Page 29 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

in deeper waters. This culminated
with a journey across the width of
the Solent to moor in Cowes on
the Isle of Wight for the night, for
which a trainee controlled the helm
the whole way. The learning envi-
ronment was different from that
typical of Sandhurst training, with
each cadet perfecting a different
task to ensure the boat operation rather than all learning together. It was a system that definitely worked, as each took pride in their own part of the greater mechanism.
Over the next few days the basic skills of sailing felt quite natural as we sailed a variety of envi- ronments, from open water to inland estuaries as well as busy shipping lanes and even locks. In addition, we became accustomed to the administration required to ensure a smooth daily operation, learning about harbours, pre-plotting routes and also the skill of coming alongside other boats. All of this learning took place while sailing from various locations around the Solent
such as Southampton, Hamble & Port Solent that provided diversity and challenge associated with either large harbours or small quays.
Overall, the entire exercise was a steep learning curve full of challenges. We learnt many new skills, and also learnt that cadet self-instruction took away
the element of a safety net so often provided by the knowledge of Sandhurst Directing Staff. This independence and the new experience helped bond the group together. Each person confronted the tests with enthusiasm, camara- derie and maturity. Although the man overboard drills were fortunately never required, by the end of the week EX STOWAWAY CADET had most certainly provided each member of the team with the skills and interest in further sailing activity, something which will hopefully come to fruition when the opportunity arises to lead soldiers and officers of our own on an equally rewarding train- ing package.
After an arduous week competing in the Sandhurst Cup Competition at West Point Military Academy in New York, the Officer Cadets made their way to the centre of New York for their early morning flight out to Hou- ston, Texas. With the flight making good time, we got to the state earlier than expected. After a morning of organising car transport and hav- ing a look around the area whilst awaiting our instructor’s flight from the UK, we made our way to our accommodation, approximately 45 min- utes north of Houston in a place called Conroe.
Unfortunately, the glorious weather of the Sunday did not continue into the week as we woke up to torrential rain and thunderstorms, the leftovers of a tornado that passed a couple of hours north of us. Nevertheless, the team were still in high spirits and even though we couldn’t go out walk- ing, they went and found a gym in the local town and proceeded to do their own physical training while we waited for the weather to clear up. In the meantime, half of the group braved the weather to go to the local National Forest, Sam Houston National Forest, to attempt to find a map with the routes on. This was rather unfruitful so the
instructor, Summer Mountain Leader, Midship- man Jenna Clark had to resort to using maps found on the Internet and printing them off!
The same was found for the second day, with strong winds and heavy rain battering our accommodation in the town. Therefore, the majority of the group went to the gym again. The gym owner was incredibly accommodating, posting a picture of the group on his Instagram
Overall, the entire exercise was a steep learning curve full of challenges.
Exercise TEXAN CADET
SANDHURST 27