On Sunday 24 July, Blackwater SC welcomed 150 cadets aged 8 to 18 to our first Cadet Week for 3 years unrestricted by Covid. The cadets, their parents and the cadet team packed into our new upper deck club room for the daily briefings. 57 cadets were in lake training groups, 43 in river training groups and 50 in MG race groups split across six fleets. For the team activities, they were divided into six colour groups led by the Cadet Committee. Training groups worked towards the cadet badge, RYA levels 1-4 and seamanship skills. River training was provided for optimists, toppers, teras and lasers by our experienced team of instructors and assistants. Racers were supported by our team of race coaches and races were run from our club line with one down river day with a committee boat start.

Historically, cadets would start their training aged 8 learning in optimists on the lake. Increasingly, cadets are now joining the club as teenagers and are too big for an optimist! To cater for this trend we used our fleet of RS Quests supplemented with Wayfarers to provide training for older beginners and intermediates in addition to the RYA level 4 and seamanship training.

Conditions were great for sailing during the week ranging from a gentle force 2 to challenging force 6. The emphasis on the week was having fun and the team activities included lake games, field games, treasure hunt and the tractor pull. Evening social events included a gala dinner and disco.

The final day began with the fancy dress competition with some amazingly creative costumes. While the judging was happening, the Cock of the Cadets races took place with the winners of the river race series battling it out for top-spot. This was followed by the parents race challengingly held in Optimists. In the afternoon, over 200 cadets and helpers in 120 boats set off for a cruise to Maldon where vast quantities of ice creams were consumed!

Our chosen charity to support during the week was the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSTY) and their chairman David Aisher gave an introductory talk about the work of the trust. During the week, Rafe organised a raffle which raised a splendid £809.35 which was donated to the TSYT.

Huge thanks to our Cadet Skipper Paul Trickey for putting together and delivering a brilliant and safe Cadet Week supported by the Cadet Committee, our instructors, coaches, assistants and the many volunteers who make this wonderful week possible for our young sailors.

Racing results:

Laser 4.7 – 181374 – Hugh Andrews

Laser Radial – 2 – Nick Evans

Optimist – 5931 – Callum Marshall

Topper/Tera – Topper 44412 – Robert Gardner

Medium Handicap – RS Feva BSC2 – Bella Elderton & Garci Lefranc

420 – 53332 – Jess Haigh & Lucy Shelter

Cock of the Cadets: Hugh Andrews

The full results can be seen on our website here

Members can read a detailed report from the Cadet Skipper here