Offshore Sailing, 'OYT Scotland West Coast Challenge 2011', West Coast of Scotland, Western Isles., Aug 2011, ID 1151

Phys Ed Branch Headquarters Air Cadets

Sailing ‘Alba Venturer’ into Victoria Harbour in Greenock at the end of their voyage, using nothing more than canvas and wind, highlighted the skill and confidence of the trainee crew who only a week earlier had set out as novices on this year’s annual HQAC / Ocean Youth Trust Scotland - Offshore Sail Training Expedition.

Coping with mixed weather conditions and devious winds, the group of over 18 year old cadets developed their sailing skills on a journey which took them out of the river Clyde and across to Bangor in Northern Ireland before returning to explore the Scottish coast, including Tarbert and Holy Loch, covering some 270 nautical miles.

Teamwork, commitment and personal endeavour resulted in everyone achieving their RYA Competent Crew Certificate, and convinced the OYT skipper that our cadet crew should be allowed the opportunity to sail and manage the 72’ ketch under light-touch supervision for the last two days of the voyage.

And what a magnificent job they did! Slick sail changes, accurate navigation and attention to detail resulted in them dealing with situations which would test even an experienced sailor. Man-overboard drills, ferries, fishing boats and wind changes were dealt with swiftly, calmly, professionally and with a modest, yet deserved, degree of pride!

Once again the OYT Scotland Sea Staff were full of praise for our group of senior cadets who proved to be exemplary ambassadors for our organisation. Our thanks go to the Ulysses Trust for their kind and generous support and to all those at HQAC who made the expedition possible. The appreciation of the cadets can perhaps best be summed up in their own words:

“The trip was by far one of the most challenging experiences of my cadet career. The first few days were spent ‘learning the ropes’, how to hoist the sails and navigate. The cadet crew were then given control of the boat to sail round the Scottish coastlands.” Cdt Sgt Kim Norris, 104 Sqn.

"I especially enjoyed the day we went to Bangor, Northern Ireland. Despite some of the team suffering seasickness we continued sailing the boat and bonded; learning more about each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This really showed later in the week when I got to steer the boat into the dock and, with the team knowing each other’s strengths, we were able to dock the boat quickly and safely." CdtCpl Robert Abel, 2425 Sqn.

“I really enjoyed my voyage on Alba Venturer. Although it was challenging, it left me feeling really accomplished when we completed tasks.” CdtSgt Ellen Seymour, 497 Sqn.

"I have met some amazing people and shared some amazing experiences. This is possibly one of the most enjoyable things that I have done in my life!” CdtSgt Gary Metcalfe, 234 Sqn.

"At times it was tough but it is all worth it. Being at sea has a strange feeling; you have to trust your team mates and they have to have a certain trust with you.” CdtSgt Luke Mazzoni, 1298 Sqn.

Thanks to

working in partnership with