NEW champions were crowned at the Sainsbury’s Dorset School Games windsurfing competition, hosted by the Official Test Centre (OTC) at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The event was also supported by staff from the Watersports Academy (Poole) and several officials from the Royal Yachting Association.

There was a brand new format to the competition this year with a training and kit tuning session in the morning, followed by an afternoon of racing.

Another unique feature saw a primary school competing for the first time, and the young people from Heathlands Primary all had a great day.

Conditions were perfect for sailing with sunshine and sufficient wind for everyone to glide over the water.

Different courses were set for the Challenge Fleet, for the less experienced windsurfers, and the Gold Fleet, for the more confident – there were 40 and 15 competitors in the respective fleets.

In the Challenge Fleet, students from Poole Grammar School led the way, battling it out with All Saints School.

Emma Bishop from All Saints, who is also a member of Castle Cove Sailing Club, secured the silver medal at her first windsurfing competition.

“I didn’t think I was going to win a medal,” she said. “The competition was tough and it was my first event, but I am very pleased.”

Meanwhile, in the Gold Fleet, Rachel Horton, an experienced competitor from Poole High School, dominated the racing to take the gold.

In second place was OTC regular Lily Young from All Saints and there were also strong performances from Scotty Stallman, Alexandra Stevenson and Lily Thomas.

Wey Valley School, champions for the last two years, lost their title to Poole Grammar School by just one point. Poole High School came third.

The top three individuals in each fleet and three best schools all received medals presented by Olympic medallist Bryony Shaw, who said it was “great to see such girl power” on the podium.