The Exercise was oversubscribed from the start and the senior officer cadet had the unenviable task of getting the right mix of experience and enthusiasm within the crew. With three novices, one qualified competent crew and an ex sea cadet plus the skipper we met our Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Vessel ‘Placuna’ and embarked on six days of sail training. The aim of the Exercise was to introduce novices and bring on those with some experience in the hope of training a cohort of trained officer cadets who can organise their own expeditions. Sail training has long been used as a method of team building and bringing out leadership traits. By putting the crew through their paces in an unfamiliar environment we were able to develop the crew individually and as a team.
The crew were put through their paces early, the sails went up on day one as we had a good wind behind us for the sail to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The Mate is a dinghy instructor and was very keen on sail setting correctly to get the maximum power out of the boat. Between the Skipper and the Mate we were able to whip the crew into shape quickly, with tacking, gybing, knots, and mooring up procedures. The Crew were quick learners and we soon has a slick team. Favourable winds kept us speeding up and down the Solent, heeled over and making good speed from Cowes to Hurst Castle and back before heading into Lymington for the night. Day three saw stronger winds and allowed us to practice reefing and sail changes, necessary for safe sailing when the wind picks up. Everyone had a turn on the helm and all were exhausted by the time we got back into Cowes.
The wind dropped off on day four and five and the sailing was curtailed but it allowed us to practice anchoring securely and a bit of ocean swimming – you have to take these opportunities when you can! While the wind was absent we were able to look at aspects of passage planning and pilotage through the busy Portsmouth Harbour, basic navigation, man overboard drills and how to get themselves onto training courses.
Throughout the week the crew were given individual responsibility for steering, navigation, pilot planning and running man overboard drills; all of which focussed the individuals on a task that usually required them to employ elements of leadership. The more experienced crew members were given some more advance tasks and it was uplifting to witness their personal development as sailors. It is this regular progression that will enable Wales UOTC to develop a core of trained personnel in the future.
With the help of the Ulysses Trust funding, the exercise was able to put into some of the best marinas in the Solent meaning the crew were able to relax at the end of the day with a hot shower and food. The crew took turns in the galley and we ate well all week. Being in the marina meant we were always in close proximity to proper toilets and showers.
The feedback from the crew has been 100% positive. One crew member commented that:
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to go on this trip. Thank you for organising this training” and another “It was a brilliant week, would love to do it again”.
Wales UOTC understand the personal development role offshore sailing can play in team building and leadership. We are already planning their next sailing events and will be looking to the Ulysses trust for their continuing support.
E G BROOKS
Trg Maj for CO
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