Cadets Lucy and Annie wrote this report:

On Saturday 27 June 2026, eight cadets from the Lancaster Grammar Schools Combined Cadet Force Royal Navy, participated in the National Junior 12 hour sailing race in Southport.

The two teams met at Waterside Lodge in Southport on Friday evening to begin rigging the boats ready for an early start on Saturday morning. In total 34 cadets participated in the race. Cadets came from Bournemouth, Bristol, Loughborough, Newcastle and Oxford as well as Lancaster.

The wake up call was at 0600 and breakfast was served at 0630. The teams gathered at Southport Sailing Club at 0730 ready for the starting gun at 0800. We were lucky with the weather; it was a sunny day with a light wind. 22 teams were involved in the race. Teams sailed in GP14’s, RS Quests, Enterprises and Argo’s, some of which sailed with symmetric spinnakers.

The two Lancaster teams sailed in Argo’s. Two members of each team sailed at a time, swapping helm and crew with their teammates after several hours of sailing. This continued until the sound of the finishing gun at 2000.

We were delighted that one of the Lancaster teams won the trophies for the fastest Argo, the fastest lap in an Argo and the fastest last two laps PY. The team were equally thrilled to achieve first place PY in the under 18s category.

We are extremely grateful for all the support and encouragement we have received from Lt Hamilton which enabled us to be prepared for the race and to participate in such a prestigious event. Many thanks to all the staff who are involved with Lancaster Grammar Schools CCF RN cadets who have allowed and helped us to develop our sailing and racing skills.