Cadet Class

The main junior class at South Cerney is the International Cadet Class dinghy.  It is one of the RYA nominated two-person junior training boats and has been the starting point for many successful yachtsmen and women including Joe Glanfield Olympic Silver medallist at Athens 2004.

 The minimum age for children taking part is eight - largely for reasons of weight, strength and co-ordination. Children should be competent swimmers, happy in and around the water.

Coaching for youngsters takes place on Saturday afternoons between 13.00 and 16.00 from March to November. The aims are to develop boat handling, seamanship and teach the rules of sailing.  A parent or nominated guardian is required to stay and support training sessions.  Safety boats are on hand at all times during organised club racing and coaching. Sessions are usually rounded off with a de-briefing to reinforce the key things learnt and to cover the racing rules.  The objective is to build the skills to allow the children to take part in club races and open meetings and to have fun.

While some of our youngsters have their own boats, the club owns several Cadets that can be used for the coaching sessions and for club races. We are particularly keen to welcome children who have done some basic training however; we can and do encourage complete beginners, who will start by crewing with a more experienced sailor.

To take part, children who are not already members will need to become either full or temporary members of South Cerney Club for the period; they and their parent or guardian must agree to be bound by the club rules.  Membership includes the use of the club facilities and club boats during organised sessions. (Please see the membership page.)

Club racing is held on Sunday mornings throughout the year and on Wednesday evenings in the summer.  The Cadet Class has its own class start on Sundays. 

Our more advanced children also take part in RYA organised zone training and open meetings. The young members train and compete at regional and national events under the banner of the 96 Cadet Squadron.

What to do next

 If you are interested you can visit the club any Saturday afternoon.  Have a chat with our members or alternatively contact the Cadet Class Captain Tony Smith : cadecpt@southcerneysailingclub.org.uk

Cadet Class website http://www.cadetclass.org.uk/