Cadet class grows new squadrons and raises Nationals attendance in 2025

P&B Cadet UK National Championships at Brixham day 1 © Tim Hampton / UK Cadet class

Cadet class sqaudrons as they were in 1966 © UKNCCA

Cadet class sailors and families enjoyed Brixham YC for the UK National Championships this summer, and were delighted to count 50 GBR boats in attendance. This means the best attendance in over ten years (if you subtract non-UK teams from any larger numbers seen recently). There is a wonderful 50:50 split across girls/boys sailing, and what's more, a significant proportion of those boats are wooden - and still beautiful.

But the really important story we must share with you is that there are now four new squadrons: clubs that run specific support for resident Cadets. So the growth across the fleet is in new places, not just at the existing strongholds!

• Stone SC
• Welsh Harp
• Fishers Green
• Thorpe Bay

As the map from the 1966 class newsletter shows, there were a vast number of squadrons back when the Cadet was the only double-handed dinghy for kids to sail without adults on board. Perhaps we won't see the like again, but to witness resurgence at four new clubs is wonderful news for the class.

Over the coming months we hope to hear from those involved at the squadrons how this feat was achieved.

The 50 British boats attending Brixham in 2025:

• 21 teams from Frensham (9 in Regatta fleet)
• 14 from Waldringfield (3 in Regatta)
• 12 from South Cerney (2 in Regatta)
• 1 from Welsh Harp (in Regatta fleet)
• 1 from Rickmansworth
• 1 from Fishers Green

P&B Cadet UK National Championships at Brixham day 1 - photo © Tim Hampton / UK Cadet class