RGS Sailor Jake Day Achieves National Success
Year Eight pupil Jake Day has made remarkable progress in competitive sailing, achieving outstanding results at both regional and national levels. A dedicated member of the Midlands Training Squad, Jake has been leading the Midlands Traveller Series, securing first place in three of the five events so far.
Jake’s sailing journey began when he started crewing in a Mirror Dinghy with his mother while visiting his grandfather on holiday. He later joined the Junior Saturday Race Club at Bartley Sailing Club and, after salvaging an old Topper dinghy last year, began competing in the Midlands Traveller Series, where his enthusiasm for the sport truly took off.
Over the past year, Jake has been competing in the Topper 4.2 class, demonstrating great skill and determination on the water. In May, he achieved an impressive second place at the National Series 4 event in Pwllheli and more recently, he claimed victory in the opening event of the 2025–26 Topper 4.2 National Series. The competition took place in the wake of Storm Amy, with challenging weather conditions that tested even the most experienced sailors, yet Jake excelled among competitors from across the UK. Reflecting on the event, he said, “We frustratingly didn’t sail on Saturday given Storm Amy, so on Sunday I needed to ensure I focused on not capsizing and being consistent. It was close, but I was really pleased I managed to pull through. This is only my third National Event, but to post another top result gives me confidence to keep learning, and I’m sure contributed to my selection for the National Performance Squad.”
Jake’s commitment to his sport has also earned him selection for several prestigious training programmes, including the Midlands Regional 4.2 Training Squad, the Draycote Academy Winter Training Programme, and, most recently, the National 4.2 Performance Squad. Earlier this term, he represented RGS Worcester at the Independent Schools Association National Sailing Regatta, hosted by Draycote Water Sailing Club.
Among his sailing highlights, Jake recalls leading a race at Draycote before capsizing and losing several places, only to recover and finish first after a dramatic final gust of wind, a feat that earned him a novelty “rubber duck” prize.
Jake particularly enjoys the challenge of racing and the sense of calm that comes from being on the water. Jake said, “There are always different conditions to overcome, and it’s about mastering the multiple decisions and boat handling to come out on top. There’s also a great group of like-minded friends I’ve met through sailing. I enjoy the feeling of being away from everything when I’m out on the water; even though there are other boats around me, it makes me feel relaxed.”
Commenting on his recent experiences competing at national level, Jake added, “Sailing in National Events is a step up from the Regional Series as there are normally over 100 boats on the water at the same time, which is really hectic, especially at the start line! Getting the chance to sail amongst so many other boats is brilliant, and I definitely need to watch out for other boats to avoid crashes.”
Congratulations to Jake on his achievement. We look forward to hearing more about his Sailing journey!
