Axe Yacht Club cadets in action

Annual week of activites is declared the most successful ever despite some rough weather

A record 32 cadets took part in The Axe Yacht Club’s annual activities week for its younger members.

The youngsters, aged eight to 16, were supported by their parents and club volunteers.

The week started with the more experienced cadets showing those new to the sport how to rig the dinghies, before a sail from the beach in perfect conditions.

On Tuesday the cadets were divided into four skill groups for some dinghy sailing instruction.

In the evening The Ship Inn, in Axmouth, put on a Pizza evening for the cadet families, turning out more than 50 pizzas from their oven in the garden.

There was no sailing on the Wednesday due to the weather but lots of theory was learned with the more experienced cadets running ‘stations’ in the clubhouse.

Thursday was windy and the sea was rough but luckily AYC is able to use the River Axe when beach launching is not possible and the tide allows.

The 17 dinghies made for a colourful sight for those driving alongside the river. The cadets, sailing two up in the Taz dinghies, all coped well with the gusty conditions and two Vibes joined the Fevas in the advanced group.

Rough conditions meant the River Axe came into its own again on Friday and the cadets enjoyed dinghy sailing before conditions became too windy.

The week finished with the Axe Regatta Model Boat Races on Saturday morning.

A club spokesperson said: “It was great to see the older and more experienced cadets helping the younger ones all week, both on and off the water, and they all seemed to leave with big grins on their faces.

“Fran and Guy Clayton did a fantastic job organising and leading the week, and the parents and volunteers who came along to support as instructors, support boat crew, shore supporters, snack distributors, photographers, barbecue stokers and floor moppers were a great team – they all made it happen and, despite less than ideal weather at times, 2017 goes down as the best AYC Cadet Week yet!”