Thousands of sea cadets around the country are benefitting from new boats and equipment, following a generous donation earlier in the year from the Naval Club and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers’ Association (RNVR).
The funding has made it possible for Sea Cadets to purchase four new RS21 training keelboats, whose sleek design is particularly suited for cadets’ team-sailing activities and competitions.
These boats have now launched and are already delivering new experiences and qualifications for cadets across the UK.
“The RS21s provides the opportunity for sea cadets who have reached advanced levels of sailing to strive for something more, the experience and exhilaration of performance keel boating,” said Head of Inshore Boating for Sea Cadets, Tony Elgar. “It allows the young people to take part in external events, competitions and regattas and learn new skills in yacht skippering and sailing.”
Cadets were able to use the brand new boats in the RS21 National Championship 2022 in Weymouth, with plans to enter more of these types of events in the near future. “The welcome and interest the other sailors showed in our cadets as a result was outstanding – this really helps us to build relationships with other organisations in the maritime and watersports sectors as well, putting Sea Cadets firmly on the map,” Tony explains.
“I had the fantastic opportunity to race the RS21s against not only other sea cadets but also against members of the public,” said Lachlan (14) from Dunbar Sea Cadets Unit. “The experience gave me the chance to sail a new type of boat and expand on my sailing abilities.”
Lachlan’s twin sister, also from Dunbar Unit, added: “The RS21 National Championship not only helped me improve my sailing on a new boat it also gave me the chance to make friendships with other cadets from all across the UK. The RS21 Nationals is one of the highlights of my Sea Cadets career so far!” Lotti (16) from Gosport Unit said: “The RS21 National Championship opened my eyes to a new level of sailing and possibilities.
“I have such good memories of a week filled with laughs and the racing was so much fun it was impossible to come off the water without a smile on my face.” Sea Cadets is grateful to the RNVR for its support, which enhances the youth charity’s aims of broadening horizons for its cadets, helping them to develop into resilient and confident young people who can launch well into life.
