Cadet Class End of Squad Championship at Datchet Water Sailing Club
by John Dunkley 17 May 2013 16:26 BST
11 May 2013
Cadet Class End of Squad Championship at Datchet Water © Andy Shorrock
Cadet sailors from the Cadet Class Junior Development and Intermediate Development Training Squads enjoyed an End of Squad Championship event on 11th May at a very blustery Datchet Water.
The opportunity for sailors of similar age and ability to race peer on peer is a valuable gauge to their progress made during training in the winter months and it was to be a thoroughly testing day.
Four races were held. In the morning, the wind of 15 – 18 knots allowed close racing throughout the fleet. George and Tom Bridge had to work hard for their 2 first places, working their way through the fleet and passing boats on the final run in each race.
Lucy Corby and Jade McCarthy scored 4 and 2, whilst Emily and Rebecca Mitchell scored a 2nd, but an OCS in race 2 meant they could afford no more mistakes.
The wind and conditions proved a real challenge in the afternoon races as the wind gusted up to 30 knots. Whilst the safety crews were kept busy, credit must go to all these young sailors who showed lots of determination and skill to continue to race their boats in the conditions.
The Mitchell sisters were thrilled to record a win in race 3 with the Bridge brothers 2nd. In race 4, Megan Ferguson and Nathan Taylor looked to be close to victory only to capsize on the final gybe to the finish. George and Tom took the opportunity to win the race and the event from Emily and Rebecca with Lainey Terkelsen and Helen Jeary sailing a consistent series to finish 3rd in race 4 and 3rd overall.
Thanks go to Datchet Water, sponsors Zhik and all safety and race committee crews for supporting the event.
Top 3 results
1st 9047 George and Tom Bridge, Frensham Pond
2nd 9384 Emily and Rebecca Mitchell, Alton Water
3rd 8571 Lainey Terkelson and Helen Jeary, Stone SC