A two-hand dinghy for children and teenagers
The Cadet is a two-hand dinghy for children and teenagers aged between 7 and 17. It is – beside the Optimist – the only Class that is acknowledged by the International Sailing Federation as pure youth boat. It is sailed in more than 18 different countries on four continents.
Every year young Cadet sailors participate in various national regatta-events as well as in international competitions like the World Championships and the Central European Cadet Cup.
Sailing conveys team spirit
The crew consists of a helm and a crew, who both must not be older then 17. Under the guidance of the older and more experienced helm, who is responsible for commanding and trimming the boat, the younger crew gets to know the boat, the importance of teamwork and useful tips and tricks.
The German Cadet Class Association
Since its foundation in 1994 the German Cadet Class coordinates the activities of German Cadet sailors and keeps in touch with the International Cadet Class Association. Trainer, Alumni and Youth representatives form the complimentary executive board in order to guarantee the representation of the interests of all parties involved. Objective of the GerCCA is the active advancement of all activities concerning Cadet sailing. Further information about the GerCCA, the Cadet and more national and international events can be found on the websites of the German Cadet Class http://www.cadetclass.de and of the Internationsl Cadet Class http://www.cadetclass.org.
Famous Cadet sailors
| Jack Holt | “Father” of Cadet Sailing |
| Jaques Rogge | President of International Olympic Committee |
| Keith Musto | Britisch Olympic athlete and founder of a company for Sailing Clothes |
| Prinz Andrew | Duke of York |
| Jochen Schümann | Triple Olympic champion, winner of the Americas Cup 2007 and therewith the most successful German sailor ever. |
History
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| Year | Happening | |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Jack Holt publishes first drafts of the Cadet. | |
| end 1950ies | In Great Britain the first Cadet World Championships are held. The British Occupying Power endows eight Cadets to the Union of Sailing Clubs in Schleswig-Holstein and therewith establishes the Cadet in Germany. | |
| 1958 | The Cadet is acknowledged as official Class by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). | |
| 1959 | First Cadets are sailed in the former German Democratic Republic. | |
| 1960-1966 | German sailors accomplish the first inofficial German Championships and participate in the international “Cadet Week” in Great Britain. | |
| 1968 | Eight Cadets from the former German Democratic Republic participate in World Championships, | |
| 1994 | The German Cadet Class Association is founded. | |
| 2002 | Germany hosts the Cadet World Championships for the first time. Venue is Ribnitz-Damgarten. | |
| 2007 | The Cadet celebrates its 60th birthday. |
