Zhik Cadet National Championships at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club

Cadet nationals at Abersoch © Andy Shorrock

Cadet nationals at Abersoch © Andy Shorrock

Almost 140 young competitors arrived at the beach in Abersoch on day 4 hoping to conclude the 10-race series of the 2013 Zhik Cadet National Championships with 3 races scheduled. They were greeted by overcast skies and South West winds of 14 - 17 knots. The top 3 boats were very close on points so a tense day was in prospect.

In race 8, Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick led around to first mark and flew down the reaches to establish a good lead. The fleet gave chase and used the small windshifts on the windward legs to haul back the leaders. On the last beat, Arran Holman and Lucy Offord managed to break through into the lead and held on down the last run to win. Alex and Aaron claimed 2nd placed with series leaders Seppe Greeve and Cedric Boven from Belgium in 3rd. Sisters Lucy and Cally Terkelsen kept their hopes of alive with a 4th.

In race 9, Alex and Arran had clearly learnt their lesson. Once in the lead, they kept a close watch on the fleet and were never threatened for 1st place. The Terkelsen sisters kept the pressure on with a 2nd with Jack and Laura Hardie in 3rd. Seppe and Cedric finished 12th and Arran and Lucie 13th following a jury infringement on the first beat. It meant that points were very tight going into race 10 with Seppe and Cedric leading and top GBR boats Arran/Lucie and Lucy/Cally separated by only 1 point.

In race 10, it was Arran and Lucie who established an early lead, followed by the Terkelsen girls and Willow and Cara Bland. The race was very tight with Arran/Lucie closely covering Lucy/Cally allowing Willow/Cara to get in between. On the last beat to the finish, Lucy/Cally crossed Arran/Lucie on starboard, however in the choppy seas, Arran and Lucie managed to maintain their speed under the covering tack to cross the finish line 1st. Lucy and Cally were 2nd ahead of Willow/Cara. Eyes were then back down the course as Seppe/Cedric crossed the line in 8th place, enough to win the championship by a single point from Arran and Lucie who are UK National Champions.

1st Silver fleet boat was Alex Colquitt and Ella Marston from West Kirky in a highly credible 15th overall.

In the bronze fleet, Mary Sacker and Lucy Nunn from Waldringfield clearly liked the conditions leading the fleet home in all 3 races to secure 1st overall.

The Cadet Class and all 67 boats entered enjoyed the warm hospitality of South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club in Abersoch and had a hugely enjoyable week. Thanks go to Championship sponsors Zhik as well as SCYC members and Cadet Class helpers for all of their support.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Cadet nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

Full results available at www.cadetclass.org.uk