International Cadet class World Championship 2023 in Nieuwpoort, Belguim - Preview
by Joris Cammaer 3 Jul 2023 10:53 BST
20-28 July 2023
Cadet worlds at Nieuwpoort, Belgium © Iain Philpott
From 20 to 28 July 2023, the best cadet sailors between the ages of 7 and 17 will gather in Nieuwpoort for their championship. Over 80 boats from all over the world have already signed up and there are still some places available for new talent.
The world's best of the Cadet class, the popular 2-man youth sailboat, will descend to the Yacht Club WSKLuM in Nieuwpoort this summer.
"After months of intense preparations, we are now in the final stretch to the world championship. No young competitive sailor should miss this," says Nathalie Gunst, president of the Belgian Cadet class.
Belgium (as the host country) and Great Britain are sending the largest delegations, but the participation of Argentina, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic and last but not least Ukraine makes it a real world championship.
"We can't give a better example of solidarity within the Cadet class than with the participation of the Ukrainian sailors. In order to allow these boys and girls to participate, despite the extremely difficult circumstances, Cadet sailors from all over the world joined forces. With, among other things, a successful crowdfunding campaign, we are able to provide accommodation, material and we can also cover the participation costs. "Friendship and respect have been the guiding principle within the Cadet class for years," Nathalie adds.
New teams or guest sailors from other classes, who also want to experience this unique event, can still register via the World Cup site until July 11. You have no experience in the Cadet Class, but you have in another? No problem, membership of the Belgian Cadet class includes training and guidance during the World Cup. If necessary, the Belgian Cadet class can provide a boat or help you to find a competitive second-hand Cadet.
Expectations in the Belgian camp are obviously high since it is a home game. The performances at the recent Dutch Youth Regatta in the Dutch Workum makes them hope for the best for the Belgian sailors. At this highly contested international competition in May, Team Belgium managed to snatch all three podium places.
The commitment of the sailors, combined with the engagement of the parents and the coaches and the maximum support of the Belgian Cadet class provides a good outlook for excellent results this summer.
The Belgian Cadet class strongly believes in the motto: talent develops talent. "Thanks to this approach, we constantly see a good flow of our youngest sailors from crew to the position of helmsman. The proactive approach with traineeship and clinics throughout the year with the best coaches leads to a successful group of enthusiastic and driven sailors," Nathalie also clarifies.
Want to participate? Sign up on www.cadet2023.com