International Cadets return to Burnham 3 Jun 2012

Over the weekend of 2nd & 3rd June the UKNCCA (United Kingdom National Cadet Class Association) returned to Burnham on Crouch, their ‘spiritual home’, after a long absence for the second of their world team selection events. Careful preparation at the RCYC meant the Club was ready for a total entry of 69 boats arriving for the event.

The fleet launched into a fresh easterly which meant PRO Arkey, ably aided by local boys Edwin Buckley & Kim Allen, could lay the first day’s courses between the east end of the moorings and Horse Shoal. The unfamiliar tidal conditions meant many struggled at the start ultimately resulting in the black flag being hoisted and Race One resulted in no fewer than 12 boats succumbing.

Once away 9000 White Stuff (Alex Corby & Robert Kean FGSC/Alton Water), powered to the front and took the gun from 8844 Nasty Tern (Nick Sutton & Joshua Bennett Corinthian Otters) in second and 8352 Master Mariner (Matthew Shorrock & Ryan Wilkinson Frensham Pond) in third.

The Bronze fleet made a sterling effort to get round the track and 9360 (Harriet Sexton & Oliver Somers Frensham Pond) won with 9208 (Samuel Wrankmore & Toby Slump Frensham Pond) in second and 9005 (William Palierakis & Guy Barthram FGSC) in third. There after the strengthening breeze consigned the Bronze fleet back to shore and a well deserved hot chocolate.

Race Two got away clean and saw the Frensham duo of Alex Philpot & Megan Ferguson in 9390 winning with Alex & Robert second and Nick & Josh third.

By the last race of the day four boats returned to shore early after being black flagged with the top slots going to the usual suspects, Matt & Ryan took the gun, Alex & Robert second with Nick & Josh third. The results, however, belied the close racing with the final run often being a nail biting affair as the foul tide closed the fleet up on the last leg of the course.

The Royal Corinthian put on an excellent barbeque and over 100 enjoyed a great meal on the Saturday evening.

Sunday morning dawned grey and windy with a little rain thrown in for good measure and after a short postponement the decision was taken to sail the Bronze fleet slightly up river of the Club where the town offered a little more protection and thanks should go to Kay Tavinor for stepping into the breach as Race Officer and Katie Shorrock for the quick organisation which meant a full day of three races could be completed.

The second race of the series was won by 9152 Sci-Fi (Lucy Corby & Jade McCarthy FGSC) with 9357 (Louis Mellor & Oliver Boosey Frensham Pond & Stone) second and Harriet & Oliver third. In Race Three Sam & Toby were back in the frame in first, with Louis & Oliver in second and Lucy & Jade third.

Lucy and Jade completed an excellent series to win the final race from Louis & Oliver in second and third place was secured by 8848 (Lucy Mallinder & Leah Redford Frensham Pond).

Excellent sailing in difficult conditions resulted in a Bronze fleet series win for Lucy & Jade on 9 points from Samuel & Toby on 11 points and Harriet & Oliver in third position on 15 points.

Meanwhile the change in wind direction meant the Gold/Silver fleet had to sail further down river to just beyond the River Roach for Sunday’s sailing.

Race Four was won by 9875 (Will Reid & Daniel Stacey Parkstone Y.C.), Nick & Josh were second with Matt & Ryan third.

Now getting the hang of the testing conditions, Will Davis & Harry Fitzsimmonds from Royal Lymington in 9034 come to the fore with a win in Race Five followed by Nick & Josh in second with Matt & Ryan in third. The final race of the day coincided with the arrival of some of the offshore yachts returning from a North sea race and made for some great photo opportunities on the sail back to the Club house. Race Six was won by Alex & Megan with Matt & Ryan second and Will & Harry third.

Clearly the location and conditions made for great competitive racing with the final outcome not being known until the last race of the day. Once ashore the scores on the doors showed that Matt & Ryan had won the event with 12 points on count back from Nick & Josh also on 12 points. Third were Alex & Megan with 17 points (also on count back) from Alex & Robert on 17 points. Fifth were local boys Sam & Ben Barr who counted nothing worse than a 9th to end on 30 points from Jack Wilson & Jim Brooker in sixth on 32 points.

All in all a great weekend where a typical Burnham welcome was matched only by the great sailing conditions.