Sailing Glory: The ABP Cadet UK National Championship in Plymouth

The ABP Cadet UK National Championship 2024 in Plymouth has been a spectacular showcase of young sailing talent from around the globe. This year, the event reached its climax on the fourth day, with weather conditions that were nothing short of perfect for spectators. Sunny skies greeted the attendees, making it an ideal day to witness the skill and determination of these young sailors. However, the wind conditions proved to be a significant challenge, not only for the sailors but also for the race officer, Arky. The light winds on the final day allowed for only one race to take place, but that did not diminish the enthusiasm and competitive spirit that filled the air.

Plymouth, a city with a rich maritime history, was the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. The sight of over 100 boats taking to the water was a spectacle in itself, leaving a lasting impression on both locals and visitors. The diverse sail colors made it easy for spectators to identify the different nationalities participating in the championship. The final day saw intense competition among sailors from three different fleets: gold, silver, and regatta. Each sailor gave their all, vying for a chance to move up in the rankings and secure a coveted spot on the podium.

In the gold fleet, the overall winners were John Garner and Jack Benyan from Australia, showcasing their exceptional sailing prowess. They were followed closely by Yehor and Yurii Veretelnyk from Ukraine, who secured second and third place, respectively. The silver fleet saw Alex McEwan and Harry Murphy McKie from Great Britain take the top spot, with George Cox-Olliff and George Letts, also from Great Britain, securing second and third place. In the regatta fleet, Antoni Gabryszewski and Natalia Staniszewska from Poland emerged victorious, while Hugh Voysey and Hannah Muir Wood from Great Britain took second and third place.

The highest placing GBR boat in the gold fleet, and the UK National Champions, were Samantha Nee and Isabelle Davies, who finished in fourth place overall. Their achievement was celebrated with a video montage of their award ceremony, created by David Simmonds. The Cadet UK Nationals is just the beginning of a two-week cadet sailing extravaganza, with many international sailors joining the competition this year. The next big event on the calendar is the ABP Cadet Worlds, which promises to bring even more excitement and fierce competition to Plymouth.

One of the unique aspects of the Cadet class is the sense of community and camaraderie it fosters among sailors. Many former cadet sailors, now aged 18-21, return to coach and mentor the younger cadets. These coaches, who once competed in the same events, are proud of their cadet roots and the lifelong friendships they have formed. Former cadet champions Toby Bush and Connor Line are among the coaches at this year’s event, sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of sailors. They provide valuable race analysis and mental preparation, helping their assigned sailors perform at their best.

The Royal Hospital School, a sponsor of the event, has also played a significant role in supporting the cadet class. Former cadet Connor Line, who now works as a coach at the school, emphasizes the importance of teaching sailors the rationale behind race strategy, rather than just giving commands. This approach helps young sailors develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the sport. The coaches’ dedication and passion for sailing are evident, as they put in long hours on the water, energized and happy to give back to the community that shaped their own sailing careers.

The Cadet UK National Championship also brings back emotional memories for many ex-cadet sailors who attend the event. One such individual is Barry Steel, a national champion from 1957, who is among the spectators enjoying the event in Plymouth. The championship serves as a reminder of the impact the Cadet class has had on the lives of countless sailors, both past and present. It provides youth sailors with the opportunity to make friends with peers from other nations and experience different cultures, further enriching their sailing journey.

PredictWind, a popular weather system used by sailors across various classes, has been an invaluable tool for competitors at the championship. From Olympic sailors to ocean racers and cruisers, PredictWind’s accurate forecasts help sailors make informed decisions on the water. Charles Ettienne-Devanneaux, an experienced sailor, shared his experience racing in two world-famous courses, the Transpac and Hobart, highlighting the importance of reliable weather data. The use of advanced technology like PredictWind underscores the evolving nature of the sport and the continuous pursuit of excellence by sailors worldwide.

The Cadet class and other sailing communities offer opportunities for friendship and camaraderie among sailors of all ages and backgrounds. Despite the challenges posed by high-performance boats that require a high level of skill and athleticism, the Cadet class remains inclusive and accessible. This inclusivity is further supported by sponsors like Zhik, a leading brand in the sailing industry. Zhik’s commitment to pushing design and technology for optimal performance is evident in their support for young sailors competing in Plymouth to be crowned world cadet champion.

The UK Cadet Class Association event, held at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre and hosted by Plymouth Youth Sailing Club, brought together 200 sailors aged 7 to 17 from around the world. With 100 teams competing, including those from Australia, Argentina, and India, the event showcased the global appeal of the Cadet class. After hundreds of young sailors competed, 28 were chosen to represent GBR in 14 teams. Zhik’s UK/IRE Sales & Global Product Manager, Tristan Hutt, emphasized the inclusivity and intergenerational aspect of the Cadet class, highlighting its importance in nurturing young talent.

Zhik’s new sailing smock for youths and upcoming youth range seamlessly integrate into their adult sizing, ensuring that young sailors have access to high-quality gear. The races took place against the picturesque backdrop of Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican, adding to the charm of the event. Zhik awarded prizes for the top two in every race, along with additional prizes and a Zhik voucher for every competitor. The winners also had the opportunity to join Zhik’s Ascender program, which supports young sailing stars with gear, sponsorship, and mentorship.

The opening ceremony for the event took place on August 2nd, followed by races starting on August 4th and continuing until August 9th. Goat Marine provided Zhik retail support throughout the event, ensuring that sailors had access to the best gear. As a leader in the sailing industry, Zhik is dedicated to sustainability and is a preferred choice for professional and recreational sailors worldwide. Their commitment to innovation and performance is reflected in their position as the official supplier to the Australian Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Zhik’s comprehensive range of women’s products has solidified their position as leaders in women’s water wear. With 20 years of expertise in designing performance wetsuits, Zhik continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in sailing apparel. The new performance range, developed in collaboration with top athletes, is a testament to Zhik’s dedication to excellence. As the ABP Cadet UK National Championship 2024 in Plymouth draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of outstanding performances, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of community among sailors from around the world.