SALCOMBE Yacht Club held a special celebration to mark the achievements of the club’s cadet sailors on Saturday, November 7.

The annual event, attended by more than 80 people this year, brings together young sailors and their families to mark the end of the sailing and recognise milestones, victories, teamwork and spirit of tomorrow’s Ben Ainslies and Ellen MacArthurs.

Following a celebratory meal and a hard-fought nautical quiz between adults and children, over 20 awards were presented.

Recipients included those new cadets who had shown the greatest improvement on the water, those completing in their first race, those who have stood out for their teamwork and the weekend race series winners. Presentation of the cadet ‘special awards’ then brought to a close a very successful evening.

The special awards were presented by the yacht club commodore John Neaverson to: Issac Tudge (the Cabot trophy for top cadet), Will Keetley (the mirror watercolour for most improved sailor), George Alexander (best helm trophy) and Tom Ley (best crew).

The commodore went on to congratulate all the young sailors present for their achievements through the year, noting that they were the future of sailing in Salcombe and a very important, vibrant part of the club.

Thanks were also given to Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, Quba Sails, Fat Face and Henry Lloyd for supporting the event.

The SYC cadets’ ages range from 8-16 years old and through the support of parent helpers, session leaders and the club’s safety boats, the twice weekly sailing sessions provide a controlled, fun and safe environment in which to learn to sail.

In addition, RYA courses are also run during school holidays.

Dinghy sailing is a challenging activity and the youngsters develop self-confidence while on the water, gain an appreciation of the local maritime environment and learn about the importance of team work - especially important if your boat has capsized!

The sheltered harbour and creeks of Kingsbridge estuary provides a superb area to learn in and through a variety of beach and water-based activities, lasting friendships are forged.

This year the fleet has been added to with five new RS Quba dinghies joining the Toppers, RS Fevas and RS Visions.

If you would like to find out more about SYC Cadets and how to join, you can visit the club online at www.salcombeyc.org.uk.