This year’s Cadet Regatta started well, with idyllic weather, and Jema Smith’s artistic brilliance bringing our Olympic theme to the RB. Antics at the Pond began with races to collect tennis balls, in rotation with Jema’s phenomenal crafting stand, Freddie Lower’s impressive teaching skills at the simulator, and even attention at the knots stand! This rolled into actual races, bringing out the competitive sides of our kids (aged 3 – 12). A highlight was seeing ALL competitors managing a controlled capsize, with big smiles all round! Thanks to the President, Stuart Galloway, for hosting our annual Pimms Party for the grown-ups, as the kids somehow found enough energy to make full use of the bouncy castle, and thoroughly appreciated the ice-cream van.

Friday saw a full fleet of 5 Mirrors, 4 Scows and 3 Oppies on the River, thanks to Jen Cole, (who had revived forgotten Scows in the dinghy park), Sue Law for lending hers, and Florence for finding all the necessary parts. It was quite a thrill to see dinghies jostling for Chip Cole’s start line, and haring across the river to the marks, despite quite a challenging tide, and special to see the Scow fleet back, particularly as Zara Allan, visiting from the Royal Thames YC (and her mum Sarah) is a Scow sailor! Special mention to Bléu Cornwell and Eliza Cowell with their enthusiasm to sail alone on the River for the first time- well done! The light winds, ideal for River conditions, meant that the Pond teams faced some keen paddle races, and created enough artwork to further decorate the Club. As always, the Fancy Dress costumes excelled themselves, with a combination of animals, Olympics and even Animal Olympics! Thanks to our judges Barty Dallimore and Steve Herring, for an almost impossible task. The disco proved popular later, allowing parents and helpers to indulge in our excellent Club dinners, and some much-needed drinkie time.

A day of calm winds greeted us on Saturday, yet Fred Burden got his Treasure Hunt running, both on the water and off, along with a fiercely- contested Crabbing Competition. This was followed by a thoroughly enjoyable pool party at the White House – huge thanks to Magdalen and Joff for their hospitality. As usual, the Tug of War brought out the adults’ enthusiasm, as well as the Cadets’! Carolyne Trigg’s entertainment recommendation, Bam Bam, had everyone in stitches, particularly with his rather special “catch the sausage” game, and adults enjoyed a Club Curry night.

Sunday was always looking ambitious, but combining the Cadets in RBODs race, Commodore’s Sailpast with the Cadets and Cruiser class, then our Long Distance Race to Cliff turned out surprisingly well, with the vast majority of participants merrily eating sandwiches by lunchtime. Meanwhile back at the Club, Penny Hooper and Caroline Cowell launched 10 dinghies, although the wind had dropped, and the tide had changed! Luckily Ant Law’s new boat came to everyone’s rescue, and we managed to join the picnic in time.

A stream of happy children and families made their way back for our final bouncy castle, prizegiving and barbecue – many thanks to Dan Hull for such stunning food! Of course, all our thanks go to the Cadet Committee, our army of helpers, and everyone who made the event such a success. We can’t wait until next year!