Suffolk junior sailors go separate ways after World Champs medal

Two young sailors now have new goals and are going their separate ways after becoming under-18 national champions at the Cadet UK Championships in Devon.

Alex Enkel, 16 and Jude Baldock, 11, from Waldringfield Sailing Club in Suffolk, claimed victory in their two-crew training boat, before going onto finish second in the World Championships.

“We are a great team. We are in sync with each other and have a telepathic understanding of what manoeuvres are required, and when. It has been the key to our success,” added Alex.

Jude is now going to helm his own boat with a new crew member, while Alex is about to compete in a Champion of Champions event in Essex this weekend.

Alex and Jude, on board “Joint effort”, topped the leaderboard after 10 rounds at the Cadet nationals. They won five races in all, including the last two rounds on a tense final day. The pair saw off their nearest challengers and clubmates Hetty Thorogood and Clementine Denny-Pickess, who claimed second place.

“It was a testing event. The winds were very light, which makes it harder for Jude and I, as we are a heavier boat, but after a tough start, we got it together and were flying,” said Alex.

His crew, Jude, one of the youngest competitors, said the whole experience was fun.

“My job is to take the pressure off the helm [Alex], so they can focus on race tactics. I need to spot gusts, lulls and call out the tactic numbers,” he said.

“It is hard but I enjoy it. We work so well together and keep talking, which isn’t the case on all boats.”

Following their triumph, the pair flew straight to Lake Lipno in the Czech Republic for the Cadet World Championships last month.

After only a day’s preparation, they claimed second place against 79 other Cadet boats in their competition, behind winners Ukraine. It was the first time in the event’s 78-year history that an all-female crew won the Cadet World Championship.

“We could scarcely believe it,” said Alex. “After coming 25th last year, to finish second was a massive jump.

“It gives me great confidence knowing I can compete at this level.”

The pair began sailing together three years ago at the Frostbite Series on Alton Water reservoir in Suffolk. Since then, their partnership has developed and flourished.

Alex admits sailing is a welcome distraction from the demands of school, particularly during exam time.

“I am so proud,” said his father Glenn Enkel.

“They have worked hard over several years and steadily improved. They just clicked from day one and have become such an effective team.”

Jude’s grandfather Jon Seabright said he was so pleased for them.

“He [Jude] has done so well as a young sailor and Alex has helped so much as a helm, coaching and developing him. They are such a good team and will be friends for life.”

This two-man crew now head their separate ways. Jude said he was going to start helming in his wooden boat “White Stuff” with his new crew Henry, who has just turned seven years old. His stated aim – “to win nationals at the helm and finish top 10 in the world”.

Meanwhile, Alex heads to the Endeavour Trophy this weekend at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Burnham on Crouch, Essex — an event where national champions from all different classes of boats, including adult classes, go head-to-head to be crowned Champion of Champions.

Sailors will compete in the same type of boat in that event.

Alex is likely to be the youngest sailor involved. His uncle, Howie Enkel, comes in as crew.

According to Alex’s father Glenn, who has recently stepped in as his crew, Uncle Howie had better be ready, as his son “takes no prisoners”, especially now he’s a national champion.