Page 58 - Cadet Review Autumn 2023

 SCC
SUMMER ADVENTURES ABOARD TALL SHIPS:
A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND DISCOVERY
As the warm summer sun bathed the coast of Blyth, two eager cadets, POC Lewis Bellwood and LC Rocco Lilley, embarked on an unforgettable voyage aboard the magnificent Jubilee Sailing Trust Tall Ship Tenacious. Their maritime adventure was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of their time onboard by unit trustee Mr. Colin Woodhead and unit president Mr. Fred Normandale.
They climbed the rigging, helmed and navigated the tall ship down the picturesque east coast before mooring up in Chatham at the end of a fabulous week.
CFC Lilly Goddard and Amy Carlton spent a week on the power vessel TS Jack Petchey. Their journey began with a dose of unpredictability, as they were greeted with rough seas on day one, forcing the
ship to remain in the safety of Whitehaven harbour. While nature had other plans, the cadets seized the opportunity to refuel and explore the charming town of Whitehaven. This unplanned shore leave turned into a memorable first day, fostering camaraderie among the crew.
Undeterred by the initial setback, the crew of Jack Petchey set sail across to Peel in the Isle of Man, where the sea's might was revealed in all its glory. As the ship ploughed through the waves, a handful
of brave souls succumbed to seasickness, prompting lighthearted laughter and shared experiences among the travellers. Their arrival in Peel marked the beginning of yet another adventure, with shore leave facilitated by a speedy speedboat and a tranquil anchorage in the bay, complete with night anchor watch duties that added a touch of romance to their journey.
The sea, however, had more surprises in store, preventing the ship from reaching Holyhead as planned. Undeterred, the crew charted a course around the Isle of Man to the bustling port of
Asthe summer
sun began
to wane, these cadets returned with memories
of a lifetime, stronger bonds, and newfound skills
Douglas. This unexpected detour only added to the richness of their experience, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of our cadets.
Their voyage continued with a crossing from Douglas to Llandudno, where a spontaneous decision led to an unforgettable experience - swimming in surprisingly warm waters, a delightful contrast to the rough seas they had recently conquered.
In the early hours of a new day, they set sail from Llandudno, arriving in Liverpool at 5am. The cadets made the most of their time ashore, exploring the historic Albert Dock and immersing themselves in the rich maritime heritage of the city at the museum.
The summer of offshore voyages was not limited to Tenacious and Petchey. LC Millie Carter and AC Kaitlyn Byram achieved a significant milestone during their week-long journey onboard the Corps Yacht, TS Sir Stelios. They emerged with Offshore Sailing Hand Level 1 certifications, a testament to their dedication and newfound skills. Their adventure took them along the scenic south coast, offering a different perspective of the British shoreline.
As the summer sun began to wane, these cadets returned with memories of a lifetime, stronger bonds, and newfound skills that will serve them well on future voyages. Their journey of resilience and discovery exemplifies the spirit of adventure that thrives
in the hearts of young sailors, eager to conquer the high seas and embrace the challenges they present.
58 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2023