Page 54 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

HSY ACF
A VOYAGE TO REMEMBER: SAILING THE NORTH SEA ON A TALL SHIP ADVENTURE YACHT
CHALLENGE 4
SSI Donna Nixon
Sailing on one of these magnificent yachts was more than just a journey; it was a privilege and an unforgettable experience and SSI Donna Nixon was onboard for the experience.
The journey of empowerment, took our intrepid sailors along the rugged North Sea coast, from Newcastle to Dover, having to use their skill to dodge the wrath of Storm Lilian, crossing the English Channel to Cherbourg in France, before landing back in Portsmouth. The entire voyage was a combination of adventure, camaraderie, and hands-on learning.
Navigating the North Sea can be tricky at the best of times, but with ever increasing swells the crew had to be alert and ready; splitting into two watches, alternating between three-hour shifts of day and night duties. This was no ordinary sailing trip—each watch had its challenges, from keeping an eye out for lobster pot marker buoys hidden in the waves to avoiding massive cargo ships as the boat headed down the North Sea toward Dover and across the English Channel to France crossing the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The North Sea lived up to its reputation, with its rough waves reminding the crew that this sea takes no prisoners.
Life on board was a mix of hard work and rewarding experiences. Meals were prepared
by the cadets, under the close supervision of
the adults. The North Sea’s rough nature was a constant reminder that this was no ordinary kitchen, but the cadets handled it with good humour and determination despite the choppy seas sending food flying across the galley.
Despite the challenges, the experience was invigorating. The cadets had the opportunity to
try everything—from steering the boat to cleaning the heads (nautical term for toilets). On a yacht, everyone truly is in the same boat, and this shared responsibility brought the team closer together. Laughter and camaraderie soon followed, turning strangers into friends and giving everyone involved a sense of belonging.
Does this sound like your kind of adventure? If so, mark your calendar for the HSY Tall Ships Adventure in August 2025. It’s an opportunity to experience
the thrill of sailing, the joy of teamwork, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges on the open sea. This journey was more than just a sail; it was a life-changing experience that left us with memories and skills that will last a lifetime.
54 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024