In a remarkable display of teamwork and maritime skills, ten teenagers from East Kilbride Sea Cadets recently embarked on an exhilarating yacht trip that took them across the Clyde Estuary to the scenic Holy Isle and the charming town of Campbeltown in Scotland. This trip was more than just a sailing expedition; it was an opportunity for the cadets to enhance their nautical knowledge, build lasting friendships, and connect with nature in a new way.
On a not-so-sunny afternoon in Greenock, the group of eager cadets gathered at the James Watt Dock, excited to meet the team they would be sailing with for the week. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they received a briefing on safety protocols and the various roles needed aboard the yacht. All climbed aboard, readied for sea and set off that afternoon. As the sails were hoisted, the teenagers felt the thrill of the wind propelling their vessel into the open waters, marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
The first destination on their adventure was Holy Isle, a small island rich in wildlife and scenic beauty, located just off the coast of Arran and not easily accessible to visitors, so a first for all. As they approached the island, the cadets marvelled at the lush greenery and rugged cliffs that defined the landscape. Docking at the island, they had the chance to explore and found an information centrer run by the local Buddhists who run a retreat on the island and were able to share local knowledge, after which the cadets sat round and took turns on the guitar, singing a few well known tunes and signing their names in the visitors’ book for everyone to see.
During their land exploration, the cadets discovered a range of native wildlife and unique flora, but the highlight of their visit was a close encounter with the hoard of wild horses that roam the island “creating a memory [they] could never forget”, as one of the cadets called it.
Back on board, the cadets took turns operating different parts of the ship, engaging in tasks such as steering, adjusting sails, passage planning and navigating. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply the skills they had learned during their Sea Cadets training. The camaraderie among the group was evident as they communicated and collaborated on tasks – both on deck and in the cabins and galley – ensuring the smooth sailing of their yacht and, most importantly, keeping everyone happy and fed.
The next leg of their journey led them to the picturesque town of Campbeltown. They roamed the streets, visited local shops, and had a chance to shake off their sea legs for an hour.
It was not all plain sailing! There were a few moments of homesickness, tears, frustrations and sea sickness, however all was quickly forgotten and in the words of cadet John, they had a ball.
“Hi there, I’m John, a Sea Cadet, and over 4 days I travelled around the Clyde Estuary across to the Holy Isle and Campbeltown , what a way to spend the week away from school and IT WAS AMAZING! On board I made loads of new friends, and learned everything you need to know about boats, from engineering to navigation, and ‘watch duty’ to steering the actual boat. I saw all sorts of animals while offshore such as a HUGE pod of dolphins and hundreds upon hundreds of seals. My favourite bit was probably the helm duty. I got to pilot the boat, navigate and be lookout. Lookout was best as you get to enjoy the amazing view and be the first one to see all the animals. I would recommend everyone to go as this trip was a fantastic experience.”
As the trip concluded, the teenagers returned home, exhausted but exhilarated by their sailing adventure. They reflected on the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the beauty of nature, all while developing a deeper appreciation for sailing and its challenges.
This yacht trip not only provided an exciting new experience for all on board but also equipped the young cadets with valuable life lessons and experiences that will shape them as they continue their journey in the Sea Cadets and beyond. The memories of dolphins dancing through the waves and the serene beauty of Scotland will surely remain etched in their minds for years to come – not to mention the endless cups of tea brewed onboard.
The East Kilbride Sea Cadets’ voyage was a testament to the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of the team, affirming the organization’s mission to cultivate a sense of discipline and leadership among youth. We want to thank the amazing people at the Ocean Youth Trust and the Ulysses Trust for the funding for this amazing opportunity.
