Hi Bob,

I am an international cadet sailor, and I sail with my sister Lucy all around the country. I would like to share my experience in Belgium, with you and other junior members of the RYA.    

For five days in June/July, my sisters and I were racing at Nieuwpoort, in Belgium. We sailed twelve races, two the first day, three, on three of the days, and one on the last day. We had lots and lots of fun sailing and messing about in our accommodation centre as well. 

The first day, my sister and I got a fourth and a second out of twenty-five boats, sailing from GBR, Belgium and The Netherlands. The day did not bring much wind at all, and massive waves up to two metres high! 

On the second day we got two eighths and a third, and by the end of the day we were lying joint second on twenty-five points. ( Only two points behind the winner!) Day three brought a little more wind than the first and second, and our results were pretty consistent. We got two thirds and a fifth, which kept us staying on a good result.

On day four the wind dropped again, although three races were still held. We sailed even better on that day and ended up with two thirds, (again!) and a second. The final day of the competition held only won race which we unfortunately only got another third in. With us sailing six thirds, two seconds, a fourth and two eighths, we had already worked out what we had come.

Later on in the evening, the annual prize giving for Nieuwpoort week was held. Lucy and I won two goody bags filled with T-shirts, towels, a jacket, a wallet,and fifty euros each in cash. We also won four trophies- two for first female cadet and two for coming second overall, two points behind the winner!  

I had a great time there, and I will be going back there in August to sail the world championships in cadets. I will let you know how I did there!

From Cally Terkelsen

Age: 9  

P.S  There is a picture of Lucy and I sailing. (Flat out hiking, also!)