lead up to the March 28 regatta, Mr Jobson said.
“The students have been training every Thursday morning from 8am to 12pm since the start of term one.
“For them was learning how to sail an S course and learning the rules and protocols of the sport.”
The maiden voyage at the championship might just help kids who haven’t grown up in coastal areas become confident around water.
“A lot of families in the western suburbs haven’t grown up in the water, so exposing them to water safety and building confidence around the water is critical,” Mr Jobson said.
The college has been on course to compete since it started a program for junior sailors with Wyndham Harbour in 2017, of whom Mr Jobson said their successes couldn’t have happened without.
Jaidyn Kennedy
