The simultaneous launch of five Mirror Dinghies on the new Empingham Reservoir, Rutland, is the highlight of the season for Oakham School’s Sailing Club on Thursday, 24th June 1976.
“Sailing will become a full time sports activity five afternoons a week at the School” commented Mr. Ronnie Henton, 2nd Master at Oakham School and former Lieutenant Commander R.N.R. “Both boys and girls will have the opportunity to learn how to handle small boats and we are delighted to be able to use the splendid new reservoir at Empingham and the facilities of the Rutland Sailing Club.” The Trustees of Oakham School made a major donation to the Rutland Sailing Club Appeal in 1974.
The five Mirror dinghies being launched will be part of the School’s fleet of nine boats made up of six Mirrors, one Kestrel, One Optimist and an Auxiliary Sailing Craft. Of the six Mirrors three were built in the school and three by the Bell Woodworking Company, Leicester. The craft are named after the houses in the School, ‘Chapmans,’ ‘Deanscroft,’ ‘Johnsons,’ ‘Peterborough,’ ‘Sargants’ and ‘Wharflands'. ‘Johnsons’ was constructed by three of the boys in the house: Anthony Case, Mark Callun and Peter Atherton. Anthony, who is Junior Captain of the Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club, and Peter have formerly won the Jamieson Junior Trophy there.
Oakham School Sailing Club has been established for 10 years. David Howlett, an old boy and formerly an active member of the Oakham School Sailing Club, has just been selected for the British Olympic team sailing in the single-handed Finn class.
The Oakham School Sailing Club will give comprehensive courses in handling small boats, racing techniques, and standard safety procedures. It is in the process of enlarging its fixture list against other schools and clubs.
Contact: Murray Watson
Oakham School, Chapel Close
Rutland
Tel: Day (0572) 2217
or Ronnie Henton
Oakham School
Tel: Day (0572) 3658
Evening (0572) 2264
Editors Note: This article is from Reflections No. 26 October 1976, page 17. It has been captured by OCR, so typos & errors are possible.
