In July and August 2026, thirteen cadets from TS Temeraire undertook a week-long offshore sail training voyage aboard the Cirdan Trust vessel Queen Galadriel. Made possible through the generous support of the Ulysses Trust, Kent Community Foundation, The Cirdan Trust and other supporters, the expedition offered young people a unique opportunity to experience challenge, adventure and personal development in a demanding maritime environment. Queen Galadriel is operated by The Cirdan Trust, a charity dedicated to providing personal development opportunities through sail training.
Life aboard a traditional sailing vessel creates an environment unlike any classroom. Every individual contributes directly to the operation of the vessel and quickly learns that success depends upon cooperation, responsibility, discipline and mutual support.
Cadets were not passengers. They became active members of the ship’s company, contributing to the daily operation of the vessel and participating in all aspects of life at sea.
Whilst sailing provided the setting, the true value of the expedition extended far beyond learning maritime skills. Throughout the week cadets developed teamwork, leadership, communication, resilience, independence and responsibility through living and working together at sea.
A recurring theme throughout the cadets’ reflections was that every success aboard the vessel depended upon collective effort. Whether raising sails, cooking meals, conducting night watches or cleaning the vessel, participants quickly learned that cooperation and mutual support were essential.
As one cadet reflected:
“It showed me just how important teamwork is when working together towards a common goal.”
Another wrote:
“QG also showed all of us the sheer importance of teamwork and how we all need to work together to succeed in big tasks.”
The feedback received from cadets and parents demonstrates that the voyage delivered a meaningful and lasting impact well beyond the duration of the expedition itself.
Read the full report.
