Cadet week 2024 saw 18 cadets and almost as many helpers gathering at the club on a warm Wednesday in August. A moderate breeze enabled all cadets to get out onto the sea, with less experienced sailors doubling up with instructors in Hartleys and Picos, and older cadets on their own in Toppers. Some great sailing was done before the wind died away and most of the boats required towing back onto the slip.
On Thursday the wind picked up substantially, leading to a decision to sail on the Marine Lake; older cadets were still challenged though, being asked to sail within a restricted area without bumping into each other. As is often the case at Clevedon, by Friday the wind had disappeared and boats were only able to drift down for our traditional picnic on Layde Bay beach. Due to the closure of the access way to the beach, food and helpers were this year delivered to the bay on one of our safety boats. Luckily the wind picked up when the tide turned, and everyone enjoyed a fantastic sail back to the slipway.
Our older cadets were able to make the most of increasing winds on Saturday and enjoyed a couple of competitive races, whilst younger cadets went back out onto the lake. Each day we enjoyed food together, as well as some theoretical instruction for the cadets. The final day BBQ was enjoyed by all.
Thanks to everyone who helped out, this is always a team effort and would not happen without all the instructors and parents who join in.
