Cadet Squad: Optimists & Teras
Welcome to the SVYC Cadet Squad
The Cadet Squad was setup in 2022 as a hub for Optimist & RS Tera sailors at SVYC with a passion for racing. We run training throughout the season in a variety of different forms, both on and off the water. Since starting, we have run several successful seasons of sailing for our cadets, and have a strong collective entering club racing events throughout the summer.
How we work
The Cadet Squad is split into 3 flights, self-assigned by our sailors. Each flight represents a different ability level within the squad, with events and training tailored to each flight, to help sailors make the most of their time on the water. The split for each flight can be seen below:
All events run by the Cadet Squad are open to all members, with recommendations made to each flight for the events targeted at their ability level. To help sailors get involved in wider SVYC events, we also provide guidance on which events are suited for each flight, and support on the water to ensure there is always a familiar face around for our sailors.
The Club runs a busy schedule for the Cadet Squad, starting with our 3-day course at May Half term, and several week-long courses throughout the summer. Seaview Race Week is a firm favourite among our sailors, with over 20 boats across both classes on the start line every day. The highlight of the season is our Fort Race to the Bembridge Sailing Club Regatta, held at the end of Race Week. We're building our connections with other clubs both on the Solent and beyond, with SVYC being host to the EWCC Optimist & Tera Open Regatta, and some of our more adventurous sailors make the journey to the Optimist UK Nationals, at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, home to the British Sailing Team.
As with all SVYC Classes, there is plenty of Silverware to be won, which expands beyond just race winners, including for Seamanship Skills and general attitude, so there's something for everyone.
Off the water
A huge part of sailing is, of course, the off-water social, and this is not lost in the Cadet Squad. Outside of the regular sessions on the water, sailors often take the initiative to organize their own get-togethers, whether its food at the club, trips to nearby beaches, or a movie afternoon.
Optimists & Teras in Seaview
The Optimist has been a fixture of the SVYC dinghy sailing scene for over 4 decades. The first Optimists appeared in Seaview in 1982, followed two years later by a Royal Yachting Association loan of six boats which arrived on a trailer - enabling the start of Oppie Week and the first competitive racing for the younger cadet members of the club. The boat soon became a firm favourite for our younger sailors, and has only grown in popularity since then. Oppies can be recognised by their unique sail shape, due to the presence of a sprit.
First designed in 2010, the RS Tera was a later addition to the SVYC lineup, but sees equal popularity in Seaview, particularly with older members of the Cadet Squad. Their vibrant orange and white sails can be seen on the waters of Seaview in training courses and morning racing.
Both boats are brilliant fun to sail in Seaview, and are popular with cadets as some of the lighter boats in the fleet to have to pull up the beach!
Both classes are a great place for young members to start to sail in Seaview, which they can continue right up to the age of 15. They're great little boats for learning and for highly competitive racing throughout the season.
Get Involved
SVYC has large fleets of both Oppies and Teras available for members to hire throughout the season, and there are always second-hand boats available to buy in Seaview or elsewhere on the Island, often for under £1,000. Second-hand boats hold their value well and can be handed onto siblings, cousins etc.
If you'd like more information on the Cadet Squad or to get involved, links to the member WhatsApp Group can be found here.
For more information or signup to any of SVYC's training opportunities, see the page here.
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