Cadet Open at Waldringfield Sailing Club

Waldringfield Cadet Open © Angie Meyer

Waldringfield, situated on the beautiful river Deben in Suffolk, is one of the UK's few designated bathing water areas and on warmer days you will find swimmers, crabbers and folks paddle boarding, whilst yachts pass through from Woodbridge to Felixstowe and onto the North Sea.

However this is November and many of the yachts are ashore for winter maintenance and more people can be found in the keeping warm in the pub than on the beach. So it was great that despite the cold conditions and gloom over 50 young, hardy cadet sailors made their way from clubs around the country to Waldringfield for the 2024 Cadet Open.

Waldringfield Cadet Open - photo © Angie Meyer

Out of 26 boats competing 13 were in the Regatta fleet, demonstrating the success the class and local squadrons have had in bringing on enthusiastic crews into enthusiastic new helms. Even within the Gold and Silver fleets there was many new pairings with new crews starting their Cadet sailing adventure. The number of new crews and helms prompted a change in format from last year's Open, with the first day dedicated to training from the excellent Alex Corby and Harry Chatterton. There were separate training groups for the Regatta, Silver and Gold fleets, with everyone being brought together for some very competitive practice racing.

Waldringfield Cadet Open - photo © Angie Meyer

The competition proper started on the second day. It was a gloomy grey day with winds forecast to be light so three races were planned for the day. Despite the forecast, on the water the wind proved to be sufficient, though the strong tide provided challenge around the course particularly for the newer helms. The Regatta fleet had performed well in training and race officer Alex Corby decided to start all fleets together.

Waldringfield Cadet Open - photo © Angie Meyer

Wins were shared with Hettie Thorogood and Clementine Denny-Pickess coming through in 1st place for race 1. George Cox Olliff and Evie Winchester won race 2, and Alex and Rhona Enkel took the third race. It was really close between the three pairs for the top 3 overall places, however honours went to Hettie and Clementine who won on count back from George and Evie, and only one point behind were Alex and Rhona who came 3rd. Jude Baldock and Alvy Jones were the 1st placed Regatta boat, coming a very impressive 6th overall, and Kali Karaskas and Araminta Denny-Pickess were the 1st placed Silver fleet boat, coming in 7th overall.

Waldringfield Cadet Open - photo © Angie Meyer

This time of year with many children heading in doors it was great to see such talented youngsters challenging themselves outside, against each other and the elements. Thank you to everyone who made this such a fantastic weekend of autumnal sailing, including Sara Cox Olliff the event organiser, Alex Corby race officer and Gold and Silver fleets coach, Harry Chatterton Regatta fleet coach, visiting sailors from Fishers Green, South Cerney, Frensham Pond and Rickmansworth sailing clubs, all the volunteers on and off the water and finally to Heidi in the galley who worked so hard keeping everyone well fed.

Next up in the Cadet calendar is training at Northampton Sailing Club on 16 and 17 November. Visit cadet.class.org.uk for further information.

You can follow the Cadet class on Instagram and Facebook @GBRCadets.

Overall Results: