Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or a fledgling crew member, the annual Arrow Trophy alumni regatta held in Cowes from 3rd to 5th October was a brilliant demonstration of why, despite being a landlocked school, the OM Sailing Club is fast becoming a force to reckon with on the water.
The eight-strong Malvern crew, comprising both helms and hands, joined alumni from 20 leading independent schools, braving the imminent arrival of Storm Amy to make landfall in Cowes by Friday evening; just in time to drop anchor for the traditional pre-competition drinks. With Saturday’s racing called off due to the extratropical cyclone, crews swapped competitive spirit for camaraderie, with Dark ’n’ Stormies flowing as strongly as the fast-approaching gale, well into the night.
Very possibly some crews may have kept the party afloat well into Saturday, before scrubbing the decks, donning jackets and ties, and gathering at the RORC for the regatta dinner. As host school for the next three years, Malvern’s own old salt, Bob Clitherow (7.70-75), despite being temporarily off watch due to injury, rose to deliver welcome remarks. The evening again drifted into the early hours of Sunday, with tales and sea shanties shared before crews turned in – most berthing aboard their yachts moored alongside the Club.
Sunday’s 0800 skipper’s briefing was fuelled by bacon butties and strong coffee, alongside a passionate call to race hard but keep clear water between hulls – a nod to a close-quarters incident in the previous year’s competition, along with a stern reminder from the charter company (or their insurers!).
Congratulations to all crews who enjoyed a sensational day’s sailing – Fairview and Sunsail divisions – on the Solent, before making their ways back to the mainland late Sunday afternoon. While not claiming line honours this year, the OMSC are already charting a course for 2026, with plans to enter two boats.
Get in touch now to come aboard – find out more about the OM Sailing Club.
A huge thank you to OM and professional photographer Edmund Blok (8.80-85), who brought cameras and a drone to capture stunning shots of the race from the wave-buffeted Committee Boat.
