At the end of September 58 members of the RNR came together from 12 units for the annual RNR Sailing Expedition, this time bigger than ever.
Build Up
Keen to build on the success of previous years, a dedicated small team of Naval Reservists spent months planning this weekend of adventure in the Solent. Each RNR unit was contacted, and SAILO representatives were identified. Through this national network of SAILOS we spread the SAILEX invitation far and wide across the RNR, specifically reaching those new to the service, and those who had not been sailing before.
Qualifications
One of the challenges of the event is having enough experienced, qualified sailors to skipper the yachts and allow the event to run, whilst also prioritising places for those new to the sport. As part of the package this year we arranged a day prior to the expedition for 12 attendees to come down to JSASTC and receive a day of first aid training and their RYA First Aid certificate. This is an industry recognised First Aid qualification that includes training on marine-specific hazards, injuries and rescue techniques. Very important skills for every sailor!
Crews
As a result, we successfully filled 10 yachts with crews of mixed experience, age, rank, branch and unit. 60% of attendees were Leading Hand or Sub-Lieutenant and below. We have received excellent feedback about the opportunities this allowed for teaching, learning and networking from each other.
“Brilliant organisation. Good social aspect- make contacts with other units”
Expedition
On Friday the conditions were not quite plain sailing. Winds gusting 40kts proved a challenging first trip out of the harbour, with Skippers tested on their ability to safely introduce a new crew to sailing, and new sailors tested on their nerve!
“Excellent organisation, skipper was brilliant, stretched all onboard to develop new skills”
Thankfully all decided to stay onboard, and on Saturday the fleet headed out of the safety of Portsmouth harbour. Skippers were given the freedom to conduct sail training as they wished, with some boats gently enjoying the sights on a gentle sail to the Isle of Wight, some racing the tide along the South Solent, and some testing their navigation up the Beaulieu river. Saturday evening all gathered in Cowes, put the boats to bed and headed out for a well earned BBQ and more opportunity to socialise with other units and capabilities.
“Good training briefs, well organised, plenty of chances to learn new things. Everyone joining in with tasks and getting involved”
Sunday morning bacon butties fuelled us for a friendly race back to Gosport and final day of sail training.
Looking forward
As we launch in to planning the next SAILEX, I would encourage any members of the RNR who are reading this and would like to be a part of the next expedition to contact their unit SAILO and join us later in the year.
“The HQ Training Team are acutely aware of how important the SAILEX is for the Maritime Reserves on many levels. It has grown… not just in terms of scale, but also in terms of the development of it as a safe, accessible and highly rewarding event.” – Capt J B McQueen
