A Fabulous Week to Remember
August saw the highlight of the BSC Cadet year with over 153 Cadets and nearly as many volunteers taking part in a packed week of sailing and onshore fun. As well as the sailing, other activities included, field games, the traditional tractor pull contest and the Colour team competitions.
During the week our Cadets sailed in a wide variety of boats, from Oppies, Toppers, Fevas, 420s, Lasers, to Thames Barges! We also were very lucky to have Oyster Smack ‘Hyacinth’ sailed by the newest Cadets to sailing and the use of four BSC cruiser yachts for the older Seamanship and Crewing group who were less keen on the racing but wanted to enjoy cruising.
Beginners learned the ropes on the lake, while the more experienced cadets trained or raced on the river. Winds picked up throughout the week, culminating in a breezy Saturday and the sunny Sunday sail to Maldon for ice cream with nearly 100 boats.
Red team claimed overall victory in the colour team competition, shining in the lake games and the talent show.
On Wednesday night, most Cadets headed over to Madison Heights in Maldon to enjoy roller-skating and soft play. Despite the variety of ages amongst the cadets, we all had a lot of fun at Monkey Puzzle with everyone getting involved and taking part in games such as Stuck in the Mud and Splat. It gave everyone a chance to get to know other Cadets that were not in the same colour or sailing groups. After an exciting hour, we went to the roller-skating rink where there was a range of different skill levels. It was especially nice to see more advanced skaters support and guide others around the rink.
On the penultimate evening we had the Curry Night, when both adults and cadets had an opportunity to dress up and celebrate. There was a photo booth where both adults and cadets captured memories with their friends. Later, there was a disco as well as a new addition to Cadet Week for the adults: the Ceilidh Night, where an Irish band performed and organised country dancing which was very entertaining! The disco gave a chance for both younger and older cadets to have fun and dance with DJ Elliott on the decks expertly mixing the music.
We also had a film night, a talent show and the very popular fancy dress competition with the challenging letter ‘O’ theme.
We raised over £1800 during Cadet Week for our four charities being CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), Thames Barge Sailing Trust, Heritage Marine Foundation and the Farleigh Hospice. Farleigh Hospice was the charity supported by Richard Marshall’s Swim Across the Channel which took part over the last two days of Cadet Week.
It was definitely a fantastic and memorable week for both the children and all the adults taking part. The week was a huge success thanks to all the dedicated volunteers and organisers under the leadership of our enthusiastic Cadet Skipper.
Osea Evans & Katherine Carver
Photos: Anna Lau and Sophie Carver
Cadet Week Results
MAIN SERIES
General Handicap for the Cadets 420 Cup
1 Bella Elderton & Hermione Cook
2 Flo Evans & Katherine Carver
3 Olivia Adkins & Henry Louis
LASER Overall for the Glendu Regatta Cup
1 Jess Welch (4.7)
2 Austin Edwards (Radial)
3 Hugh Andrews (Radial)
LASER Radial
1 Charlie Garlick (placed 5th)
Laser 4.7
1 Mara Thomas (placed 4th)
Feva for the for the Gibson Trophy
1 Amelie Fairhead & Bonnie Marshall
2 Natasha Adkins & Esme Thomas
3 Harriet Garlick & Freddie Diddams
TOPPER/TERA – for the NRD Trophy
1 Amelia Gilbert
2 Ben Crawford
3 Isabelle Miller
OPTIMISTS for the Segura Trophy
1 Oliver Keeble
2 Matthew Marshall
3 Victor Iszatt
OVERALL RACING TROPHIES
CHALLENGE TROPHY: Best points for the week
Amelie Fairhead & Bonnie Marshall in Feva
BLUE FLAG TANKARD (NO PLAQUE): Girl’s best points for the week, not winning the Challenge Trophy
Bella Elderton & Hermione Cook in 420
BEST CREW MEDAL
Bonnie Marshall in Feva: coaches described as absolute powerhouse – excellent transitions – super-responsive to both helm & conditions
COCK OF THE CADETS: Winner of Race of all Class Winners
1 Jess Welch
2 Amelie Fairhead
3 Bella Elderton
PINK FLAG TANKARD
Best results in a handicap fleet not winning the first prize
Flo Evans & Katherine Carver in the GH fleet
AWARDED TROPHIES
OPTIMIST – for the Evans Endeavour Goblet
Matthew Marshall for really developing his race acumen since this time last year
SEAMANSHIP CUP: Awarded for good seamanship or helping other competitors
Willoughby Spanton for persevering sailing back from downriver without being towed
HERON SPOON: Most Resolute Cadet
Ariana Denny from Oppie OTW – first time on river, always kept on trying, and did all that was asked of her
GINGER RICHES: Most Spirited Cadet
Charlie Nelson – always smile on face, good listener & always willing to help other cadets
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