Ten RAF Air Cadets accompanied by two Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers embarked on a seven day sailing voyage during the summer around the Western Isles of Scotland from Oban to Greenock organised and staffed by the Ocean Youth Trust. Narratives from some of the cadet participants are recounted below.
OYT Ulysses trust boat trip
Introduction
As we walked onto the pontoon we were greeted with a massive 72 foot sailing boat that was jaw dropping and as we walked on the crew greeted us and showed us around the boat and as the other cadets came we introduced ourselves and made new friends.
Activities
Hoisting sails: The group hoisted sails almost every day and various people done it.
Cleaning the boat: Cleaning the boat deck was very fun because we got to flood it and the downstairs was fun as well because we got to clean the toilets and tidy the galley.
Docking: In the afternoon, we would dock at various different places and had to put out the fenders and tie knots.
Knot Tying: Learning all different knots was fun and enjoyable with everyone helping each other and occasionally messing up.
Challenges & Successes
Challenges: there were many challenges on the boat such as takking and the night sail which was tiring.
Successes: The trip was educational, safe, and fostered teamwork among all of the cadets that ended up friends.
Conclusion
The boat trip was very enjoyable and informative, offering us a memorable experience for times to tell and gave us a great time in nature. And any future trips we will reminisce on this one it was amazing and we made friends for life.
Cee-Jay Jaffary
Expedition Report: Oban to Greenock Sailing Voyage
Dates; 29th July – 5th August 2024
Location: Scotland (Oban to Greenock)
Introduction
Our expedition, a week-long sailing voyage from Oban to Greenock, Scotland, was an incredible and unforgettable experience aimed at building teamwork skills and achieving our competent crew award. With 17 participants on board (10 crew, 7 staff) although unfortunately one of our crew had to leave us early on in the voyage leaving us as 16.
Objectives
The primary objective of this expedition was to work all together as a team to achieve a competent crew award, an important part of our sailing experience. This goal required each member to develop and refine their sailing skills while supporting one another through the various challenges we encountered at sea.
Achievements
Despite the demanding conditions, our team successfully sailed a total of 179 nautical miles. Throughout the journey, we learned incredible sailing techniques and we deepened our relationships with one another and we all worked together well.
Challenges and Solutions
The trip had its difficulties. We faced some hard weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas which fortunately weren’t too bad but still it tested our resolve and sailing capabilities. Additionally, the confined space and high-pressure environment led to occasional disagreements among the crew. However, we addressed these issues head-on, communicating openly and finding solutions that strengthened our teamwork.
Impact and Benefits
The knowledge and skills gained during this expedition have left a lasting impact on all
participants. We also benefited from the relationships we built along the way. The shared experience of navigating through the sea and overcoming personal and group obstacles has equipped us with valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
Conclusion
The Oban to Greenock sailing expedition was a transformative experience for all involved. We not only achieved our primary objective of earning the competent crew award but also gained invaluable knowledge and built strong, lasting relationships. The challenges we faced, both environmental and interpersonal, served as opportunities for growth, leaving us better equipped for future endeavours.
Alfie Moorcroft
OYT Ulysses Trust Report
During my summer holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a seven-day sailing adventure with the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) aboard the STV Alba Explorer. With Air Cadets from my squadron 132 North Berwick, 877 Inverurie , I joined the crew, ready to face the challenges of life at sea.
Setting Sail
On the first day, I was a mix of nerves and excitement. Boarding the Alba Explorer, I didn’t know what to expect. The boat was impressive, and I could sense the adventure that lay ahead. As part of the crew, we were all in this together, learning the ropes (literally) and getting to know one another. We were split in to two watches taking turns to sail and rest.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the first challenges I faced was sea sickness. The rocking of the boat was something I wasn’t prepared for, and it took a bit of time to adjust. But, with the support of my fellow cadets and the crew, I managed to get through it. We all faced our own challenges, but the shared experience brought us closer together. Exploring the Western Isles One of the highlights of the trip was visiting different places around the Western Isles. Each stop was more beautiful than the last, and it was amazing to learn about sailing in such a stunning environment. I also picked up new skills, like knot tying, operating the sails, and using winches. We even learned about navigation, which was fascinating, and took turns cooking and cleaning, which taught us the importance of teamwork.
Building Friendships and Teamwork
Working together with cadets from both squadrons was a rewarding experience. We quickly became friends, helping each other out and making the most of our time on board. By the end of the week, our teamwork had improved dramatically. I remember at the start, we struggled just to hoist the sail, but by the end, we could do it quickly and efficiently—a testament to how much we had grown as a team.
Special Moments and Traditions
Life on the boat wasn’t all hard work. We played games, shared meals, and enjoyed each other’s company. One of the most memorable experiences was during a night sail when we watched the stars followed by the sunrise. It was a spectacular sight that I’ll never forget.
The Final Farewell
As the trip came to an end, we were all presented with our Royal Yachting Association qualification and voyage certificates. It was a proud moment, recognizing all that we had achieved over the past week. Saying goodbye to the friends I had made was bittersweet, but I knew that the memories we created would stay with me for a long time. Looking back, the most rewarding part of the trip was seeing how much we had improved. From being unsure of ourselves, to confidently operating the boat as a team, the progress we made was incredible. This adventure with the OYT on the Alba Explorer was an experience I’ll always cherish.
Alexander Mcbain.
There was 9 cadets on border for the voyage and I hat the time of my life on board the vessel. My favourite part was standing at the helm and stering the boat. I thin that going on the expedition will give me somthing to tell to my friends and family and hopefully expire some other people to go on a journey like that as there was lots of fun and it gives you a sense of how some things may look difficult at first like sweating the sails realy dident that hard once you get the hang of it, o think that we all enjoyed our time and that we all gained somthing different from our time away as we all learned how to tie some knots. And I hope that the memories we gained will stick with us for the rest of out lives .
Robert McWilliam-Snow
Report for Ocean Venture 2024
OYT Scotland Sailing Trip Report
Date: 29th of July – 4th August
Locations: West Coast of Scotland (Oban to Greenock)
Squadron: 877 (Inverurie)
Introduction:
Starting on the 29th of July, we set out on a week long sailing trip on the west coast of Scotland, throughout the week we sailed from Oban, to Greenock, stopping at many different places along the way, and getting awarded the RYA Competent Crew Award, there were 16 of us on this voyage, 7 sea staff, and 6 cadets (since one of our own here at 877 SQN had to leave early due to complications), this trip was an unforgettable experience and helped me grow my skills, and friendships with fellow cadets.
Objectives:
One of our main goals during the voyage was for everyone to achieve the RYA Competent Crew Certification, which required us to not only learn new skills about being at sea, but also to work together with people that were new to us (132 SQN), we also had to get better with our teamwork to make sure everything went smoothly during the voyage.
Achievements:
Some of the achievements we gained during the voyage were: managing to complete the voyage as a whole, which was 179 Nautical Miles, achieving our goal of attaining RYA Competent Crew, and developing our relationships with eachother, and furthering skills.
Conclusion:
Our voyage along the west coast of scotland with OYTS was an amazing experience that has given me skills for life, a better understanding of my fellow cadets that has helped me become better friends with them.
Cdt Ross Shepherd
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
