Dauntsey’s Storms To Victory

Dauntsey’s Tall Ship, Jolie Brise, has won the ASTO Small Ships Race. The ASTO Small Ships Races are a youth event open to any Sail Training vessels of which at least half the crew is under 25. Crewed by pupils with the support of more experienced sailors, the Jolie Brise was first to cross the finish line in the day-long race across the Solent. 

‘It was an amazing opportunity to participate in this event.  I have done a couple of longer cruises around Norway and Denmark on Jolie Brise but this was my first chance to be in an official race,’ said Florence, a sixth-former member of the crew. ‘On the morning of the race it was magical to see all the boats sailing alongside each other and so inspiring to watch them head off, not just as an onlooker but as an involved crew member.’

Despite the lack of wind the Dauntsey’s crew were determined to proceed in the race, having to gain an advantage over the other competitors by pushing the Jolie Brise’s boom out manually. While many of the crews pulled out, Dauntsey’s perseverance rewarded them with the race’s first place, and was something praised at the awards ceremony.

Jolie Brise is owned, maintained and sailed by the pupils of Dauntsey’s.  In 2013, she celebrated the centenary anniversary of her construction by the Paumelle yard in Le Havre. The world famous, gaff-rigged pilot cutter was the last boat to carry the royal mail under sail and has won the Fastnet Race three times, including the inaugural race in 1925.

To find Dauntsey’s School House listing click here