Waldringfield Sailing Club, located on the serene River Deben in Woodbridge, AU, is home to the thriving Waldringfield Cadet Squadron. This local sailing club offers a variety of exciting activities and events for both children and adults who have a passion for sailing.
One of the highlights of the club is its active junior section, which provides a safe and welcoming environment for young sailors to learn and develop their skills. The Cadet, a dynamic double-handed junior training dinghy, has been a familiar sight on the River Deben since the 1950s. Designed by the renowned Jack Holt in 1947, the Cadet allows young sailors to cultivate a lifelong love for sailing.
What makes the Waldringfield Cadet Squadron truly special is the unique relationship between the young crew and the experienced Helms, who range from 13 to 17 years old. This arrangement allows for a wonderful exchange of knowledge and mentorship, fostering growth and development among the young sailors. In fact, many sailing stars have embarked on their journey in a Cadet at this very club.
The welcoming and inclusive community at the Waldringfield Cadet Squadron is known for its supportive nature. Sailors of all levels, from beginners to national and international competitors, are warmly invited to join. The squadron is run entirely by dedicated volunteers, particularly the parents and carers of the young sailors, who are organised by the WSC Cadet committee.
For those looking to enhance their sailing skills and learn the intricacies of racing, the squadron offers a fantastic Development Squad program. In addition, if you are new to sailing, fear not! The Waldringfield Cadet Squadron provides opportunities to borrow sailing kits and even hire club Cadets.
To get in touch with the Squadron leader, Sarah Cox-Olliff, you can contact her via email at admin@wsccadets.org.uk. They are also active on popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Cadet Week, a highly anticipated four-day event held during the summer, and the Cadet Open, an exciting weekend event in the autumn, are the crown jewels of the squadron's calendar. These events attract Cadet sailors from all corners of the country, adding an extra buzz of excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere.
Regular club racing takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering members the chance to put their skills to the test. As part of their affiliation with the UK National Cadet Class, the squadron provides structured training sessions to further develop sailors.
In addition to the club's own events, members of the Waldringfield Cadet Squadron have the opportunity to travel and participate in training sessions and regattas organised by the UK National Cadet Class and the RYA (Royal Yachting Association).
With its rich history, dedicated volunteer base, and a vibrant community of passionate sailors, the Waldringfield Cadet Squadron is the perfect place for anyone seeking to embrace the thrilling sport of sailing. So why wait? Join this remarkable sailing club today and set sail on an exhilarating adventure!
