Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Sailing Society is first mentioned through advertisement in the McGarel in October 1971, for students to attend a meeting to inaugurate the activities for the society in the academic year of 1971/1972. In January 1974, the sailing society were able to use facilities such as racing dinghies at the Welsh Harp sailing club. In March 1976, the Polysail Society had attained two Firefly’s which they sailed regularly down the Welsh Harp. During this time, the society was competed in the National Polytechnics Sailing Association Championship in Portsmouth, in which they came in fourth, fifth and sixth position in their first set of races; and ultimately altogether came in 3rd position.
In January 1978, the society competed in team races against Bristol University and Middlesex Polytechnic. In February, the Polytechnic were competing in the Castaways Cup at the Welsh Harp and later in March, they were competing in the NPSA championships at Trent Polytechnic.
In October 1978, one member of the society, Charles Apthorp was selected to be one of the three Tempest class helmsmen at the World Championships at Lake Garda, Italy in September 1978. Apthorp was placed 7th place and a 4th and 5th placing in the individual races at the championships. Other members such as Tom Aldridge attended the Prince of Wales Cup in Falmouth at the time. The society in the academic year of 1978/79 were entered into many competitions such as the NPSA League and The Team Racing Championships. The society was also able to provide beginners to sailing and advanced sailers the chance to gain certificates and training from the Royal Yachting Association’s regional coach, by being assessed for two of the national proficiency certificates: elementary and intermediate levels. and was the top British Boat at the World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy in September 1978. At the time he became current champion being 25th. Competed in the Individual Polytechnic Championships in November 1978.
On Friday 17th November 1978, the society competed in the Individual Polytechnic Championships which was hosted by Plymouth Polytechnic and the Mayflower Sailing Club. At this event, both of the Polytechnic’s boats ‘The Firefly’ and the ‘14th’ came in 20th position at the Championships.
Along with competing in different leagues and championships, the society also attended events such as the London Dinghy Exhibition at Pickett’s Lock.