Sailing triumph for 11 Year old Katie Cadwallader

Young Katie Cadwallader who has just had her eleventh birthday scooped up 4 major cups at Henley Sailing Club's AGM this week. Katie won the Gorman Cup, the Novices Handicap, the Under 18s Handicap and the Drina Dudley-Smith Trophy for the most deserving crew. This is a fantastic success for her in her first year of serious racing. She learned to sail at Henley Sailing Club and has only been sailing competitively for a year. Katie usually sails a Topper single handed dinghy or the family's Mirror dinghy, but for this coming season's racing she is moving up to the speedier National 12 class in her father,Alan Cadwallader's, boat 'Dubious'. To complete the Cadwallader family success, mother Karen won the Club Championship Saltwood Handicap trophy and her younger sister Emma took second in the Gorman Cup.

Other sailing honours were mainly shared between the two Steves - Steve Gent with his crew Viv Roberts, and Steve Rothery and his crew Helene Hook - who took six cups each in their National 12 dinghies over the course of last season.

Outgoing Commodore John Thornton said it had been an excellent sailing season once the river floods had abated. Everyone had enjoyed the long hot summer which had seen sunshine for the cocktail party and for the summer ball on the MV Waterman, though it had meant a few races were blighted by doldrum like wind conditions. The club continues to enjoy a good mix of social activities and very competitive, challenging sailing. The clubhouse and its beautiful lawns on the banks of the Thames at Wargrave, have been hired by individuals and clubs for social events, and this contributes to the club's sound financial position. He was keen to encourage more new members and families to join the club and have a go at sailing on the river. John thanked the committee and members for their support over the past 3 years, particularly the Hon Sec Jeff Manning for all his hard work for the club. He handed over to the new Commodore, Duncan Mackay.

Duncan, a regional director of the Countryside Agency, lives in Twyford. He said he still felt quite new to the art of sailing and was grateful for the guidance given him by club stalwarts like Derek Gorman and John Thornton. He enjoys the fun and warmth of the club and never ceases to be amazed at the way sensible people on the land turn into rabid, ultra competitve sailing maniacs on the water! Duncan said this is a special year as the club is celebrating a centenary. Our holding club, HSC Ltd, was founded 100 years ago and we now have a centenary certificate from Companies House to show this. Duncan said there will be a full programme of sailing and social activities in 2004, starting with the Spring series on Sunday 21st March at 10.45 (river conditions permitting).

Anyone who is interested in joining the club can find details on the web site www.henleysailingclub.org or email secretary@henleysailingclub.org