This summer RAF Air Cadets staff & cadets from 1019 (City of Stirling) Squadron, 2284 Dunblane Squadron , 1145 Dunfermline Squadron and 161 – 1st Highland Squadron set off on the adventure of a lifetime onboard Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s Alba Explorer. The 3 staff and 9 cadets spent 12 days on the boat completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition. The expedition was only possible because of funding we received from the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and The Ulysses Trust. Some of the staff and cadets have waited nearly 4 years for this expedition, so to finally get there was a massive achievement. It was much anticipated with the staff and cadets feeling both nervous and excited. The boat set sail from Oban and sailed across the Hebrides, from South Uist to the Isle of Harris, passed the Small Isles, Portree and Ullapool and back to Oban.
The colours on the Map below indicate different days.
All staff and cadets joined the Alba Explorer in Oban, where they stayed within the harbour for the first evening acquainting themselves with the boat and getting settled into their bunk space. It was an exciting time for all involved, the expedition had been on many of the cadets minds for a number of years, 3 of the cadets were now over 20 years old and had become staff members since first planning the expedition. For a number of cadets the expedition was the final stage of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
With the COVID Global Pandemic and all the restrictions that came with this our cadets and staff were restricted to what they were able to do, and an expedition that involved being close to other people was out of the question for a long period of time. Many of the cadets had completed all the other sections of their award during lockdown.For their volunteering section they were able to help local members of their community that may have been isolating to get their shopping, their physical sections were their daily fitness allowance and many took the opportunity in lockdown to learn a new skill which fitted perfectly with another section of their award. The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is the highest level achievable and takes a lot of time and dedication to do. Many employers look favourably on people that have completed the award.
Twelve days on a small boat is a challenge to anyone, with cramped living spaces and general fatigue it can become difficult to get a moment to yourself. The staff and cadets were responsible for the day to day running of the boat. Not only were they sailing the boat, but they were keeping all aspects of below deck clean and tidy and they were responsible for making all the meals and clearing away the dishes. Everyone had to be catered for, meat and vegetarian options were always on the menu. Everyone’s well-being had to be considered, sometimes they just wanted 5 minutes to themselves with no one around them.
The expedition was a fantastic opportunity for the cadets and staff to work together. The age ranged from 16 to 23 with many of them having no sailing experience. The cadets have spoken about their experience and have recommended the expedition to anyone doing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Morgan Mearns – Allocated Role Bosun
“This is the most challenging thing that I have ever done, living on a boat with 12 fellow cadets took a lot of getting used to. My role on the boat was Bosun and during the voyage I worked alongside the regular Bosun learning all the daily checks that needed to be carried out and recorded. These checks would keep the vessel ship-shape and not only covered the engine and generator, but included water and fuel levels, dropping of the anchor at the end of the days sail and lifting again in the morning. As well as my Bosun duties I was also allocated cooking duties. Making a meal for 18 people in such a small kitchen was a challenge. When I was free from Bosun duties I worked with my Watch helming the vessel and changing sails.”
Jelson Konthuruthy – Allocated role Radio Officer
“The first part of the voyage was for our training and practice before the qualifying expedition which was 4 days of the voyage. My role was radio officer when my Watch was on duty. This involved me contacting the coastguard in Stornoway on the VHF radio with routine traffic and letting them know what the passage plan was and our expected time of arrival at our destination. Once we docked for the evening I was responsible for contacting the Coastguard again to close the report. I also monitored regular weather information that would be broadcast over the VHF and I had to note this down and record it quickly. The voyage was a very enjoyable experience and I would recommend it to other cadets.”
Shana Spalding – Allocated role Safety Officer
“I was the oldest participant on the expedition and I had waited a long time for it to happen. My role as the safety officer was wide ranging but included ensuring all staff and cadets wore a life jacket when up on deck and that they were clipped onto the safety lines if they were out of the cockpit. I had to ensure that anyone moving forward and back on the boat when we were sailing stayed on the high side to prevent anyone going overboard when the boat was listing. We had very mixed weather for the voyage with wind gusting up to Force 7 which caused some sea sickness. Part of my role included crew welfare so looking after the sick people. The voyage was very challenging being in close proximity to everyone but we all made it worked and had a fantastic time. Hopefully it can be arranged again for other to experience what we did.”
The 12 participants of the voyage have been lucky enough to participate in what will be, for some, a once in a life time opportunity and one that without the RAF Air Cadets, Ocean Youth Trust and Ulysses Trust would not have happened. They are all very grateful of the hard work that is put in by all to ensure that this type of opportunity happens.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
