INTERNATIONAL CADET CLASS

There are regular opportunities for Cadet sailors of all abilities to enjoy international competition. Not only do these events provide the opportunity to compete in some great racing, they also enable competitors to make long term friendships with sailors from other nations whilst travelling the world and experiencing new cultures.

The Cadet is an International Class, which is the highest status awarded by the World Sailing. The UK Cadet Class is part of the International Cadet Class Association. There around 900 Cadets actively sailed with fleets in Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia and the Ukraine.

The principal international event is the World Championships. Held annually, entries are limited to 14 boats from the host nation and 10 each from visiting nations. A Promotional Regatta is organised alongside the World Championships to which there are no entry limits. Northern hemisphere World Championships attract in the region of 80 boats from between ten and fifteen nations, with full teams coming from Argentina and Australia. A similar number of boats enter the Promotional Regatta, and the events together attract over 300 sailors. Every fourth year the World Championships are held in the Southern Hemisphere, alternating between Argentina and Australia. In these years, the ICCA organise a European Championships.

Prior to 1967, the principal competition was International Cadet Week, which was held in Burnham from 1950 to 1964, before moving to Plymouth for 1965 and 1966. In 1967, International Cadet Week was held in Montreal, Canada as part of “Expo ’67” and become the first Cadet World Championship event. A list of all previous Cadet World Champions dating back to 1950 is maintained on the International Cadet Class Association Website.