The zenith (day 4) of the ABP Cadet UK Nationals has finally arrived! This has unequivocally been the sunshine Nationals, ideal weather for spectators and all those bolstering the youthful mariners ashore. Nonetheless, as the event progressed, the winds waned, presenting arduous conditions for the sailors and the race officer, Arky.
In spite of everyone’s endeavors, there were three races on the inaugural day, two on the second day, and one on the third day, with hopes high that this sequence wouldn’t persist into the concluding day. Regrettably, the light winds endured, resulting in a solitary race on day four, culminating the competition with a total of seven races.
The Cadets have indubitably left a significant mark here in Plymouth, especially when the 100+ boats captivate the attention of locals and tourists observing from the breakwater and Hoe. With spinnakers aloft as they navigate to and from the sailing area in Plymouth Sound from the slipways of the Mountbatten Centre, they present a vibrant spectacle, brimming with the exuberance one only finds when over 200 enthusiastic children congregate. Spectators can be overheard identifying various nationalities from the sails. David Simmonds has superbly captured the Cadets’ return in this video:
The final day witnessed sailors from the three fleets, Gold, Silver, and Regatta, vying for their last opportunity to enhance their overall standings. At the end of the final day, the overall victors in the Gold fleet were John Garner and Jack Benyan (Australia), with Yehor and Yurii Veretelnyk (Ukraine) securing second, and third place being clinched by Illia Donchenko and Anatolii Moskalenko (Ukraine).
The champions of the Silver fleet were Alex McEwan and Harry Murphy McKie (Great Britain), with George Cox-Olliff and George Letts (Great Britain) in second, and Antoni Gabryszewski and Natalia Staniszewska (Poland) in third. The Regatta fleet victors were Kyla Brezhan and Alex Nailer (Great Britain), with Hugh Voysey and Hannah Muir Wood (Great Britain) in second, and Charlotte Noren-Topham and Miles Hardy (Great Britain) in third. The highest-ranking GBR boat (4th) and UK National champions were Samantha Nee and Isabelle Davies. David Simmonds has compiled a video montage of Samantha and Isabelle’s award:
This splendid Cadet UK Nationals, the precursor to a fortnight of Cadet sailing extravaganza, concludes here. The UK Nationals have been enriched by the many international sailors joining this year. The Cadet sailors now eagerly anticipate the ABP Cadet Worlds commencing on .
The Cadet Class is profoundly grateful for the support of all our sponsors, notably Associated British Ports, Minerva’s Virtual Academy, Stubborn Mule, Pure Storage, NFU Mutual, Royal Hospital School, GOAT Marine, West System, Optimum Time, Exe Sails, The Cornwall Bakery, Stitchprint, Golden Duck, Indigo Concept, Clamcleat, and Llandow Caravan Park. The event is being orchestrated by Plymouth Youth Sailing at the Mountbatten Centre for Water sports.
It’s a myth that you have to leave the Cadet class at 17
The UK National Championships have returned to Plymouth this year, with a substantial fleet of 101 boats. However, there are more than 202 Cadet sailors present, as many of the coaches aiding the under-17s are aged 18 to 21 and have not long left the class. They still proudly assert that they are Cadets and cherish the community they grew up within, competing in club, national, or world-level events.
I conversed with Toby Bush and Connor Line, two such ex-Cadet coaches reveling in their time on Plymouth Sound this week. Engaging with them, it is evident they are relishing their involvement with the class, imparting their expertise to the newcomers. Their guidance must be invaluable; both are no strangers to securing top-ten finishes at the Worlds.
Each has been out on a RIB, conversing with their assigned sailors before and after each race. They respond to queries about why a particular boat performed well or poorly, what the wind was doing, and more. Then they discuss with the kids what to anticipate from the wind in the next race, preparing them mentally.
Toby was the World Champion helm in 2022 (Australia) and expressed how much he valued the friendships he forged in the fleet, from all the nations who competed. Recently, an Aussie ex-Cadet visited the UK, and the two reunited. Lifelong friendships have been formed and are being maintained.
Toby also noted that sailors seem to naturally excel in communication, even with other people’s parents, race officers, etc. He observed a significant difference compared to friends in other sports who are less communicative or outgoing. Another life skill developed before the age of 17!
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Event organizers appear to have little trouble finding these helpful youths; Toby’s brother is still in the fleet, making him easily contactable, and no arm-twisting seems necessary. They all know the other coaches and enjoy the camaraderie, as well as the joy of sharing their knowledge.
Connor last sailed with Toby in 2018 and is delighted to find himself back on the water with his old crew. Typically, young adults display a self-centered desire to enjoy life and party, but Connor mentioned how gratifying it is not to leave the class and to give something back. He spoke of how many ex-Cadets long for that community feeling and still see friends from Belgium after meeting them at World Championships.
It must be wonderful to decide to visit Europe and have friends immediately offer a boat for you to borrow!
The Royal Hospital School is one of the sponsors of the Nationals this year, and Connor has been collaborating with them in a coaching capacity.
Connor was adamant that coaches mustn’t simply instruct sailors to “go right,” but rather explain why it’s advantageous to do so and how this can be determined. It’s fantastic that he and Toby ensure to always provide the kids with the how and why.
These two lads haven’t come off the water exhausted and complaining, despite a seven-hour day on the water. They are beaming and loving it!
They both cherish the fleet for what it gave them and what they can now give back. And even in giving back, they have found more joy.
