The sailing programme at Westlake Girls High School continues to set the benchmark in Girls’ schools, with its teams racing crew securing the Girls title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Championship for an extraordinary fifth consecutive year.
Led by Jess Handley, the team delivered a polished and disciplined performance across the regatta. Bella Jenkins and Charlotte Handley took the helm of the school’s 420 boats, supported by a skilled and cohesive crew group of Danielle Robertson, Emily Turner, Gretel Satterthwaite, Julia Nguyen, and Kiera Dimock. Together, they demonstrated the depth of talent within the squad and the strength of their preparation.
Throughout the competition, Westlake Girls combined sharp boat handling with clear communication and smart tactical decisions. In a tightly contested fleet, their ability to remain composed under pressure and consistently execute clean races proved decisive. Avoiding costly mistakes and capitalising on key moments, they maintained control of the regatta to secure yet another title.
This latest success is a testament not only to the current team but also to the programme’s sustained culture of excellence. Jess Handley and Gretel Satterthwaite were both part of the 2022 team that began this remarkable winning streak under the helm of Danielle Wooldridge, highlighting valuable continuity and experience within the squad. Behind the scenes, manager Paula Satterthwaite has played a pivotal role in building and nurturing the programme and was recently recognised for her outstanding contribution to Girls sailing in the region.
The team is now in final preparation for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championship, set to take place in Whangārei from 14–18 April, where they will look to carry their winning form onto the national stage.
