Preperation for Sailing

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Preperation for Sailing

On the 28th of October from destinations throughout the UK 24 Air Cadets began their respective journeys to HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Hampshire. Their purpose was to form as a team, receive familiarization training for a 6 day adventure upon a 98 foot square rigged training ship know as TS Royalist. My role is to facilitate their development and support them during what is for some a journey into the unknown. Onboard ship I adopt the role as the forward Watch officer along with Colour Sergeant Matt Jackson.

During the voyage I will endeavour to capture images and comments of the cadets journey, experiences and achievements. As Bruce Tuckman's “Life Cycle of a Team”. suggests the cadets will experience a range of emotional challenges as they are transformed from a group of individauls into a cohesive team of young sailors.

Martin Cope
Sqn Ldr
RAF VR(T)

Extract from Captains Log

Overview,

The Captains brief was given at 1530 during which it was noticed how smart and proud they all were, soon after the training programme commenced.

After supper the round robin was completed and then the cadets were given a dvd to watch for the remainder of the evening.

Sunday 30th October 2011: Immediately after breakfast the remainder of the statutory briefs were completed. We slipped from our berth at 1045 and departed Portsmouth Harbour via the main Channel.

The fore and afters were set followed by the topsails. The crew were given a spell of tacking and wearing practise after lunch.

At 1530 we slowly handed the sails and then headed in via the main channel. Due the strong ebbing tide it took a while to get into Portsmouth Harbour, we were eventually secured alongside Gunwharf Quay pontoon at 1700.

After supper the cadets were given shower and shore leave.

Lights out 2230.

TS Royalist - Gosport Dockyard

Breakfast onboard Royalist

No comments:

Cadet Comments

It has been a totally new experience for me and it looks awesome when everybody is pulling on ropes together! Luckily though I still haven't been sick yet. This is the first day that we have set sail, 5 have already succumb to the powers of the Royalist that she may hold (hanging their heads overboard).

However, up to know it really has been excellent!! Learning a huge amount about the TS Royalist, I also find it satisfying that getting to know the ropes is actually quite important!

I am really looking forward to the remainder of this truly brilliant expedition. I have found that because everyone on board is from different parts of the country it has made it more interesting and fun. It is only the second day and already I have learnt so much in regards to running the ship.

Jordan Hawkins

I believe that everyone has bonded and got to know each other already. I wound recommend this trip to any cadet who wants a truly amazing experience.

Dan Stimpson.

The week has been brilliant the crew are really helpful. I have a learnt a lot about how a tall ship operates; knot tying, teamwork and sailing skills. This is one of the best things that I have ever done with the cadets. My message to any cadet reading this comment is GET YOURSELF SIGNED UP for next year its brilliant.

The week has been brilliant, the crew have been really helpful and the sailing has been highly instructive. I have learnt loads about how a tall ship operates, knot tying, team work and sailing. This has been the best thing I have done with cadets. I would definitely recommend this to any cadets.

Cpl Ions

The week has been a massive change to the normal rush of life my week on the TS Royalist has been life changing and I have experienced some very different tasks. Including; going aloft, scrubbing the deck (a very chilly experience), hauling the sails, and also being a mess woman. I met some amazing people - the crew, the staff and the cadets, and have made some lifelong friends. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity of a week on this ship and would being very happy if offered a place again

Thank you all!

Beth Dunn (Cdt).1034 (surbiton) Squadron

Life on the Royalist is fun however that's not to say that it's been a holiday. The early starts and late nights are hard to get used to however; it is still a good experience. Made better by the enthusiastic crew mainly the boson who is always overly cheery in the best possible way.

The week has also taught me about close team work and working in a very close environment with people who I never knew before the start of the week, it has given me opportunity to make many new friends and connections. On the whole the cadets appreciate the chance of this once in a life time opportunity.

The course is brilliant and would be beneficial to any person who wants to work in a team or learn a valuable life experience such as people skills, confidence and teamwork.

The staff are some of the greatest people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I would like to take the chance to thank the the crew of TS Royalist for the chance and massive experience that I never thought I would have.

Cpl R Francis

This has been a unique experience it has been very fun though my week on the TS Royalist has been life changing and I have experienced some very different tasks. Including; going aloft, scrubbing the deck (a very chilly experience), hauling the sails, and also being a mess woman. I met some amazing people - the crew, the staff and the cadets, and have made some lifelong friends. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity of a week on this ship and would being very happy if offered a place again.

Thank you all!

Beth Dunn (Cdt).1034 (surbiton) Squadron

Though hard work and effort, this has been one of the most fun things I've done with cadets. even when the wind has been unsuitable today (Wednesday the 2nd of November)we've had things to do, such as going to the solar sky museum which was really interesting. Also on this trip it has been a good way to improve my social skills and team working skills, as we've been living in quite close conditions. Overall I have really enjoyed this and would recommend this to anybody!

Cdt Race

The trip on the TS Royalist has made me think completely differently about teamwork, we met each other the day before we started and got into it straight away. It's made me think differently about leadership after we made a presentation to the permanent crew and what values a good leader should have.

It has also made my view on sailing and sailors and sea cadets much higher. I've only had a taster but to be able to do it for weeks you must be very physically fit, adaptable to new crew, firm in your orders, knowledgeable and extremely tolerant. I have enjoyed this week incredible amounts and have learnt things that before I didn't know existed. I believe that cadets should continue to have the opportunity to do this as it is a very tough, but very rewarding week. I would recommend it to everyone.

Cdt Sgt Johannes Schomeveld

This sailing course on the TS Royalist has been an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. You get the opportunity to learn new and exciting things, and it will look good on your CV. You will learn new things about leadership and what it takes to be able to become a good leader. At the start of the course, you won't know anyone, but further into the week, you will get to know everyone better because of the conditions you will be in. Working on a ship that is involved with the Sea Cadets, when you’re an Air Cadet is a fairly weird experience but you gradually get used to it. The permanent crew are nice and will try to help you should you want or need it. Any cadet who wishes to apply for this course, I highly recommend it to everyone. It is really worthwhile!

CDT Jim Wilson

At the start of this course, we hardly knew each other at all, and next to nothing about how to sail a square rigged ship, but by the middle of the week we all felt like we had known each other for years, and we had learnt a lot about both sailing and working together as team.

One of the best parts of the week for me was climbing out on the yardarm to tidy the sails away whilst we were still sailing, this was scary but also extremely fun! I also learnt a lot about being a good team player, supporting the other people in my flight (which is called a 'watch' on board ship') we all had our own jobs had a thoroughly enjoyable time, I would definitely recommend this course to all cadets who have been sailing before although it is completely different from dinghy sailing! This is a brilliant experience and will look really good on your C.V.

SGT Wakeling

I'm trying to think of a fitting way to describe the experience I've had this week but I honestly can't think of anything. It's just been phenomenal! The feeling that you get when you look up at all the sails propelling us forward is immense. You feel a great sense of pride the knowing that you made the ship move, through a series of complex processes that can only be done by crack team. I guess this experience shows how well complete strangers can work well together, despite the fact that we were all way out of our element being Air Cadets and all. I highly doubt anyone will forget this experience, I know for sure I won't.

The skills we have learnt on this course will undoubtedly benefit us all in life, not so much the sailing stuff, but most certainly the teamwork and leadership skills. I'm really not doing this justice, I've really enjoyed this weekend I just don't want it to end. I sincerely hope that I will get another opportunity like this however I'm not sure I will because this was a once in a lifetime experience. Imagine this, you are standing 30 foot in the air on one of the masts, the sun is out, the water a clear blue colour, the white needles of the Isle of White ahead of you and Poole Harbour behind you.

Sounds amazing doesn't it? But to top it off, a full rainbow over the harbour entrance, as if to the town of Poole was saying bye to us. That was the most amazing thing I've seen in my life and i challenge you to beat that. Courses like this give you unique experiences like this. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, even if they don't like water like me! Lastly I would like to thank the fantastic crew and ATC staff that made this possible, if it weren't for their expertises and patience then we all wouldn't have had half a good of a time as we have had.

Thank you.

Cdt Connor Boileau - 2348 Maghull Sqn

4

What a week! There are truly no words good enough to describe how good this life-changing experience was! Fantastic, magnificent, exceptional, unique and unforgettable. These words are all understatements for how amazing this week was. I would highly recommend anyone a week on the Royalist!

I learnt so much! From technical skills (like names of sails and ropes and how they work) to personal skills such as teamwork and motivation! One week together and we went from complete strangers to a close-knit team capable of sailing the T.S Royalist!

I will never forget the T.S Royalist and the sense of achievement when I think about the course, the people on the camp were fantastic and I have gained so much from the camp! Thank you to all the staff and cadets on the course!

SGT Sarah Singleton (323 Epsom and Ewell Squadron)"

5

The TS Royalist trip has been an amazing adventure showing me the difficult but incredible challenges and experiences that come with a life at sea. Having to get used to living in extremely close quarters whilst still having to do general duties that, furthermore, have to be done quicker than 'on land', created a lot of confusion but eventually made us come together as a close knitt team. The variety of jobs like climbing the rigging and cleaning the 'heads' showed us the highs and lows, literally, of Sea Cadet activities, changing many of our views about them. Although I'm not going to 'defect', I would certainly love to come again and it has further strengthened my desire to join the RM or RN!

Alexander Caves (Sgt)
2028 (Southam) Squadron

Thank you all!Beth Dunn (Cdt).1034 (surbiton) Squadron.

What an adventure. This has been an amazing journey where I have learnt so many new skills! From climbing up to the Top Gallant and fastening the sails to living in very close quarters and small sleep whilst still having to function at a high standard. I leave the course with loads of new friends and brilliant memories. Highly recommend EVERYONE applies for the course next year!!! What an amazing experience! Thanks to the staff and cadets on the course! :)

Dominic Garner (F.Sgt)
969 (St. Helens) Squadron

This has have to of been the best exsperience of my life. One exsperience has been going up the mast to pack away the topsil and course sail. This took a lot of confidence to bring my self to climb while the ship was still moving. My main tasks of the forward course tacks was challenging because of switching from starboard to port. I would recommend this course to anyone who has the chance to apply as it has been life changing and would do it again as many times as I could.

Niall Denny (Sgt)
2522(Bedlington) Squadron

This has been the best thing I have done with cadets. I have never done anything like it before, but it has been an amazing experience. I would recommend it to anyone and would do it again at any point. I got the chance to do many things over the week including climbing up to the top gallant and controlling various ropes while sailing. The staff have been great and have become friends with everyone on the course who have helped me have a memorable and exciting week. I hope to get the chance to do it again.

Charlotte Cockerton (Cpl)
1359 (Beeston) Squadron

3

The TS Royalist trip has been an amazing adventure showing me the difficult but incredible challenges and experiences that come with a life at sea. Having to get used to extremely close quarters whilst still having to general duties that, furthermore, have to be done quicker than 'on land', created a lot of confusion but eventually made us come together as a close knitt team. The variety of jobs like climbing the rigging and cleaning the 'heads' showed us the highs and lows, literally, of Sea Cadet activities, changing many of our views about them. Although I'm not going to 'defect', I would certainly love to come again and it has further strengthened my desire to join the RM or RN!

Alexander Caves (Sgt)
2028 (Southam) Squadron

Forecourse tack, bunt lines, 'the spanker'. A few of the terms I have learnt over this previous week. My experience of the TS ROYALIST has been incredible, and very different. Having sailed dinghys for a large majority of my life, the prospect of a huge ship with multiple masts and square sails was exciting, if slightly daunting. If I had to choose, my favourite part of the week was when we passed 'The Tenacious', gybing and tacking across The Solent. The combination of meeting new people, and spending each day sailing for hours made an incredible week. (and the food was really good.) I would definately want to do this again!

Sgt Hunter
2534 (Fakenham) squadron

What an adventure. This has been an amazing journey where I have learnt so many new skills! From climbing up to the Top Gallant and fastening the sails to living in very close quarters and small sleep whilst still having to function at a high standard. I leave the course with loads of new friends and brilliant memories. Highly recommend EVERYONE applies for the course next year!!! What an amazing experience! Thanks to the staff and cadets on the course! :)

Dominic Garner (F.Sgt)
969 (St. Helens) Squadron

2

My week on the TS Royalist has been life changing and I have experienced some very different tasks. Including; going aloft, scrubbing the deck (a very chilly experience), hauling the sails, and also being a mess woman. I met some amazing people - the crew, the staff and the cadets, and have made some life long friends. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity of a week on this ship and would being very happy if offered a place again.

Thank you all!

Beth Dunn (Cdt).1034 (surbiton) Squadron.

This has been the best thing I have done with cadets. I have never done anything like it before, but it has been an amazing experience. I would recommend it to anyone and would do it again at any point. I got the chance to do many things over the week including climbing up to the top gallant and controlling various ropes while sailing. The staff have been great and have become friends with everyone on the course who have helped me have a memorable and exciting week. I hope to get the chance to do it again.

Charlotte Cockerton (Cpl)1359 (Beeston) Squadron

1

Forcourse tack, bunt lines, 'the spanker'. A few of the terms I have learnt over this previous week. My experience of the TS ROYALIST has been incredible, and very different. Having sailed dinghys for a large majority of my life, the prospect of a huge ship with multiple masts and square sails was exciting, if slightly daunting. If I had to choose, my favourite part of the week was when we passed 'The Tenacious', gybing and tacking across The Solent. The combination of meeting new people, and spending each day sailing for hours made an incredible week. (and the food was really good.) I would definately want to do this again!

Sgt Hunter
2534 (Fakenham) squadron

What an adventure. This has been an amazing journey where I have learnt so many new skills! From climbing up to the Top Gallant and fastening the sails to living in very close quarters and small sleep whilst still having to function at a high standard. I leave the course with loads of new friends and brilliant memories. Highly recommend EVERYONE applies for the course next year!!! What an amazing experience! Thanks to the staff and cadets on the course! :)

Dominic Garner (F.Sgt)
969 (St. Helens) Squadron

This has have to of been the best exsperience of my life. One exsperience has been going up the mast to pack away the topsil and course sail. This took a lot of confidence to bring my self to climb while the ship was still moving. My main tasks of the forward course tacks was challenging because of switching from starboard to port. I would recommend this course to anyone who has the chance to apply as it has been life changing and would do it again as many times as I could.

Niall Denny (Sgt)
2522(Bedlington) Squadron

This has been the best thing I have done with cadets. I have never done anything like it before, but it has been an amazing experience. I would recommend it to anyone and would do it again at any point. I got the chance to do many things over the week including climbing up to the top gallant and controlling various ropes while sailing. The staff have been great and have become friends with everyone on the course who have helped me have a memorable and exciting week. I hope to get the chance to do it again.

Charlotte Cockerton (Cpl)
1359 (Beeston) Squadron