Summer 2021 news

Sea Cadets journey: the next two years

Sea Cadets’ two-year regeneration strategy focuses on reviving the charity after the pandemic, and overcoming key challenges so that Sea Cadets can become even stronger and more relevant.

As part of the strategy, Sea Cadets promises to work towards the following goals: 

• Be youth-centred: putting our young people’s views and needs at the centre of our thinking and planning, so that we best equip you for the world ahead. 
• Empower volunteers: providing support and flexibility so our volunteers can make the biggest impact possible for young people. 
• Collaborate: we will work together at all levels so we can deliver our goals quickly and effectively. 

We will also use these three underlying themes: 

• Combining digital with real life: we will establish a new balance between digital and in-person approaches to training. 
• Being totally inclusive: we will build on our open culture to make Sea Cadets even more welcoming for all and continue to take part in our units’ local communities. 
• Keeping our maritime focus: we will continue to serve the maritime industry, with a focus on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy.

Fun in the sun

The Holiday Active programme to get cadets back out on the water has been up and running successfully. A total of 1,413 cadets took part in inshore water-based fun and adventure from March to June, and we look forward to seeing those numbers rise further over the Easter holidays. The programme sees cadets take part in sailing, rowing, paddlesports, windsurfing, and more!

On The Water is back!

This summer more than 1,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will have the chance to experience the thrill of water-based adventures and earn qualifications with our On The Water programme

Our On The Water programme is back and bigger than ever this year, offering hard-to-reach young people aged 9–14 a chance to try out sailing, rowing, paddle sports and much more, all for free. First held in London in 2019 – and postponed in 2020 – this year, On The Water is being held in three locations: Royal Docks (London), Crosby (Merseyside) and the Edgbaston Reservoir (Birmingham). Qualified instructors deliver the sessions on a wide range of water sports, from basic to intermediate level, for young people who might not normally be able to experience activities like this.  

Through this outreach project, we hope to encourage disadvantaged young people to progress throughout the programme by gaining certificates and national accredited qualifications, as well as the chance to make new friends, boost their self-confidence and expand their future horizons. 

Young people who took part in a survey after On The Water in 2019 said that it was a highly positive experience, with 78% saying they really enjoyed themselves, 73% saying the event allowed them to challenge themselves and 71% saying it helped them to be more confident to try out new things.

“Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to have limited access to leisure activities, while Covid and the prolonged lockdown brought new challenges for them,” says On The Water Coordinator Hugo Dell. “We hope this project will boost young people’s spirits and give them a chance to exercise and have fun, and provide them with long-term benefits as well as inspiring them about all that Sea Cadets has to offer.” 

The parent of a young person who took part in 2019 said: “Thank you for making the summer so memorable and enjoyable for my son. When he started he was hesitant to try new things, scared of sailing and terrified of capsizing. He fell in love with kayaking and sailing, is very proud of his paddle sports certificate and has now joined Sea Cadets.”

Cadet Forces provide huge positive impact for young people, says study

A new study has measured the impact of joining Cadet Forces like Sea Cadets and found that it has massive benefits for young people’s wellbeing and career prospects. The results show the same positive impact that we found through our own research project, MyLegasea, carried out last year.

The four-year study, by the University of Northampton, found that taking part in cadet programmes leads to better communication and leadership skills. Personal resilience, confidence and working with different people were some of the other benefits being taken up by the UK’s 130,000 cadets. 

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said, “Cadets form a vital part of the communities they represent. This report clearly demonstrates how Cadet Forces benefit our youth by broadening their horizons and unlocking their potential.” You can read the full report here. 

Run the Royal Parks Half!

Outdoor running events are back! You can get a coveted place at London’s most scenic half marathon on 10 October with #TeamSeaCadets.

When you join our team, you’ll receive a digital fundraising and welcome pack, a Sea Cadets running jersey, personalised fundraising and training tips, plus access to our private #TeamSeaCadets Facebook group to meet other runners.

We’ll also support you with any questions you may have leading up to the event, and have an amazing cheer point on the day to spur you on. When you finish you’ll even get a limited edition finisher’s medal and T-shirt, and access to professional photos! Learn more on our website. 

Captain Sea Cadets bids farewell

Captain Philip Russell RN is stepping down as Captain Sea Cadets after six years of helping to steer the Sea Cadets experience and inspiring young people all over the UK. Here he shares a farewell message and some of his highlights as Captain 

I feel incredibly privileged to have served as Captain Sea Cadets for six-and-a-half years. It has been a time of great success for the charity, as we have grown through investing in infrastructure, equipment and volunteers to keep Sea Cadets relevant and exciting.

The proof of our success is clear in our amazing cadets and it has been a real pleasure to meet and encourage so many of you as you find your way in life. It has also been a humbling experience to work with our incredible volunteers who give their time freely to support cadets as they develop. 

As I retire from service, I would like to say a very big thank you to all those who have made my final years in the Royal Navy both memorable and heart-warming. You are all a credit to yourselves and to Sea Cadets. BZ. friends, colleagues and cadets.

My best bits…

Visiting units
Getting out and meeting cadets and volunteers has been brilliant. I visited around 230 units in total and while each unit is unique I have been met by the same warm welcome and have always been impressed by the commitment of our volunteers and enthusiasm of our cadets.

Leadership
Cadet development has been an important part of my role. I’m encouraged by the renewed interest in developing Senior Cadets, and the Cadet Forums. The Virtual Leadership Academy has ensured that even more cadets can develop their leadership skills. I believe our Senior Cadets are the best they have ever been. BZ. 

Getting married!
Nerve-racking though it was, I couldn’t think of anywhere better to propose to my wife than among the Sea Cadets family at the National Combined Regatta. It was also a delight to have the South West Area Sea Cadets Band escort my bride to the church on our wedding day. It made me a very happy Captain. 

The Commissioning of TS Royalist by HRH the Princess Royal
A really memorable day at the start of my time as Captain. This was the start of huge development in Sea Cadets that has seen us invest in new yachts, upgrade our inshore fleet and open up new boat stations.

Camps and competitions
These always have an incredible buzz and gave me an excuse to try some of the amazing activities cadets can enjoy. Although, unlike many royal marines cadets, I have to admit to passing on the opportunity to try the regain over the icy waters of the tank at the Royal Marines Training Centre at Lympstone! Hats off to those who have!

Sea Cadets’ response to Covid-19
The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging but this time has reinforced my admiration for you all as I witnessed once again everyone pulling together as one. Apart from cadets’ support of their communities, it was truly amazing to watch the charity switch to productive online activities almost overnight with the launch of Virtual Sea Cadets, and then bounce back to face-to-face activity when conditions allowed. Working together and following the Sea Cadets’ ethos, we have yet again proved we really are Ready Aye Ready for anything.