After stowing away the club dinghies and hanging up their wetsuits for the winter, young sailors from Salcombe Yacht Club marked the end of an active season of sailing with an evening of celebration and prize giving.

From May to October they have been learning to sail, making friends and having fun.

With over 100 cadet members, the club house was full of parents and children who had come together, along with volunteers and club staff, to mark the achievements of the season.

Following a tasty meal, the traditional ’Mariners Quiz’ proved again to be a lively affair with quiz-master Julian Meek keeping good order and ensuring fair play by all.

The presentation of awards and prizes marks the achievements of those that have met with success during the series of Junior Handicap Races through the year and also those cadets who have stood out for their contribution to the club and sailing.

With thanks to generous donations from Force 4 of Plymouth, Fat Face, Musto, Henri Lloyd, Amelia’s Attic and Salcombe Boat Store, there were some exciting prizes on offer.

This year the cadets were congratulated by the Commodore Martin Smout and then honoured to have their awards presented by Sailing Co-ordinator and Royal Yachting Association instructor and coach, Jayne Morris.

After making many smaller awards for merit and achievement, the Best Helm trophy for 2017 went to Dominic Holt-Wilson. The Mirror Dinghy Water Colour for most improved cadet, in its 47th year of being awarded and with many talented local sailors named on the back, was presented jointly to Louis Tollins and Gus Howells.

The Cabourg Trophy for the cadet making the greatest contribution this season went to Emily Janzen. Emily stood out as having spent much time helping younger cadets on the water, always being enthusiastic and at the same time developing her own sailing skills brilliantly.

The following evening, in front of a wider selection of club members, Graham Cranford-Smith described the purpose of the Rear Commodore Sailing special awards.

For 2017 these were made to three junior racers who had consistently shown a great combination of determination, improvement and skills in dinghy racing, through competing in regional, national and international competitions.

An engraved bowl and a 2012 Paralympic Vest were presented, with much applause, to George Alexander, Ruari McColl and Evie Booth.

With one of most perfect sailing locations to be found anywhere, through its Cadet Membership scheme, the club aims to introduce local youngsters to the challenge of sailing within a safe, fun and controlled environment.

Salcombe Yacht Club cadets is run with the support of parents and helpers, along with important contributions from legacies and local benefactors. This help, along with that provided by local businesses and organisations is is vital in ensuring the club is able to provide an inclusive opportunity for youngsters across the community to enjoy a safe and fun introduction to sailing.

More information can be found on the Club’s website - www.salcombeyc.org.uk