Hoad Shield team racing event 2025 at Bough Beech Sailing Club
by Royal Hospital School 9 Jul 2025 10:51 UTC
RHS Falcons win the Hoad Shield team racing event at Bough Beech © Royal Hospital School
The Royal Hospital School (RHS), in Holbrook, Suffolk, is celebrating another remarkable achievement on the water. The RHS Falcons consisting of year 12 pupils Toby Smith (Capt), Devon Lane, Sarah Davis, Daisy Adams, Ralph Musto and Abigail Penny, stormed to victory in the 2025 Hoad Shield, successfully defending their title for a second consecutive year.
The RHS Falcons were undefeated in every race against Claires Court School, Eton College, Magdalen College School (Oxford), Norwich School, RGS Guildford, Rutland Sailing Club, Seaford School, Sevenoaks School, Thames Estuary Schools and Tonbridge School. The Falcons delivered a commanding performance throughout the competition, culminating in a dominant win against RHS Pink in an all-RHS final.
The Hoad Shield, a prestigious team racing event taking place at Bough Beech Sailing Club, Edenbridge in the UK, showcased the depth and talent of RHS sailing, with five RHS school teams competing across various divisions and stages.
RHS teams' success included:
- RHS Falcons - Crowned champions after an unbeaten run through all their races, including a stellar victory in the final.
- RHS Pink - Demonstrated consistency and precision with 7 wins from 8 races in Stage 1, earning a well-deserved place in the final.
- RHS Grey - Finished 5th in Stage 1 with 6 wins, narrowly missing a semi-final berth in a highly competitive field.
- RHS Orange - Triumphed in the petit final to secure 3rd place in the under-16 division, showcasing impressive skill and resilience.
- RHS Green - With 2 wins from 10 races, the Year 7 team impressed with their spirit and determination in their debut at this elite level.
Director of Sailing at RHS, Ed Sibson, praised the teams saying: "This year's Hoad Shield was a true testament to the depth of sailing talent at RHS. Every sailor gave it their all, demonstrating excellent teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud of all our teams, especially the Falcons for defending the title in such commanding fashion."