Cadet Class World Championships in Nieuwpoort, Belgium Overall

Cadet worlds at Nieuwpoort, Belgium © Iain Philpott

Cadet worlds at Nieuwpoort, Belgium © Iain Philpott

Results go down to the wire

Ukrainian's Igor Lvov and Vladislav Ymenko won the Cadet World Championship held recently in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, with GBR sailors Arran Holman and Lucie Offord coming in 2nd, in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire on the final day, Saturday 3rd August.

The pressure was on with only 4 points separating the top 5 boats going into the final day. Races 11 and 12 were held in sparkling conditions, up to 20 knots of wind and large seas providing exhilarating conditions for both sailors and rib drivers alike. In fact, many adults would find these conditions daunting, let alone young sailors.

The Ukrainian pairing seized their moment despite a quick capsize and recovery when leading to score 3rd in race 11. A 4th place finish in race 12 secured the championship.

Arran and Lucie were next most consistent boat and a 3rd in race 12 secured their 2nd place on the podium.

The overnight leaders had been Nastassia Kryutsova and Veranika Melnichdnak from Belarus but they could not match their rivals in the final day conditions and ended the day in 3rd overall.

It was a truly international results table with the top 6 places being taken by different countries - as well as Ukraine, Great Britain, Belarus the next places were taken by teams from Australia, Argentina and Poland.

Other GBR placements were: Alex Philpott/Harry Fitzsimmons (9th); Jack and Laura Hardie (11th); Alex Warrington and Ellie Wootton (12th); Lucie and Cally Terkelsen (16th); Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick (23rd); Sam Yale and Harry Chatterton (36th).

The Open entry "Promotional" regatta ran alongside the Worlds fleet and the younger sailors thoroughly enjoyed international competition and the challenging conditions. The podium positions were again secured on the final days racing with Australian team Thomas & Sophie Alexander securing top spot with 2 wins in races 11 and 12. Chasing them hard to secure 2nd place overall were GBR sailors Ben Shorrock and Ellie Watling who held off GBR teammates Henry Stone and Hatty Collingridge in 3rd. This event showed the UK fleets strength in depth with GBR sailors filling 8 out of the top 10 positions.

Nieuwpoort proved again what a wonderful venue it is. Event organisation ran efficiently. The ceremonial was patriotic and colourful. The Cadet Class both in Belgium and internationally again showed their strength in providing the best double-handed sailing around for children and young people.

The Cadet World Championship Event moves in 2014 to the Olympic venue in Weymouth and the UK Cadet Class look forward to welcoming the global Cadet family to these shores.

Cadet worlds at Nieuwpoort, Belgium - photo © Iain Philpott

Overall Results: (top six)

More information and full results at www.cadet2013.be, on facebook GBR Cadet or Twitter @GBRcadets

The British team at the Cadet worlds in Nieuwpoort, Belgium - photo © Iain Philpott