Ilfracombe Sea Cadets set sail on T/S Royalist
Ilfracombe Sea Cadets enjoyed a day out on the water on the renowned T/S Royalist last month. Every year cadets get one opportunity to set sail, usually for a week, including racing in the Tall Ships race.
However, with the pandemic meaning opportunities were not available last year, this year they had the chance to head out and practice their skills for a day at sea. Sailing from Plymouth Harbour, 10 cadets from Ilfracombe and Bideford, aged between 13-18, were able to implement everything they’ve learned during lockdown.
Sea Cadets gives young people an experience that helps them grow into confident individuals through various activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. But the Cadets also learn seafaring skills and qualifications that put them in great stead for their future careers.
During lockdown, the Sea Cadets have continued their seamanship training via Zoom, with MP Selaine Saxby, Mayor Kit Leck, Cllrs Val Gates and Paul Crabb all joining the lessons on occasion. This opportunity to get out on the water is therefore extra special this year.
PO Mack of Ilfracombe Sea Cadets said: “This has been a great opportunity to get Cadets back offshore and show them what is available next year when Covid restrictions are hopefully lifted, showing teamwork, leadership and how to work as a team.
This offer of taster days was an offer that could not be missed for our young people in the local community to show what Sea Cadets is all about on the flagship T/S Royalist.”
Mayor of Ilfracombe, Kit Leck, said: “I’m proud to be able to say I met with many Cadets on Zoom; you cannot fail to be impressed by their commitment to learning and acquiring new skills. Ilfracombe has a long seafaring tradition and a vibrant working harbour, so it’s exciting to hear that they are continuing to experience something unique that can be brought back to Ilfracombe. We should all be proud of our Sea Cadets and all the Officers and Parents connected with the corp for continuing the maritime tradition.”