Exercise Leviathan 2024 is an annual adventurous training exercise for CCF Army units within Inner London, organised in conjunction with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. Our aim is to provide army section cadets with a new and challenging opportunity that they would not normally have access to, promote inter-services careers and achieve a Gold Duke of Edinburgh standard expedition completion credit.
This year, the exercise welcomed its first guest crews outside of the owner unit, JFS CCF, for a five day tall ships sailing race from Portsmouth Harbour, around the Isle of Wight and south coast of England. Cadets had previously been selected by the invited units having completed applications and water safety tests in order to reperesent their unit in the competitive exercise. JFS were joined the Ronson Jewish Community Secondary School of Barnet as well as a selection of South Sector ACF cadets accompanied by their section commandant. All crews met in Portsmouth Harbour below the iconic spinnaker tower, ready for their training. Each crew was introduced to their TSYT skipper, watch leader and their 72ft Challenger Class yacht which would be their home for the near future.
After training in rope handling, safety procedures and movement around deck, all three ships departed Portsmouth Harbour for their first taste of the open water with the yachts under engine power. A night in Yarmouth and preparation for the first day under wind power, as well as some well earned rest and time in the galley followed.
Day two saw all crews practicing their teamwork and putting skills into practice as they took on the long sail to Weymouth along the South Coast. The weather was wet but consistent wind gave excellent practice conditions for the cadets’ first day fully under sail. Raising the main sail, the two front yankees as well as tacking to the wind was followed by man over board drills and an acclimatisation to life below deck at 45 degrees to the horizon…
Day three saw the start of competitive exercises with all crews experienced and raring to go. From Weymouth to Lymington cadets were judged on their quality of jibbing, pole raising knot tying and points of sail with their experienced crew taking notes and achievements down to see who was in the lead for the Leviathan Cup. A main sail raising race was the culmination of the day with the South East Sector ACF crew taking an early lead overall.
Day four saw a refinement in seamanship skills, leadership and teamwork as cadets climbed the 29m main mast, deep sea swimming races and a STEM-inspired egg drop task from the top of the main mast. The afternoon was spent planning a night navigation under the stars for the early hours return to Portsmouth Harbour. A short night’s rest, clean up of the vessels and preparation for departure followed before the presentation to the overall winner.
After 5 days of travel, training, preparation and competition the South East ACF Sector were crowned champions for 2024 with all cadets achieving Royal Yachting Association qualifications. Some cadets were highlighted by the TYST to attend future expeditions with them, such was their quality of leadership.
JFS CCF look forward to welcoming two new crews for 2025 and four in 2026 as the exercise looks to continue in the long term to provide inner London army cadets with new opportunities and experiences.
