Thorpe Bay Yacht Club

Tel: 01702 587 563

Many of you will know about the UK National Cadet Class Association (UKNCCA) – this piece is aimed at those who don’t. Our family are relatively new to the world of dinghy sailing, the structure of the sport and the various class associations. After having attended several excellent Cadet events this year, most recently the Cadet Nationals 2010 hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club last week, I thought I would write this piece to make others aware who might be in a similar position us.

So far this year with the UKNCCA we have been to Rutland Water, WPNSA (2012 sailing venue – staying in the Team GBR hotel), Torquay (twice), Burnham and Waldringfield; next month we’re off to Stone and Burnham.

What’s the attraction?

I guess it’s the one-design aspect. Even with the handicap, Club racing with a Cadet can be demoralising at times when everyone else zooms past but when you are up against a fleet made up entirely of Cadets it becomes a different story. The Cadet is a three-sail racing dinghy with a very tunable rig and symmetrical kite. The Cadet will teach you all you need to know for when you graduate to bigger and faster things. Just look at the honours board to see who dominates it – an ex-Cadet.

Let’s use last week as an example. There were 82 Cadets on the water at Torquay with crews and helms between the ages of 9 and 17 competing against each other and displaying remarkable levels of skill and seamanship in the process. TBYC were represented by three boats crewed by George & Ben Warrington, Alex Warrington & Laura Lloyd and Matthew Lloyd & Harvey Turner. The children and adults who attended all had a good time and learnt much in the process. If you’re interested in learning more about the UKNCCA please follow the link http://www.cadetclass.org.uk or see Howard Warrington or myself.

Michael Lloyd

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