Nineteen boats gathered at Waldringfield for the Cadet Open on Sunday 1 November, with six races completed in challenging but enjoyable light winds.
It was particularly encouraging to see such a young fleet, with seven Under-13 helms making this one of the youngest cohorts in the fleet for several years. A good contingent of travellers from Welsh Harp, Frensham Pond and Fishers Green was warmly welcomed.
A light northerly breeze greeted the fleet. There was just enough wind to make progress against the tide, allowing the first three races to get away in the river in front of the club.
As the tide came in, the course was moved upriver, beyond the island, where the water was slacker and conditions a little more favourable. This provided the setting for the final three races.
Efficient turnarounds between races meant that size races were completed without keeping the sailors out on the water for unnecessarily long period.
The battle for the overall title couldn't have been closer. Samuel English and Sam Flood started with 2 first places. Emily Krailing and Evie Winchester hit back with 3 straight wins, before Samuel and Sam won the final race. So Samuel and Sam finished level on points with Emily and Evie, with Samuel and Sam taking the Harris Salver thanks to their better result in the final race. Behind them, Lewis Walker and Issy Stock were remarkably consistent with 3rd in every race, including a capsize after an over zealous roll tack.
In the Silver fleet, Jasper Bush and Henry Lowe started well with a 2nd. Zoe Thomas and Lisa Gass found their form after the course moved upriver, but it was not enough to beat Jasper and Henry. Ella Edwards and Edith Pynn finished strongly with a 2nd in the final race.
Clementine Denny-Pickess & Rose Lowe excelled in the regatta fleet ahead of Camille Ballam and Isla Robson with Vivienne Letts and Evie Owers in 3rd. The new helms have clearly been making big improvements from the Autumn training programme.
Gold Fleet
1st overall - Harris Salver and Most Improved: Samuel English & Sam Flood
2nd overall, Best Under-15 Helm and 1st Female: Emily Krailing & Evie Winchester
3rd overall: Lewis Walker & Issy Stock
Silver Fleet
1st Silver and Under-14 Helm: Jasper Bush & Henry Lowe
2nd Silver: Zoe Thomas & Lisa Gass
3rd Silver: Ella Edwards & Edith Pynn
Other Awards
1st WSC Non-Travelling: Rosemary Fish
Under-13: Ollie Walker
Regatta Fleet
1st: Clementine Denny-Pickess & Rose Lowe
2nd: Camille Ballam & Isla Robson
3rd: Vivienne Letts & Evie Owers
One thing particularly noticed by the Race Officer was the excellent manners of the competitors. The sailors made a point of thanking the committee boat at the finish of every race - a small gesture, but one that was greatly appreciated and reflects very well on the fleet.
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