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Royal Air Force News Friday, November 14, 2025 P24
Sport SAILING
RUGBY
Crouch-ing tigers Pair Endeavour to fight storm in quest for glory
RAF LEEMING welcomed Gallagher Premiership side Northampton Saints for a twoday visit combining rugby, leadership development and community engagement. The visit formed part of RAF Rugby Union’s ongoing programme to build relationships with professional clubs. The Saints took part in a range of activities including visiting 34 Sqn RAF Regiment, where they gained insight into the unit’s mission and learned about the Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) capabilities operated by Regiment personnel. The players were also given a presentation by the Training Development Flight focused on decision-making under pressure, a session designed to mirror the split-second choices faced in both the cockpit and on the rugby pitch. Several players also visited the station primary school, delivering two fun-filled touch rugby sessions and taking part in a lively Q&A with pupils before signing autographs and posing for photos. There was also a strength and conditioning session in the station gym and training on the rugby pitch, which included returning British Lions Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell and Henry Pollock. RAF Rugby Development Officer Flt Lt Dave Manning said: “It was great to be able to host the Saints at Leeming. The players enjoyed getting an insight into some of the roles the RAF conducts whilst making use of Leeming’s excellent facilities. “Building relationships like this enables us to generate continuing professional development opportunities for our players and coaches, while expanding our reach in terms of recruitment and engagement across the wider rugby community.”
BATTLERS: Hawkes and McVey PHOTO: ALISON CHENARD
RAF DINGHY sailing duo Ben Hawkes and Jonny McVey battled a storm and the best amateurs in the country taking part in the prestigious Endeavour Trophy. The race invites national champions from across a range of classes within UK sailing to fight for the prestigious crown of Champion of Champions. Ben earned his invitation thanks to his triumph as National Champion in the K1 class. He reunited with long time crew McVey for the country’s ultimate test of amateur sailing, hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Friday’s practice day gave competitors a chance to familiarise themselves with the
new boats selected for the event, Melges 15s, sharpen tactics, and absorb world-class coaching from a British Sailing Team mentor. Saturday’s sailing was called off as storm winds reached 50 knots and Sunday dawned with gales still roaring past 30 knots on the River Crouch, but the event was given the go-ahead. Four gruelling races followed; boats capsized, crews hung on for dear life and downwind speeds topped 20 knots. Hawkes and McVey fought hard to secure 26th place overall, an impressive result considering they hadn’t sailed together all season due to deployments with their squadrons. Hawkes told RAF News Sport: “The
The Saints march in at Leeming
Endeavour Trophy is not an easy event to compete in. Because everyone is on the ball all the time it makes it hard to find those winning margins. The event was run very professionally with the addition of the new Melges making for a more level playing field. If given the opportunity, I would recommend this event to anyone.” McVey added: “It was very exciting to be up against some of the best sailors in the country, especially when we were all in the same class of boat – it makes for very close and competitive racing. “You need to keep the concentration levels up all the way around the course, as any mistakes are punished by the sheer class of the other sailors chasing you down.”
CLASS ACT: Saints players visited Leeming Primary School PHOTO: SGT PETER GEORGE (RAF)