Race Tracking Innovation for the Cadet Class

Live GPS Tracking for the Cadet class © SailRacer

Cadet racing © Iain Philpott

The UK Cadet Class Association working in partnership with SailRacer is delighted to announce for the World Team Selector Series this year GPS tracking will enable family and friends to watch the action real-time via the web from anywhere in the World. This means for folks in the club house, parents confined to an office or grandparents far away the latest technology can keep them as informed of proceedings as if they were on the water.

SailRacer will be providing the live GPS Tracking and online commentary for the Cadet Class World Selector Series over the spring, leading up to the 2014 Cadet Worlds in August. All Cadets will be fitted with SailRacer's proven GPS trackers, which will allow online spectators to view the action, live. Detailed analysis such as speeds and VMG allow a greater understanding of the race, with gains and losses clearly demonstrated. The SailRacer tracking system is proving to be a great coaching tool, already helping the UK Cadet Squads in their preparations for the 2014 Worlds in August at WPNSA, the 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue. From experience of SailRacer coverage of other events, it is expected many tens of thousands of people will follow the Cadet action.

About the Cadet Class

The UK National Cadet Class Association (UKNCCA) exists to organize, promote and deliver outstanding sail racing events for children in the Cadet boat. The Cadet boat is a one-design, three-sail symmetric spinnaker dinghy specifically designed and built for a crew of two children up to the age of 17. The fleet in the UK is flourishing with a turnout of over 70 boats at the 2013 National Championships held at Abersoch, North Wales in August. The UKNCCA is hosting the 2014 World Championships at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), site of the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

For children, sailing a Cadet offers the following:

• Fun - Sailing is physically and mentally challenging; it provides a competitive environment with a strong sense of fair play

• Friends - Children make friends locally and all over the country; they learn how to work as a team with the older helms learning to take responsibility for their younger crews.

• Adventure - Sailing in all weathers; making decisions with constantly changing conditions; competing all over the world with the best in the world

• Learning - Understanding the dynamics of setting up the boat; assessing the implications of tidal, wind and weather conditions on your plans; the competitive nature of the sport all contribute to the intellectual development of these young people.

Sailing with the UK Cadet Class in particular facilitates the development of confident, creative and dynamic young people. Participation in UK-wide Cadet Class events introduces children to a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. The Cadet boat at 3.2m in length is specifically designed for juniors with an upper age limit of 17 years. Designed as a double handed, three-sail dinghy sailed and raced worldwide by a helm and crew. The Cadet provides a three sail experience which demands teamwork to achieve the best results. Skills gained in this symmetric boat can be transferred to any other class or size of sailing boat in use today.