Third Cadet Class Selector Trials at RCYC 28 May 2013

The United Kingdom National Cadet Class Association team has been selected to represent the UK at the 2013 world Cadet world championship in Nieuwpoort, Belgium later this year.

With just seven places available from a total of three events, competition in Sunday’s final four races in the Zhik Selector series – the Alf Simmonds Memorial Trophy – at the Royal Corinthian YC was always going to be intense. Although the shifty conditions proved challenging for the 55-strong fleet on Saturday, today’s sparkling sunshine and more stable north-westerly winds of up to 13kts produced one of the best sailing days of the year so far.

The overnight leaders after four races on Saturday were Arran (16) and Niall Holman from Hollowell SC. Although the pair had to discard a poor result in today’s opening race, they clawed back and ended the day with a first, enough to place them first overall and secure a place on the world championship team with 41 points.

Alex Philpott (15) and Harry Fitzsimmons from Frensham Pond SC finished today’s event with an equally impressive overall point score of 44. They scored two second places yesterday and a third today, which ensured them a place on the team.

In third place overall in the world team qualifier series is Alex Warrington (16) from Thorpe Bay YC, and Ellie Wootton from Waldringfield SC, both of whom have competed at world championships before, but who have only been sailing together for a short period.

Commenting as he stepped ashore after the final race today, Warrington who has been racing Cadets for the last six years said: “It’s a great class and it has given me a opportunity to sail with my friends and enjoy really competitive racing. I have been training all winter and working my socks off, so I am really pleased to have made it into the team again. The conditions here in Burnham were very challenging especially yesterday. There were plenty of wind bends and shifts and generally really tough conditions. Today was a lot better but we had to contend with the tide so it was still challenging. Our plan now is to get in the boat as much as we can and train hard because the entire squad is extremely competitive.”

Wootton (13) says their aim is to come in the top nine at the world championship. “I came ninth last time so we need to better that result. An eighth would be good.”

Fifteen-year-old Sam Yale and Harry Chatterton, both from Waldringfield SC, finished the series in fourth place overall. They scored a couple of results in the teens in today’s final two races but their general performance is good, and are strong members of the team.

Jack (16) and Laura Hardie from Frensham Pond SC, sailed well throughout weekend and their third and second places from yesterday were topped with a first place in today’s opening race. In a building north-westerly breeze, they executed a good start and pulled out an impressive lead to finish 54 seconds ahead of Jack Shorter and Adam Lloyd from the Corinthian Otter fleet. The Hardies finished fifth overall in the series, which was enough to claim their place in the team.

Alex Page (13) and Aaron Chadwick from Alton Water Sailing Academy and Fishers Green SC gave a good all round performance and, although they missed out on securing second place in the final race, their fourth place was enough for sixth place overall and a world team place.

The sister duo – Lucy (15) and Cally Terkelsen (9) from Stone SC – claimed their spot on the world championship team after some consistently good results. They started the three-event qualifying series at Rutland in April with a first place and took another win and two fifth places today which left them in sixth place overall. A surprised Lucy, recovering from the shock of being selected, said: “It is amazing. I worked so hard over the winter, but I still just can’t believe it. I am so happy.”

Andy Shorrock, Chairman of the UKNCCA commenting on the world team selection, said: “We are thrilled to conclude the selection of our team for the 2013 world championship with a fabulous weekend sailing in Burnham. There is a real positive buzz about the place and everyone seems to have really enjoyed the event. We have a strong team and we wish them the best of luck at the championship and we hope they will race hard and fair.”

Special thanks to the Zhik the selector series sponsors for the world team, and Allen Brothers who supported this weekend’s racing.

2013 British World Championship Team

• Alex Philpott and Harry Fitzsimmons (Frensham Pond SC)
• Sam Yale and Harry Chatterton (Waldringfield SC)
• Alex Page and Aaron Chadwick (Alton Water Sailing Academy/Fishers Green SC)
• Arran and Niall Holman (Hollowell SC)
• Alex Warrington and Ellie Wootton (Thorpe Bay YC/Waldringfield SC)
• Jack and Laura Hardie (Frensham Pond SC)
• Lucy and Cally Terkelsen (Stone SC)