Cadet Class May 2014 Round-up
by Peter Collyer & Matt Barr 2 Jun 2014 08:35 BST
May 2014
Megan Ferguson (right) and Yasmin Sfaxi, winners of the Munster Cup at Tamesis © Peter Collyer
Fun to be had on and off the water
Although May was framed by the World Team Selector events over the two Bank-Holiday weekends (see previous reports on this page), there was far more going in the Cadet Class than the small matter of confirming the team for the Worlds at the WPNSA in August.
On 10th May a small but enthusiastic group of travelling boats traded the predictable conditions they'd enjoyed at Weymouth for the altogether unpredictable race-track on the Thames at Tamesis SC. Racing for the Munster Cup was conducted in a breeze that varied wildly in direction and strength at water-level while a full gale blew through the tree-tops above. For the first two races the fleet reached away from the start-line in what appeared to be a steady breeze only to find that the South Atlantic doldrums had been relocated to a position just before the first mark. Patience and pond-racing skills came to the fore, and it was Frensham Pond's Virtual Rigger team of Megan Ferguson and Yasmin Sfaxi who ran away clear winners of Races 1 and 2 to seal the event with a race to spare.
On the following Saturday the class moved to Burnham Otters for its annual open meeting on the River Crouch, normally a venue that provides excellent conditions. However, what was set up to be a fantastic day's racing was scuppered by the complete lack of a sailing breeze, so it was left for the Cadet sailors to do what they do best (other than sailing) – socialise. Whilst parents enjoyed the beautiful sunshine & refreshment on the RCYC balcony, football was played, daisy chains were made friendships were strengthened but no sailing could take place. Squadron captain Matt Barr finally blew the whistle on the event at 3.00 pm coinciding with high tide allowing the visitors to enjoy the time honoured Otter tradition of jumping off the balcony, which made a fun end to what had been a frustrating day.
Elsewhere in May, Cadet sailors have been enjoying similar fun and games without having to take to the road. Fleets are growing around the country and welcoming many new sailors. The West Kirby SC Squadron continues to go from strength to strength, with fleets in double figures turning out regularly. Fisher's Green SC has seen a significant increase in numbers since its Open Day at Easter and has continued to develop a programme of events that makes learning to sail and race a lot of fun. Strong fleets continue to flourish at Frensham Pond and Waldringfield SCs, and these squadrons together with South Cerney SC have put on a spring programme of training events that has reaffirmed the position of the Cadet as the UK's top 2–person junior class.
Whatever your sailing ambitions - having fun, developing your racing skills, winning the Olympics or just getting the chance to jump off the balcony at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club – come and join us! Find out more at www.cadetclass.org.uk/join, follow us on Facebook and keep an eye on YachtsandYachting.com for updates of events near you.