Due to a high number in cadet membership at present the cadets have been split into two groups, one group do a Tuesday sail and the other group sail on a Friday evening, the groups alternate between the two nights however we are flexible and have made allowances for those cadets who have other interests which may clash with our sailing evenings, therefore we are happy to try and arrange a suitable evening.
The first cadet evening of the season consists of a dry evening, giving our instructors an opportunity to give a refresher on the rudiments of dinghy sailing, which includes a demonstration on rigging the topazes and getting re familiarised with the sailing equipment. Also it’s a chance to re acquaint friendships and give a warm welcome to new cadets joining the group.
On this first night we meet in the clubhouse, other sailing evenings we meet in the area in front of the clubhouse where the dinghies are stored. The dinghies that the cadets sail are ‘Topazes’. Under adult supervision the cadets source the rigging equipment from the container, the boats are rigged up ready for the evening sail, after a final check of the rigging and a briefing given by the instructor on duty. The cadets are ready to get afloat, an onshore helper is at the waters edge ready to help them get safely a float, at this point the rib / emergency boat is waiting in attendance to begin supervision with an instructor on board.
The cadets programme includes opportunities for those cadets who wish to progress to loch long sailing, the cadets are invited to take part in some races as part of the main Cove Sailing club racing programme, one of these races is on the morning of the cadets annual regatta, afternoon racing is in the dinghies weather permitting we have a BBQ lunch, this is an exiting fun filled day of racing enjoyed by all.
At this years regatta we were able to express our thanks to councillor Mr George Freemen and the generosity of Argyll and Bute Council, whose contribution towards a new outboard engine ensured that the safety boat was confidently manned by the instructors throughout the day’s races.
During this years summer holidays we had an RYA ‘Sail in the City’ day, which comprised of a full day of on / off water sailing instruction from three RYA instructors alongside our own instructor, with a very long afternoon sail, giving our young enthusiasts an opportunity to practice new skills, it was a fun filled day which included a couple of competitions and a prize giving afterwards. It was a very successful day, which we hope to repeat next summer.
As with tradition Cove cadets enter two teams each year to participate in the ‘Yvonne Armstrong’ cup, this race sees our more experienced cadets entering a race held at the R..N.Y.C sailing Gareloch’s. We are very proud of our young sailors achievement, as for some of our sailors it has been their first attempt at sailing a Gareloch . 'The clubs website can be seen at www.covesc.org.co.uk for further information about cadets training and general club news. The cadets will be starting next seasons training at the end of April 2010
The Cadets Regatta is an opportunity for all the cadets to have the experience of being on board a Loch Long being sailed during a race known as the Blackie Cup. The more experienced cadets taking responsibility of helming and the younger cadets eagerly ready to prove themselves.
At this years regatta there were seven boats on the start line, Electra helmed by Bryan Young had a blistering start and maintained a healthy lead round the two rounds of the course. Rory Kilgore in rival boat Bora made up some distance and managed to get into second place, there was no way he was going to make up the distance between Bora and Electra without some outside assistance or divine intervention! Tarka helmed by Kris Clough came in third place after a good battle with Bora!
The results of the Blackie cup race were first place Electra helmed by Bryan Young who successfully defended his 2008 title, second Bora helmed by Rory Kilgore, third place Tarka helmed by Kris Clough. 4th Sula helmed by Oscar Gentleman 5th Moonshine helmed by Katrina Clough 6th Igitur helmed by Craig Watters 7th Silioch helmed by Calum Underwood
With no interruption from the rain a BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all.
Afternoon racing commenced with a series of races to secure the Dinghy Trophy. Again this was exiting racing due to the continuing blustery wind, skills and knowledge were certainly put to the test as the wind direction changed with very little warning.
The winning team securing the Dinghy trophy were Rory Kilgore on helm with Thomas Smith and Ryan Barbour as crew. Second placed team were Bryan Young and Eilidh Guthrie Third placed team were Murdo McNeilage, Kerr McNeilage and Kris Clough. The day ended with afternoon tea donated by club members, followed by a prize giving ceremony.
Councillor George Freeman presented the awards and prizes.