Cadet Inland Championship 2025 at Queen Mary Sailing Club

Cadet Inland Championship at Queen Mary © Angie Meyer

The Queen Mary Reservoir once again played host to one of the marquee events in the Cadet calendar: the 2025 Cadet Inland Championships, with the Regatta fleet and 420 class sailing alongside. The weekend offered a perfect mix of fierce competition, testing conditions, and glimpses of the next stages in a Cadet's sailing pathway.

A new sailing year begins for the Cadet fleet. With several older sailors having aged out after the recent National Championships, this was the first event for some new helms and the start of a full season of training and racing for the more experienced and ambitious teams. Off the back of a bumper 50-boat entry at the Nationals in July, and despite losing 13 helms to pastures new, the Inlands once again attracted 50 Cadets — a testament to the hard work going on behind the scenes at the squadrons from South Cerney, Waldringfield, Frensham Pond, Fishers Green, Rickmansworth, and the newest squadron, Welsh Harp.

Ex-Cadets were also visible both on and off the water, with Bee Nee and George Little working hard to support the Regatta fleet, and others competing in the 420 event. Their involvement was a reminder that the Cadet class is more than just racing — it's a foundation for lifelong skills in teamwork, resilience, leadership, friendship, and ambition.

Conditions and atmosphere

Saturday began deceptively calm. Winds flickered between 1 and 11 knots every few minutes, leaving Race Officer Arky (Bob Arkwright) and Deputy Race Officer Neil Fulcher with a busy morning constantly resetting courses for both the Cadet and 420 fleets.

Race 1 was won convincingly by George and Evelyn (Waldringfield), with Kali and Araminta (Waldringfield)and Ava and Alice (Frensham Pond) fighting it out for 2nd and 3rd. Bruce and Alex (South Cerney) continued the form they showed at the Nationals in Brixham, while Monty and Sam (Frensham Pond) — a new pairing this season — posted 5th and then 2nd in Race 2, looking strong for the year ahead.

Race 2 saw big shifts in pressure, with the left-hand side of the beat paying on the first windward leg, but the right proving decisive on the second. George and Evelyn again adapted best, taking the win, with Tom and Isabella close behind in 3rd.

By Race 3, the breeze had built rapidly to 15-17 knots and looked set to increase further. The Regatta fleet was wisely sent ashore, while the Main fleet pressed on. The final race of the day was dramatic — 11 Cadets retired, testing the sailors' boat handling and composure. George and Evelyn thrived in the breeze, taking their third win of the day ahead of Kyla and Emily (South Cerney) and William and Alvy (South Cerney/Fishers Green).

Cadet Inland Championship at Queen Mary - photo © Angie Meyer

Sunday brought steadier conditions, allowing the Race Team to complete the series and sailors to show their tactical skills without the high attrition rate of Saturday.

Race 4 was won by the new pairing Charlotte and Harry (Frensham Pond). Dylan and Harriet (Waldringfield) sailed superbly to 2nd and were consistently fast on the second day.

Race 5 went to Dylan and Harriet after a strong start and excellent upwind positioning, with Samuel and Minnie (Frensham) in 2nd and Charlotte and Harry in 3rd. Jasper and Elsa impressed with a 4th, topping off a strong first Silver fleet event.

Race 6 began in steady breeze but faded, forcing a shortened course. Emily and Jemima took a convincing win ahead of Bruce and Alex, with Kali and Araminta in 3rd.

Gold Fleet Podium - Cadet Inland Championship at Queen Mary - photo © Louisa Gregory

Main/Gold Fleet Podium: (Six races were completed with one discard)

1. George Cox-Olliff / Evelyn Winchester — Hypersonic (10128)
2. Kali Karaskas / Araminta Denny-Pickess — Kiwi (9078)
3. Dylan McArdle / Harriet Walker — Enigma (10003)

A dominant weekend from George and Evelyn, who showed calm decision-making and pace in all conditions. Kali and Araminta were consistent challengers, while Dylan and Harriet's superb second day sealed 3rd overall.

Silver Fleet Standouts:

Samuel English / Minnie Palmer - Racing Stripes (9982) — top Silver fleet boat and 4th overall.
Mimi Windibank / George Blackwell - Never Look Back (8537) — consistent across the series.
Ava Stoddart / Alice Boddy - Aeolus (10002) — showed determination, especially in the breeze.

Silver Fleet Podium - Cadet Inland Championship at Queen Mary - photo © Louisa Gregory

Other Awards:

Highest performing U15 helm: George Cox-Olliff (Waldringfield SC)
Highest performing U14 helm: Emily Krailing (Waldringfield SC)
Highest performing U13 helm: Jasper Bush (Waldringfield SC)
Youngest sailor: Margot Pynn

Regatta Fleet Podium: (Five races were completed, with one discard)

1. Georgina Loader / Lola Dawson — Pushing It (10001)
2. Frankie Sherwood / Eliza Gregory — Morwenna (10127)
3. Evie Boddy / Ottilie Leah-Ell — Puffin (9159)

The Regatta sailors handled Saturday's light airs well before being brought ashore as the breeze built. On Sunday, steadier conditions gave them the chance to shine, with Georgina and Lola securing the overall win.

Regatta Fleet Podium - Cadet Inland Championship at Queen Mary - photo © Louisa Gregory

Stories and standouts

Under-15 helm triumph: George Cox-Olliff's overall victory as a U15 helm showed maturity beyond his years.

Silver fleet breakthrough: Samuel and Minnie's 4th overall underlined the depth of competition in Silver. They are now promoted to Gold fleet.

Eventful Saturday: The capsizes, retirements, and resilience on display in Race 3 will live long in the memory.

Ex-Cadet support: Coaching and encouragement from recent alumni continued to strengthen the class community.

Parental support: Thanks to all the families for travelling, supporting, and waiting patiently for Sunday's protest hearings before prize-giving.

New Squadron: Welsh Harp Sailing Club was granted a Cadet charter as Squadron #281, with four Cadet boats taking part.

Growing Fleet: Over 50 boats entered — up from 36 in 2023 and 34 at the 2024 Inlands.

Reflections and acknowledgements

Over two days, the 2025 Inland Championships delivered the full spectrum: calm patience, shifty tactical racing, heavy-air drama, and then a steady conclusion. Through it all, Cadet sailors showed why this class is such a powerful training ground for sailing and for life.

Huge thanks go to:

• Race Officer Arky (Bob Arkwright) and Deputy Race Officer Neil Fulcher for tireless race management in shifting winds.
• The coaches, volunteers, and ex-Cadets for their time, expertise, and encouragement.
• The families and supporters whose enthusiasm makes weekends like this possible.
• P&B sponsors 2025/2026 Sailing Equipment & Clothing, Dinghy and Yacht Chandlery

Main Fleet Results:

Regatta Fleet Results: