Cadet Class All-Squads Winter Training at the WPNSA
by Peter Collyer 3 Dec 2013 11:45 GMT
30 November -1 December 2013
Cadet training at the WPNSA © Peter Collyer
The Cadet Class re-convened at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy over the weekend of 30th November/1st December, with all of the squads present for this, the last training event of 2013.
Saturday brought glorious weather, with the sun shining all day and a steady breeze from dawn until dusk. The RYA National Junior Squad packed a day's food into their boats and headed out into Weymouth Bay under the guidance of coaches Jonny McGovern and Tom Mallindine, returning to shore late in the afternoon as the sun was dipping behind Portland.
With the Cadet Class World Championships at the venue next August this gave the squad a great opportunity to train where the courses are likely to be laid. The UKNCCA National, Intermediate Development and Junior Development Squads had the luxury of lunch ashore, but their training on the water was just as intense.
By Sunday morning the good weather had moved on and the young sailors were greeted by dull skies and little wind. An extended tuning session in the dinghy park was followed by a late morning sail in a dying breeze, with most of the boats having to be towed in for lunch.
However, things were more exciting on shore for a change, with Class Chairman Andy Shorrock launching the 'Square Rigger' World Championships supporter's scheme at a meeting for the parents. The scheme creates the opportunity for companies and individuals to support the 2014 Cadet Worlds at Weymouth and Portland through a donation that is acknowledged by the presence of their logo and a link to their own website on the supporter's page of the championship's website. See www.cadetworlds.co.uk for further details.
Back out in Weymouth Harbour a light breeze had returned after lunch allowing the four squads to join together for two short races to round off an excellent weekend.
Thanks to all the staff at the WPNSA and, as always, a big thank you to the coaching team.
Now is the time to find a club near you with a Cadet Fleet if you want to join the class in the Spring. Go to www.cadetclass.org.uk/Membership to find out more - you are promised a warm welcome and all the help you need to start racing in the New Year.