Each year the RN Section trains its new cadets to RYA Level 1 or 2 in Dinghy Sailing. 2016 was no exception with 21 boys learning to sail in the first week of the summer holiday. By the end of the course, all cadets had achieved a qualification with many gaining their Level 2 and showing a keenness for progressing further.
The week began with challenging conditions for the beginners with most cadets embracing the finer points of reefing and capsize drill early on. However in the fine tradition of the RN Section, they persevered and were able to zoom across the lake with ever increasing levels of control.
Day two refined their tacking and gybing skills and cadets were making good progress up and downwind. The winds died down on day three and all of a sudden the cadets were craving the stronger winds of earlier in the week as they tried their best to make it around a triangular course ‘drifting with intent’.
Day four saw the return of the wind and with it some sunshine. We had fabulous conditions for our final day as we learnt about racing in the morning and held a mini-regatta in the afternoon. Ed Fage was the star racer of the day winning many of the races.
The course was run at Aldenham Sailing Club where Habs has its own RYA accredited Training Centre. Cadets learned to sail in our fleet of Topper dinghies with each cadet finishing the course with knowledge of how to rig, launch and de-rig the boats ready for future CCF sessions and Field Days. Lt Cdr Hardman is Principle of the Centre and the Senior Instructor (SI) in charge of the course. Also instructing on the course were Lt Hall (SI), Lt Chapman (DI), SLt Gauntlett (Safety Boat) and OH Harry Jukes (DI) with Alex Grodner and Finn Heraghty supporting. Alex and Finn will be two of the SNCOs next year with Alex leading the Section. We are very grateful to these people for giving up a valuable week of their summer holiday and would not have been able to run the course without the support of all the staff and senior boys.
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