The IOD Sea Cadet Unit is a Schools Unit based on the Isle of Dogs, East London where, in the past, most cargo trade was transported by Thames Barges plying their trade on the Tidal Thames.
We decided for our first residential trip to sail on the Blue Mermaid Thames Barge from the River Blackwater to Pin Mill via the Naze. The Blue Mermaid is the only new Thames Barge and is an exact replica of the original but with sail training in mind. There is no main engine or use of a generator, every manoeuvre and passage has to be done under sail, navigation and vessel lights are oil lamps, all sails and anchoring has to be done by hand. We were truly part of living history which had the benefits of cadets focussing on weather and tides with no modern trappings such as dishwashers or the internet.
Living and sailing together for the week and being away from home forged friendships and made people more resilient and resulted in them coming together as a unit. The shared living in an environment with no modern conveniences and limited water use brought us all together, along with having to learn to sail the Barge as a team to get her to sail the 113 Miles we covered.
We saw seals in Walton Backwaters, sailed in the night, saw star constellations and satellites in the clear unpolluted skies and visited remote beaches at Stone Point and on the Orwell. We made memories, learned new skills and learned to appreciate our environment a lot more. I am sure dishwashers, running water and self-flushing toilets were welcome on the cadets’ return.
In all it was an amazing experience and trip for everyone and will be remembered for years to come.
Below is a longer video which includes interviews with the cadets.
