Cadet class open meeting 2025 at Fishers Green Sailing Club - Faster, Better, Stronger
by Angie Meyer 26 Mar 11:31 GMT
22 March 2025
Cadet open meeting at Fishers Green © Angie Meyer
It was all to play for at the 2025 FGSC Cadet Open as ambitious contenders launched into a light SE breeze on 22 March. Fresh from almost a month of winter training at the green, these cadet sailors looked faster and stronger than ever before.
Our experienced RO Mike Atkinson was confident. There would be no delay today for the cadets representing squadrons from Fishers Green SC; Corinthian Otters; Rickmansworth SC and Welsh Harp SC. Brightly coloured spinnakers popped up as they headed for Race Island, and there was a buzz of anticipation amongst parents and supporters on shore.
The start horn beeped smartly at 11am and the first beat up to mark X favoured those who started on the pin. Almost immediately an unexpected 30 degree wind shift carried Zoe & Thomas in What's it Called (9020) right into the lead, followed closely by Emily & Isla in Stress (8541). The rest of the fleet followed in hot pursuit, with new comers Gracie & Carlos in Lobster (9637) making a smooth debut into the fleet but after two laps it was a clear win for 9020, followed by 8541 in 2nd and coming in 3rd Daisy & Ben in Deecider (6842).
The start of the second race saw a change of course from our eagle eyed RO and this time the entire fleet piled onto the favoured pin end. Decisions, decisions! This time it was 8541 who took an early lead down the right, with Joseph & Angus in Shine On (9635) hedging their bets of pressure on the left followed by 9020. Two laps followed with Emily & Isla taking the win, followed by Zoe & Thomas in second and Joseph & Angus in third.
A hot lunch followed, and as Cadets took a well-earned breather talk turned to tactics and strategy. Could the contenders better their performance in the next two races? Would they be in with a chance of winning the ultimate prize? A brand new golden carbon fibre tiller extension sponsored by CFbyLandL stood perched upon the Trophy table. It was clear that several youth had it in their sights and their determination to stay in the game was evident!
By now the wind was picking up which gave fresh pace to the fleet, and this time it was Anthony & Alvy in Double Trouble (9297) who got to the leeward mark first followed closely by 8541 and 9020 rounding the windward mark in spectacular style. Brightly coloured spinnakers popped up in quick succession presenting parent onlookers standing on shore with some great race viewing, including a text book lesson in doing spins mid run from 6842. Mid fleet Sam & Orla in Challenger (8415) took this opportunity to put in a fantastic lap, putting in a strong show against 9297 who were favouring the left.
At the third and final lap however it was Daisy & Ben who retook a hard fought third position (despite doing a spin!) after Zoe & Emily in 2nd and Emily & Isla in first.
It really was all to play for now, and for the fourth race Mike and Blake set the fleet a fresh challenge with a beat to Y followed by marks 8 and X. It was make or break time (well thankfully nothing broke!) and this time it was Daisy & Ben in 6842 who made a clean break to lead the fleet from the start. Could the youngest helm on the course sailing in the oldest cadet boat hold her lead?
The pressure was on and 6842 sailed with determination, leading the first and second lap followed closely by Joseph & Angus in 9635. Tactical awareness coupled with maintaining consistent boat speed played a crucial part in this race, and the increasing wind speed made for some super reaches as helms got their boats planning. What fun! In the end an unexpected wind shift gave 9635 the edge, and Joseph & Angus took a well-deserved win in this race followed closely by Daisy & Ben in second and Zoe & Thomas in third.
With four races complete, final podium places were then accounted for, with swift two protests heard. A fantastic event for all, both veteran racers and newcomers and well done to all the youth who participated and worked hard to achieve their goals in this event.
Congratulations to our podium places and prize winners:
1st Zoe Thomas & Thomas Emile (presented with the Cobweb Trophy and CFbyLandL golden tiller)
2nd Emily Buckley & Isla Kennedy (presented with the B fleet trophy)
3rd Daisy Cox & Ben Smith (presented with the Eric Ingall Trophy)
1st under13 Helm Daisy Cox (presented with Fishers Green Cadet Trophy)
Most promising FGSC crew Alvy Jones (presented with the Sam Breary Shield)
Endeavour prize awarded to Gracie Jones
Thank you to all the volunteers including those FGSC members who provided safety cover on RIBS and help in the galley and special thanks to:
- Matteo Mancini and Paul Buckley for their coach support
- CFbyLandL for generously sponsoring our event
- The Old Salt Loft / Stitch Print for generously sponsoring sunglasses
Further news and event coverage of FGSC events, including all open events, can be found on our social media channel @fishersgreensailingclub and www.fishersgreensc.org.uk