GBR team at the Cadet World Championship 2025 at Lake Lipno - Day 3
by Andre Edwards 7 Aug 2025 14:00 BST
3-8 August 2025
So far the conditions on Lake Lipno have provided for excellent and challenging sailing, however being surrounded by hills and mountains can mean that the winds are shifty and can be light at time, and this proved to be the case on day 3.
It was an early start for sailors with team and event briefings kicking the day off around 8am. Following the prize-giving in the main hall sailors made their way to the boat park to prepare, however the lake was very still and there was the inevitability raising of the AP flag to signal postponement of the race.
It is always amazing to see how these young sailors cope with waiting to launch during a postponement. Other than sailing the children love to socialise and make new friends. Being an international event means they have the rare opportunity connect with friends from across the world (eight nations are represented). In some case they will have existing friends they met in previous Worlds, or making new friends though kicking a football, throwing a rugby ball or playing card games.
These are moments that make lasting memories, something very special about the International Cadet Class.
After a couple of hours waiting the Delta flag was raised meaning the sailors could tally and launch. Although the breeze had built somewhat from early it continue to be fairly light. The main and promotional fleets managed to get a single race in before retuning the shore, where the postponement continued until there was no chance of further sailing at around half past five.
The Hawke Marine Optics sponsored British team had mixed fortunes in the main fleet as the shifty conditions meant it provided difficult to predict the best course to take. Most of the lead GBR boats didn't continue their form from previous days, however event leaders Alex Enkel and Jude Baldock finished an excellent fourth, just ahead of their nearest rivals, the overall event second placed boat of Henry McQuillen and Thomas Pitt from Australia.
The GBR sailors in the promotional fleet had an excellent race on day 3. There was some confusion about the finish of the shortened course due to light winds, however Ava Stoddart and Jemima Cox-Olliff won to move up to second overall. Mia Stanislaus and Sophie Baer had an excellent second to retain the overall lead of the Promotional regatta and Lewis Walker and Oli Walker secured their first podium position with a brilliant third, making it a GBR 1, 2 and 3.
As is traditional at Cadet World Championship the hosts put on an evening celebrating local culture, food and drink. Thanks to our hosts the main hall was packed with sailors enjoying Kofola, sausage and cheese, and for the parents and coaches world famous Czech beers. Entertainment came in the form of quizzes on Czechia and beer.
With only one race completed today tomorrows lay day has been cancelled and the sailors have up to two races to look forward to in the afternoon, postponing sightseeing plans for now.
Cadet Class sailing provides a fantastic opportunity for children to have life changing experiences. Visit www.cadetclass.org.uk to find out more about the class, or follow @gbrcadets on Instagram or Facebook. For further information on the event follow 'Festival of Sails' on Facebook.
Results: www.sailing.cz/en/results/251302