AN EAST COAST ADVENTURE WITH WALTON SEA CADETS
April 7th-11th 2025
A group of Walton Sea Cadets experienced a voyage onboard the Bermudan Ketch ‘The Faramir’ this April. Eleven young male and female cadets, aged between 12 and 15, took part along with two Adult Volunteers from Walton Sea Cadet Unit. These cadets had little or no previous experience of offshore sailing so the voyage offered many exciting and challenging opportunities for them to learn new practical skills, gain qualifications and learn about themselves. The generosity of the Ulysses Trust made it possible for these young people to have this great adventure together, build their self-confidence and have FUN!
The cadets boarded the boat, the Faramir, at Fambridge Yacht Haven on the estuary of the River Crouch on the Essex coast. Fambridge is located 58 miles south of their home town of Walton on the Naze. After introductions and a safety briefing from the Skipper their voyage took them to the coastal waters of the Roach and Crouch Estuaries, the Marconi Sailing Club on the Blackwater and to Brightlingsea on the River Colne before returning to Fambridge. In total, they sailed 105 nautical miles. It was a voyage of exploration for these young people. The cadets sailed to areas of outstanding natural beauty with the estuaries and salt marshes providing habitats for birds and seals. They witnessed stunning sunsets and early morning sunrises.
The group were blessed with fine weather throughout their voyage with beautiful blue skies and fair to moderate winds. Although the Skipper took on the responsibility for the Faramir’s course throughout the voyage, cadets learnt about navigation taking into account the tides in these coastal waters.
By the end of their voyage the cadets were able to take an active role in sailing the boat under the excellent instruction and supervision of the Faramir Skipper and Crew.
“I learnt so much about sailing on this trip” wrote Sam. All the cadets had a go at raising and lowering the anchor, steering or helming the boat and raising the sails. “We all worked together hauling the sails, this was the best part working as a team” said an excited Tom.
Cadets were placed in ‘watches’ and took turns on night watch when the Faramir was at anchor, for some it was a struggle to stay awake! They also all participated in the meal preparation for everyone on board as well as the important housekeeping duties. Cleaning the toilets, or ‘heads’ as they are called onboard, was maybe one of the least popular tasks but they all took their turn!
BACKGROUND
‘The Faramir’ is one of the training vessels operated by The Cirdan Trust, a charity that offers specialised residential sailing experiences for young people especially those that might be disadvantaged in some way. The Faramir is a 22m long Bermudan Ketch built in 1982 and designed for training purposes. The Cirdan Trust offers once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows young people to develop life skills, increase self-confidence and self-esteem, build resilience, improve communication and teamwork skills. Their voyages also help improve the mental health and wellbeing of those onboard. Walton Sea Cadets had the privilege of working with the Cirdan Trust last year on the Faramir. A further voyage was planned based on the success of this first voyage and the positive feedback we received from the cadets and accompanying adult volunteers.
CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS
This voyage presented new and challenging situations for all the cadets in the group. Living onboard in close quarters can present challenges in itself especially as the weather conditions can be unpredictable. Cadets found themselves in a new environment where they must understand and respect authority, live and work as a team and become resilient.
As well as the challenges of sailing cadets have to participate in all aspects of housekeeping onboard which is a new experience for many!
Cadets experience being out in the open much more than they are used to. It is well-recognised that this can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. Cadets learnt about nature, observe birdlife and marine life.
For some cadets it was their first time away from home. Since the Covid epidemic it has been evident that some young people have been less confident in being away from home. Homesickness and seasickness may be challenges they have to face onboard but thankfully not on this voyage.
This voyage provided the opportunity to gain an RYA Start Yachting or Competent Crew Qualification while onboard. All cadets showed huge pride in their achievements when the Skipper awarded them their certificates on the last day.
Cadets achieve modules as part of their Sea Cadet Development Programme (CDP) These modules all count towards their success in achieving awards and badges and their next ‘rank’ within the Sea Cadet Corps.
They take back their exciting experiences to share with their peers at the Unit and also at school and within their own families.
Attendance on this voyage can also count towards the residential part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The Petty Officer (CFAV) on the voyage is using this experience as the Residential part of his Gold DofE Award.
Cadets were only permitted to have their mobile phones for a short period in the evening. Cadets and crew gathered ‘down below’ for card games and storytelling together which all agreed was great fun!
Cadets visibly grew in self confidence as a direct result of this voyage. Some cadets overcame personal challenges in aspects of both physical and mental issues. Almost without realising, cadets gained in personal resilience by trying different experiences and taking responsibilities for tasks. Developing leadership skills by helping others, ‘taking charge’ and accepting instruction from others.
At the end of each day, the Skipper asked cadets to nominate their ‘cadet of the day’ giving reasons for their selection. At the end of their offshore, cadets nominated their ‘cadet of the voyage’ although the Skipper praised all the group for their achievements and high standards of behaviour throughout the week.
At the end of their voyage all cadets were asked to give their comments about their time onboard. All said that they had learnt new skills, formed friendships and enjoyed themselves.
Cadets highlighted the sailing experience itself especially when under sail, seeing the seals and the sunsets and going ashore in the tender to Brightlingsea for fish and chips!
These are the comments of our youngest cadet age 12:
“I learnt that I can be very helpful and a good team leader”
Our thanks to the Ulysses Trust and other local organisations who kindly supported this voyage for Walton Sea Cadets.
Margaret Andrews | Administrator and Unit Management Team Fundraiser | Walton Sea Cadets
