2025 Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy in Portland Harbour © Tim Hampton Photography

If this weekend's Alf Simmonds Trophy taught us anything about the UK Cadet Class, it's that we are hitting our stride in 2025. With thirty boats in the main fleet and nine more in Regatta, the weekend at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy was not only a showcase of young talent but also a masterclass in how to seize perfect conditions and make them count.

While last year's event was marked by its dogged fight against gnarly winds, this year the Cadets were blessed with something closer to sailing utopia: bright sunshine, solid breeze, and the kind of consistent conditions that make sailors, coaches, and race officers all sleep a little easier. With wind hovering in the 0-5 knot range across both days (just enough to keep everyone honest), the event was able to run six full races for each fleet: just the one AP, no frantic WhatsApp alerts, and no sudden course changes, just good clean racing.

The event also served as the first of the World Team Selectors, and with our sights firmly set on the 2025 World Championships in Lipno, Czech Republic, it was clear that no one was holding back.

On the Water and On Fire

Saturday morning kicked off in fine form with sailors and volunteers alike basking in the novelty of not being soaked before breakfast. As boats launched into the sparkling waters of Weymouth Bay, it was obvious that this was going to be a weekend where strategy and skill - not survival - would dictate results.

Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy in Portland Harbour - photo © Tim Hampton Photography

The Gold Fleet saw a fierce opening exchange between Hettie Thorogood & Clementine Denny-Pickess and Alexander Enkel & Jude Baldock, both from Waldringfield SC, who traded top spots throughout the weekend. Their duel was one for the books, with Hettie and Clementine claiming three wins and Alexander and Jude fighting back with three of their own. It was sharp, technical, and thrilling to watch.

In the Silver Fleet, Kali Karaskas & Araminta Denny-Pickess (Waldringfield SC) and William Hancock & Alvy Jones (South Cerney SC/Fishers Green SC) put on an absolute clinic, both breaking into the top 5 overall against several of their Gold fleet counterparts. Kali's aggressive starts and confident mark rounding earned big points early on, while William and Alvy showed consistency throughout with two thirds and a fourth.

Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy in Portland Harbour - photo © Tim Hampton Photography

Monty Hampton & Henry Yates (South Cerney SC) and George Cox-Oliff and Jemima Cox-Oliff also deserve serious mention. After a slower start on Saturday, Monty and Henry bounced back with a string of low-point finishes on Sunday, climbing the leaderboard with steely determination. Their comeback was one of the stories of the weekend. George and Jemima remained consistent and showed that sibling pairings can sometimes be a formula for achievement.

And then there was James Vellacott & Clara Vellacott - whose name is now etched into every post-race debrief - scoring a sensational second in race 2 from deep in the fleet. A moment of brilliance that reminded everyone just how unpredictable (and thrilling) this fleet can be.

Regatta Fleet: Rising Stars Shine Bright

Down the track, the Regatta Fleet was no less exciting. With nine boats in action, it was Harriet Davies & Sam Flood (South Cerney SC) who emerged as the dominant force - winning four out of six races and taking the overall win in style. Close behind were Joe Mycroft & Elizabeth Thorpe (Frensham Pond SC), whose consistent podium finishes kept the pressure on right to the final gun.

Evie Body & Alice Boddy (Frensham) also impressed, particularly on Sunday where they showed strong boat handling in a tightening fleet. Thanks to their performances this weekend, all three teams - Harriet & Sam, Joe & Elizabeth, and Evie & Alice - have earned promotion into the Silver Fleet. A huge congratulations to them all as they move up to the next level.

Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy in Portland Harbour - photo © Tim Hampton Photography

Cadet Alf Simmonds Trophy in Portland Harbour - photo © Tim Hampton Photography

Smooth Sailing, Solid Futures

It was one of those weekends that reminded us why we love this sport. No dramas - just focused, exciting racing and the endless support and encouragement of the Cadet parents support teams. Race Officer Arky and his mark-laying team were on point throughout, setting square lines and fair courses, and the safety team barely had to get their feet wet - a welcome change from previous years!

As the sun set over Portland Harbour on Sunday evening, the fleet rolled boats back onto shore already talking about Stone and the next selector. With six strong races in the bag, this weekend has already shaped the leaderboard, but as always in Cadet sailing, consistency is key and anything can still happen.

With a five-race series target before World Team selections are finalised, all eyes now turn to Essex later this month. But one thing's for certain, after this weekend in Weymouth, the bar has been set high.

Team GBR is looking sharper than ever.

Overall Results: