TS TIGER, Leicester Sea Cadets, is a unit which forms part of the Sea Cadet Corps, a youth organisation for young people aged 9 – 18 years, based on the traditions and customs of the Royal Navy. Cadets are trained in disciplines on and off the water such as first aid, catering and water sports, whilst being supported by qualified volunteer instructors. They have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and develop their leadership and teamwork.
On Saturday 26th July 2025 at 0900hrs, 7 cadets from TS TIGER joined 11 other cadets and young adult volunteers on their D of E qualifying rowing expedition. Out of those 7 from TS TIGER, 4 cadets were on their silver qualifier and 3 on gold. The participants prepared their boats and loaded their kit, had a briefing and set off on their journey in one ASC and three Trinity 500 rowing boats along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. The teams set off in good spirits despite the wet weather and were enjoying putting all their training into practise with their expedition aims in mind. They worked their way through the 6 locks North of Leicester until reaching their campsite on Broome Island at 1630hrs. They set up camp and cooked their evening meals as a team.
On day 2 the teams woke up at 0700hrs, packed up their kit after a good breakfast and continued North along the River Soar through 2 more locks and into Loughborough town centre where they battled weeds and stray fishing lines to make it to their lunch spot. The weather was much nicer and this helped boost morale. They continued to work together, remaining self sufficient and ensuring they met the requirements of the award scheme with their activities and attitude. The teams followed their maps and route cards which they had completed during their practise expeditions earlier in the year. On return to Broome Island they pitched their tents again and cooked their ration pack style meals before working on their aim and enjoying some social time with cards they had brought along.
Day 3 required the crews to retrace their day 1 rowing route back to the unit. They were tired and lower in morale than the previous days but they motivated each other and were soon packed up and ready to make a move. They continued to take turns in coxswaining the boats, rowing and operating the locks whilst making their way back and working against the current. After dealing with one ASC oar snapping in half, they made good time and arrived back at the unit at 1615hrs on Monday 28th July. They derigged and cleaned their boats, then the silver teams gave presentations on their expedition aims. They were inventive and enthusiastic with their presentations and it was clear that they had made some great new friends through the expedition. The gold team put their tents up and settled down for the night after their final evening meal. They played some games, worked on their aim and had an early night in preparation for their final day.
On day 4, the final day of the gold expedition, the team rowed South from the unit in Belgrave, further into the city. The river was less busy than usual and they had now swapped their ASC for two trinity 500 boats so they were much faster. The teams were quieter on this day and were looking forward to a hot shower and their own beds. The team made it to their lunch spot at Aylestone Lock at 1200hs and then returned to the unit, making their way through 5 locks in both directions. After 3 days in the Leicestershire countryside, it was strange for them to be back in the city with all the buildings, litter and graffiti. They mentioned this a few times during the day. They arrived back at 1530hrs and cleaned the boats down, unpacking all the team kit bags which contained items such as first aid kits, emergency shelters and lock keys. They then gave an great presentation to the assessor about their journey which involved 3 songs to detail their experience.
The cadets had a great time on the whole and worked really well in their teams to navigate challenges and keep up morale in their boats, especially when they were getting tired and the weather wasn’t on their side. They really enjoyed making new friends, working on their expedition aim and being independent with such an adventure. The expedition always provides the cadets with an invaluable experience and a chance for them to develop their communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Some of the cadets have now completed their awards and are looking at the next step, whilst others have achieved units from their BTEC Level 2 from the recognised prior learning section with thanks to this expedition.
Volunteers from TS TIGER supported the expedition as supervisors, duty drivers and medics, alongside a volunteer from Tamworth Sea Cadets and from Central District who took on the roles of the assessors. The volunteers really enjoy seeing the cadets complete the expeditions and watching them achieve their final awards after such a lot of hard work. For some of the cadets, this was an opportunity that they wouldn’t have been fortunate enough to have without the kind contribution from the Ulysses Trust to support their expedition. We would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for supporting our expedition and for giving our unit the opportunity to partake in this adventure.
Quote from LC Kieran Follows:
“The Ulysses Trust helped provide myself and my team with food for my Silver D of E expedition. Not only was this useful to keep our energy up but it also helped in keeping morale hight. I am thankful for their contribution to my achievement.”
Quote from CFC Prarthana Shukla:
“A huge thank you to the Ulysses Trust! I loved being part of the expedition and especially enjoyed all the fun we had along the way. It was an unforgettable experience!”
