Young sailors plot new course after summer of medals

National champions - Alex Enkel (left) at the helm and his crew Jude Baldock assess conditions on the River Deben

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

Alex Enkel, 16, and Jude Baldock, 11, from Waldringfield Sailing Club in Suffolk, claimed victory in their two-crew training boat, before going on to 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.

Jude (left), Alex and their boat "Joint effort"

Alex and Jude, on board "Joint effort", topped the leaderboard after 10 rounds at the cadet nationals in Devon. 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 Championship 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 world event.

"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."

All smiles - Jude (left) and Alex with their cadet class trophy after claiming the under-18s national title

Alex and Jude (left) celebrated after finishing runners-up at the world championships at Lake Lipno, Czech Republic

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."

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

"[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."

Alex's father Glenn Enkel said the pair "just clicked" from day one

Jon Seabright praised Alex for developing his grandson's sailing ability

Alex is from Great Dunmow in north Essex while Jude travels further to the Suffolk sailing club from the Romford area on the edge of east London.

This two-man crew next 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 is a national champion.

Relaxing on the river - the pair enjoy the late evening sunshine on the River Deben estuary, near Woodbridge