CLACTON Sailing Club's annual cadet week was a fabulous success.

Twenty-two children between the ages of five and 15 enjoyed sailing and other watersport activities each day.

For many, it was the first opportunity to sail a dinghy and they were first shown the ropes on a dry land simulator.

After some basic safety instruction, all were soon afloat and crewing as the more experienced cadets took the helm in the sailing club's own Topaz and Topper dinghies.

Changeable weather conditions during the week meant that, at times, both paddle boards and then boogie boards were also enjoyed as the sea conditions ranged between flat and calm to good surf.

Classroom lessons in knot tying, basic seamanship and general water safety, mixed with games, kept their attention during the rain on Wednesday afternoon.

By the Friday, each of the sailors were able to demonstrate competence in the perfect conditions by sailing a simple course around the buoys and for a few the opportunities to try capsizing and even man-overboard drill.

Each participant received a certificate as a memento, with special awards going to some who proved outstanding.

Thirteen-year-old Rosina Mastroberardino demonstrated complete mastery and a natural flair for sailing and was able to take first her younger sister, Sophia, and then her mother, Lorna, out as passengers in the Topaz.

Another memorable moment was five-year-old Milo Burrell, wearing a crash helmet, enthusiastically taking the helm of a Dart 16 catamaran and performing a series of tacks and gybes around the course.

Organised and run by adult volunteers from the club, special thanks should go to Owen Lowe, Ami Buer and Daniel Phillips.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all and as club membership was included in the modest cost of the course, the hope is that many of the children and local families will continue to make sailing part of their lives.