THREE Blackwater Sailing Club cadets have been selected for the Royal Yaching Association (RYA) Eastern Region Zone Squad.

Joey Taylor, 11, and Matilda Evans, 12, were selected after attending at least three selection events for the Optimnist squad at Blackwater, Brightlingsea and Ardleigh.

Thirteen-year-old Aimee Taylor was selected for the Topper squad after attending events at Horning in Norfolk, Brightlingsea and Steeple.

The youngsters sail most weekends and often take part in national events all over the country Zone squad training is taking place over six weeks during during the winter season so this, along with the Optimist and Topper class training, adds up to a huge commitment from these talented youngsters.

The zone squad is the first stage of the RYA competitive pathway and is the first level of coaching supported by the RYA with the intention of developing tomorrow’s Olympians.

The RYA coaches are selected from the UK’s top national coaches and have Olympic squad experience themselves, hence they are a great inspiration to the youngsters.

Credit must also be given to all those who put in so much time and effort, both on the water and off, with the Blackwater Cadets.

In addition to cadet week there are many other training weekends held at the club during the season.

There are 141 sailing clubs in the Eastern region and for Blackwater to have three youngsters selected for the 28 places available is a fantastic achievement.

For more details about Blackwater Sailing Club see www.blackwatersailingclub.org