Zhik 2016 66th Cadet National Championship at the WPNSA - Practice Race

Katie Spark & Connor Line during the Zhik Cadet Nationals at the WPNSA practice race © VR Sport Media

Thibaud Dirix & Ziva Perko during the Zhik Cadet Nationals at the WPNSA practice race © VR Sport Media

100 sailors have gathered from around Britain and Europe, inspired by the Olympians haul of medals to compete for the 66th UK International Cadet Nationals title.

With top sailors from Belgium and Holland having had a bumpy ride on the ferries over the weekend everyone was looking forward to the practice race in the champagne conditions in Weymouth harbour.

Ex Cadet and Chief Executive at WPNSA Peter Allam, PRO for the week, Arky Wainwright and class chairman, Howard Warrington, welcomed all to the event at the opening briefing, before setting sail to lay the course.

Now, the usual thing in a practice race these days seems to be to treat it somewhat light-heartedly, but this was not the case at the start with the Cadets. After a general recall, the 2nd start saw the fleet working hard with close racing throughout. Early leaders Jamie Harris and Thibaud Dirix resumed their battle from the Flanders regatta a few weeks ago, with the pack chasing hard. Taking the left gate on the run Thibaud and Jamie were passed by GBR Worlds team sailors Harry Chatterton and Ellie Wooton who took advantage of some strong pressure on the right. No one was letting up, everyone looked to be racing as hard as they could. GBR's Isobel Speirs looked fast coming through the fleet with seeming ease, all until the final turn to the finish where practice race superstition seemed to take precedent.

Leader Ellie Wooton went for an accidental swim and Jamie collided with the leeward mark, leaving Harry and Faye Chatterton to take the practice race win from Issy and Jamie.

The two stars of the day were without doubt Hazel Whittle/ Charlotte Leigh, who finished in the 9th, and Phoebe Bradshaw/Mimi Slump who sailed a superb race and who are getting faster all the time.

Practice Race Results: