The Princess Royal joins Cowes Enterprise College sailing celebration

  30 April, 2021

Students at Cowes Enterprise College Sixth Form were honoured to be joined by The Princess Royal as part of the Royal Yacht Squadron’s (RYS) Youth Race Training event on Wednesday 14 April.

During the visit, The Princess Royal spoke with a wide range of students about their experience and interest in sailing.

Year 12 A-level students Esha Mujtaba, Sneha Sanyal and Kristian Schafer joined an array of instructors to experience the Royal Yacht Squadron’s J70 fleet and received one-to-one tuition from RYS volunteers.

Kristian was also awarded the Polly Birch award by the RYS for being “the best all round adventurous performer in terms of sailing performance, effort and skill.” The award is given on behalf of Richard and Felicity Dick in memory of their daughter Polly, who tragically died of brain cancer whilst only in her 30s. 

Elsewhere, and in Prince Philip’s memory, students and staff involved in the academy’s Duke of Edinburgh award scheme have this week been sharing memories and experiences they gained as part of the programme.

Ms. Rachel Kitley, principal of Cowes Enterprise College, said: “It was an honour for some of our students to meet The Princess Royal, and I know they were thrilled to share their love of sailing. The Royal Yacht Squadron do fantastic work in the community, and I was extremely proud to see Kristian awarded for his hard work and commitment.

“Cowes Enterprise College has always been deeply proud of its rich local heritage, as shown through our Maritime Futures scheme, and we work hard to provide a curriculum which broadens horizons and encourages students to invest in the world around them. Despite the sad news of Prince Philip’s passing, I know that our students will also continue to take an active part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, another integral part of what the college offers.”

Mrs Susie Sheldon JP, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, said: “We were honoured to host The Princess Royal, and we are very grateful to her for coming at this time to support Youth Sailing, which was so much part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s interests.   She spoke kindly and openly with all the students who did extremely well, especially as meeting royalty can cause nervous moments.

“A special congratulations should also go to Kristian, whose enthusiasm, willingness to learn, kindness and general demeanour made him a worthy recipient of the Polly Birch award.”

Sneha Sanyal, student at Cowes Enterprise College, said: “It was an invigorating opportunity, and a very exciting day. I would like to carry on sailing. Meeting The Princess Royal was a delight.”

Kristian Schafer, student at Cowes Enterprise College said: “It was a really enjoyable day, I was proud to win the Polly Birch award and The Princess Royal was very enthusiastic about sailing.”   


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