Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk

A tremendous entry of 32 boats at Grafham contested the last big Cadet event of the season. It was the final winter squad qualifier and with coveted places up for grabs it was always likely to be a competitive weekend. Six races; six different race winners - there can't have been many fleets at Grafham or elsewhere around the country where it was harder fought.

Race one up in the top left corner of the lake on a course shared with the Laser 4.7s under the excellent race management of Peter Saxton whose patience was to be tested by the very shifty conditions. Phoebe Bradshaw and Rhona Enkel - a brand new pairing took it by the scruff of the neck to win from another new combo - Yasmin Sfaxi and Matteo Mancini with Hazel Whittle and Gwen Thorogood taking third.

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships - photo © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk

A long wait for the wind to settle followed. The sailors could see what was going on so waited patiently knowing we were in such good hands. Those who were using their time wisely could see that if you looked all the way up the track you could see which sides the gusts were coming down the lake and plan accordingly. It was too late to head to the right or left when the breeze got there but if you watched the lasers up ahead it was just about possible to see where you were going to need to be 5 minutes later. Hazel and Gwen mastered this nicely and sowed up race 2 with Ellie Watling and George Little in second and Daisy Nunn and Oscar Bush third.

Last race of the day and the sun was still out if a bit milky pale and not so warm but there was still reasonable breeze - perhaps in fact the most stable of the day and although it had been a long day on the water the racing was no less competitive. Rosie Targett and Sophia Sfaxi showing a welcome return to form reminded the fleet of what everyone knows they are capable of. A big win for them then with Olivia Gowland and Hettie Thorogood sailing through to second and Phoebe and Rhona taking the overnight lead with a third place.

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships - photo © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk

On to day two and some better wind (strong and stable - where have we heard that before?) and the PRO had pulled rank to take our course to the east end of the lake where the wind was less affected by shore effects. Race 4 saw Sam Goult and Sarah McEwan port tack the whole fleet and disappear off up wind like a Shinkansen (look it up). They sailed like they were indeed on rails and pulled a start to finish bullet on the fleet showing great promise from the more junior ranks. So too was the boat in third place - siblings Ben Goult and Alex McEwan, sandwiching the ever consistent Phoebe and Rhona who were starting to take a grip on proceeding with great consistency.

By now it was blowing some but the Cadet class was again showing its great seaworthiness with most crews managing well and even those who occasionally tested the water temperature not put off. Race 5 - new faces in the lead Daisy and Oscar again pulling clear on the first beat and never getting caught. Second once more was Phoebe and Rhona (securing for them the champs with a race to spare) and Charlotte Leigh and Tom Krailing who were having a great weekend taking third.

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships - photo © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk

Last race, some tired limbs, breeze now quite pokey, still squad places up for grabs. No surprises about second place - Phoebe and Rhona of course but this time it was Lia Fletcher and Kali Karaskas' turn to light the after-burners and record the win. Enough to secure second place overall for them, and third in the last race; Ben and Alex again.

So a great weekend for the Cadet Class pulling down the curtain on a fantastic season of competitive cadet racing. Fun of course at the forefront, friendships made, sometimes with sailors from the other side of the planet! Planes, trains, automobiles and of course our cherished boats - ten and a half feet of wonderfulness. Alongside the squads this winter there will be open training and regional training so go to www.cadetclass.org.uk for further information - it's true: "You'll never forget your first cadet!" You'll see...

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships - photo © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk

Overall Results:

Cadets at the RYA East Zone Junior Championships - photo © Tim Hampton / www.timhampton.uk