Following 2 delayed bookings due to COVID Plymouth College CCF Sailing Expedition to Menorca, Poseidon II, finally went ahead over the period 11-18 July 2022.
This was not the only setback as the expedition planner and lead instructor Retired Navy Commander William Andrew was refused his overage extension from Navy Cadets HQ at short notice before the trip. This required the Contingent Commander, Major Chris Butterworth to take over the final coordination of the trip.
The expedition was for 10 cadets aged 16-17, 5 male and 5 female, mixed ability with some having never sailed before to those being assessed for their Day Skipper qualification. As well as the sailing aspect of the trip the focus was on adventurous training, pushing the cadets outside of their comfort zones to develop them both in confidence and mental resilience. This was done by allocation increasingly challenging tasks in a safe and controlled manner where they felt supported but still under pressure. This involved team work as well as individual command and responsibility. They were also required to cook and clean!
There were 5 staff members of the expedition. Chris Butterworth led on all expedition administration and welfare less tasks directly related to actual sailing and on water activities, he was also acting first mate to Gary. The two sailing instructors were Gary MacDonald and Sean Dorey, they were responsible for commanding each craft and instruction. Tim Lambie, an experienced sailor and retired naval officer was acting first mate to Sean. Lisa Williams was the female and welfare cover for both craft. It was decided that a 5th adult was necessary each craft could not function without 2 staff. This 5th person meant that if a cadet or adult could not carry on for any reason the exped would still be able to go ahead.
On arrival in Menorca the charter company (Flamingo Yacht Charters) had transport meet us at Mahon airport and transferred us to the marina where we were allocated the yachts Isabelle, a Dufour 405 GL, and Papaya, a Oceanis Clipper 393. Gary skippered Isabelle with Chris Butterworth, Lisa Williams, Tiffany Howarth, James Hunter-Campbell, Daniel Johnson, Lydia Lambie and Kai Ward. Sean Dorey skippered Papaya with Tim Lambie, Lilia Brodribb, Mathilda Currie, Andrew Rouse, Daisy Smith and Matt Stell.
The original plan was to circumnavigate the island as this could be accomplished in the time we had available. Following a discussion with the charter company lead instructor and his advice that to meet our aims we would be better to focus on sailing around the local coastline.
The rest of the first day was filled with settling in and teaching the cadets the logistics of planning and victualing the craft. We were then onto the sailing, exploring the islands coast and lessons for gaining Competent Crew and Day Skipper. The weather was kind to us all week with just enough wind off shore to achieve all the sailing aims. There was a shortage of births but the anchorage was excellent and the sea swimming was very much appreciated after a hard day’s work.
Cadets Comments
“When I went on the sailing expedition to Menorca with Plymouth College CCF my main goal was to complete my RYA Day Skippers Qualification. However it was just as important to have lots of fun and make new memories. We had all just finished our GCSE exams a few weeks before the trip so the trip was exactly what we needed to let loose and have a bit of fun. In amongst all of the fun there were import things that we learnt, from theory for our qualifications to the differences in cultures at the places we visited. All this was made possible by the amazing team of instructors and CCF staff that gave up their time to run the trip for us.”
Kai Ward
“I went on the Plymouth college CCF trip to get my day skipper qualification but after just a few days on the boat I had already learnt so much about sailing that I didn’t already know. This trip did not just help with sailing but I also learnt how to cook a meal for more than 10 people and I even learnt a little bit of Spanish. This trip helped me build skills and friendships that I can use later in life and I also managed to get my day skipper qualification. We had an instructor called Gary who helped us through the qualification and ticked off all of the things we had learnt. He was a great help and improved all of our sailing. We were sailing on a Dufour 405 grand large which is a 40ft boat which was very easy to learn on. We slept ate and travelled on this boat and it was the perfect boat for the trip. Over all my favourite part of the trip was when we sailed into a little cove on the east coast and we all went swimming. This trip has helped me with many life skills and I am very thankful for all of the staff who helped make it happen.”
James Hunter-Campbell
“The sailing trip was an amazing experience and I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity. Not only was it educational and the opportunity to gain qualifications, but it was also a chance to go to a Spanish Island and learn about the culture and meet new people. It was also great to have been able to spend a week sailing with like-minded friends and it was a brilliant bonding experience. Whilst on the trip I completed my Day-Skipper qualification under the guide of the amazing instructors who made it enjoyable and easy to learn the content. Whilst getting this qualification I had the new and challenging experience of instructing my crew, who were my friends, and being skipper of a yacht. Although challenging, this was so valuable in gaining confidence in ourselves and our abilities. Cooking on board was one of the highlights of the trip with so many memories of buying ingredients, making the food and then sharing it with everyone on deck under the stars. Overall, the trip was such a valuable experience and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go.”
Lydia Lambie
Conclusion
At the end of the week 6 cadets qualified as Competent Crew and 3 as Day Skipper. All had been pushed to be their best and developed not only their sailing skills but as overall young adults. There had been no incidents requiring medical attention (phew!) and considering the close confinement of the yachts everyone were still friends! The trip was a huge success and could not have gone ahead without the support of the Ulysses Trust and the RFCA. It is an experience that not enough cadets or young people get chance to have. I hope to be a part of planning future expeditions like this.
