Cadet class October training 2025 at Frensham Pond Sailing Club - Wind, Waves, and Winning Moments

Cadet class October training at Frensham © Steve Gregory

Frensham Pond Sailing Club hosted a thrilling Cadet October training series across three weekends, welcoming a strong turnout of 28 boats in the main fleet and 18 in the regatta fleet.

The event showcased the continued healthy growth of the Cadet national fleet, with a mix of wild weather, tactical racing, and impressive performances from sailors across all levels.

Weekend 1: Storm Amy Strikes

The opening Saturday saw Storm Amy sweep across Frensham Pond, delivering gusts of over 40 knots and dramatic 20 degrees+ wind shifts. Racing was wisely called off, but three Gold Fleet boats ventured out, accompanied by three safety RIBs, to demonstrate high-wind handling. Spectators on shore were treated to a display of planing, capsizing, and recovery — an impromptu masterclass in heavy-weather sailing.

Cadet class October training at Frensham - photo © Steve Gregory

Weekend 2: Light Winds and Tactical Battles

In stark contrast, the second Saturday brought light northeasterly winds, with over 30 boats crowding the start line. The race officer managed to identify those over early, though it took some time for them to return.

The first beat was dominated by Mimi Windibank and George Blackwell in Never Look Back, who kept their boat flat and steady to round the top mark first. They were followed closely by Frankie Sherwood and Elisa Gregory in Morwenna, and Annabelle Shepherd and Lila Jones in May Contain Nuts.

As the wind faded, the race turned into a tactical drift, with Annabelle and Lilia eventually pulling ahead by over 100m. The final legs saw more position changes, with Monty Slump and Sam Flood in Hot Rocks taking the win, Frankie and Elisa in second, and Annabelle and Lilia in third.

In the regatta fleet, close racing led to a win for Sophie Baer and Hannah Muir Wood in Impulse, followed by Raph Perrett and Leo Clements in Game Buoy, second, and Isabelle Davies and Charlotte Allen in Back in Black in third.

Cadet class October training at Frensham - photo © Steve Gregory

Weekend 3: Shifty Easterlies and Smart Starts

The final Saturday brought a shifty easterly breeze (F2/3). As ever at Frensham, wind shifts played a key role, and those who spotted the change during the start sequence—resulting in a heavily biased line—gained a clear advantage.

At the first mark, Fin Sullam and Abigail Davis in Sizzerin Hot led the fleet, followed by Annabelle and Lilia, and Sam English and Minnie Palmer in Racing Stripes. Smart tacking brought Will Hancock and Alvy Jones in Thunderstruck into the lead, but Annabelle and Lilia fought back to reclaim first, with Sam and Minnie also overtaking. The race finished with Annabelle and Lilia in first, Sam and Minnie second, and Will and Alvy third.

In the regatta fleet, Hansel Holland and Ollie Gass in Pulling Power led the first leg, followed by Sophie and Hannah, and Isabelle and Charlotte. Sophie and Hannah pulled ahead on the next leg and held their lead to finish first, with Isabelle and Charlotte second, and Max Holroyd and Ted Gregory in Bad Influence third.

Sailors returned to the clubhouse for hot dogs and prize-giving, celebrating a fantastic series of racing and camaraderie.

Cadet class October training at Frensham - photo © Alex Muir Wood

Main Fleet Overall Results:

Regatta Fleet Overall Results: