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Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Sea Cadets' National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta in Southport on Saturday (26 Sep), meeting cadets, volunteers and employees from across the UK and celebrating the achievements of young people taking part in one of the charity's flagship national events.

As Patron of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) and Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, The Princess Royal spent the afternoon learning about the competition, meeting cadets competing in sailing and windsurfing disciplines, observing racing on the water and hearing first-hand about the opportunities available through Sea Cadets.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness presented the prestigious Commander Brown Award to Petty Officer Cadet Niall of Connah's Quay Sea Cadets in recognition of his exceptional achievements and contribution to the organisation. The award marks the culmination of a remarkable five-year journey that has seen Niall progress from a shy young cadet to a qualified RYA instructor, Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award holder and role model for others.

Her Royal Highness also presented a Cadet Forces Medal to Petty Officer (SCC) Stephen Kay of City of Salford Sea Cadets in recognition of more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service. A former Royal Navy engineer, Stephen began volunteering with Sea Cadets in 2015 and has since helped hundreds of young people develop maritime skills and confidence through boating and offshore activities.

Guy Holloway, Chief Executive of MSSC, said: "The National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta showcases the very best of Sea Cadets, but it is about much more than competition. Niall's journey shows the life-changing impact Sea Cadets can have on young people, while Stephen's story demonstrates the extraordinary contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK."

The National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta brings together some of the organisation's most talented young sailors and windsurfers, giving cadets the opportunity to test their skills, represent their units and build friendships with peers from across the UK.

Wells-next-the-Sea Sea Cadets recently welcomed the Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza DBE, for a visit to meet cadets and see first-hand the opportunities and experiences offered by the charity.

During the visit, Dame Rachel spent time speaking directly with young people about their futures, their local community and the impact Sea Cadets has had on their lives. The visit included a walk along the seafront, a boating session in Wells Harbour and informal discussions with cadets, volunteers and supporters.

With 16 and 17-year-olds set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the country's future, the visit provided an opportunity for the Children's Commissioner to hear directly from Sea Cadets about their ambitions, concerns and experiences as young people growing up in Britain today.

Able Cadet Oliver, who recently completed his GCSEs, spoke with Dame Rachel about the role Sea Cadets has played in his development and helped inspire his passion for sailing.

He said: "Sea Cadets has helped me so much, both with sailing, which has become my favourite hobby and passion and with building skills and confidence for the future. The knowledge, experience and qualifications I've gained over the past six years will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Throughout the day, cadets took centre stage, sharing their experiences of developing confidence, leadership skills and teamwork through Sea Cadets.

The visit formed part of the Children's Commissioner's ongoing engagement with young people across England via the Big Future initiative and highlighted the important role Sea Cadets plays in helping young people develop confidence, skills and resilience while providing opportunities to have their voices heard.

Bridgwater Sea Cadets have been crowned the UK's Overall Best Band after an outstanding performance at the Sea Cadets National Band Competition in Greenwich.

The national competition, held this year at the National Maritime Museum, brought together hundreds of volunteers and sea cadets from across the UK to compete in music, marching and ceremonial display.

Bridgwater Sea Cadets won six national titles, including Overall Best Band, Best Marching Performance, Best Musical Performance, Best Corps of Drums Section, Best Dressed Band and Joint Best Bugle Section.

Guy Holloway, CEO of Marine Society and Sea Cadets, said:

"The National Band Competition is the pinnacle of what our young musicians work towards and aspire to achieve. It has been a fantastic celebration of talent, commitment and teamwork, and we are immensely proud of every cadet who took part."

The victory marks the culmination of months of hard work for the Somerset unit, whose 21 cadets improved on a third-place finish at the previous national competition.

The competition showcased not only musical excellence but also the confidence, leadership and friendships young people develop through Sea Cadets, with hundreds of cadets taking part from units across the UK.

Cadets and volunteers from across the UK have celebrated a major milestone for the Sea Cadets Physical Training Branch, proudly passing out from the 2026 Sea Cadets Physical Training Qualifying Courses at HMS Temeraire, Portsmouth. 

The Passing Out and Awards Ceremony, attended by Captain Hannah MacKenzie VR RN, recognised a week of achievement, resilience and teamwork, with qualifications presented alongside special awards and a PT display. 

The event forms part of Sea Cadets' celebrations marking 70 years of the Physical Training Branch, which has helped generations of young people build confidence, resilience and leadership skills through sport and physical activity since 1956. 

The ceremony provided a fitting opportunity to recognise the dedication and achievement of those completing their courses, as well as the commitment of the volunteers and staff who delivered the training. 

Twenty six Sea Cadets from across the UK will take to the international stage this summer as part of the Tall Ships Races, forming one of the youngest crews in the entire fleet.

Sailing aboard TS Royalist, the charity’s flagship training vessel, the cadets will join ships from around the world in Northern Europe, with stops including Harlingen, Antwerp and Stavanger. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend.

With an average age of just 17, and the youngest crew member turning 15 just days before their race leg, the group reflects the youth focus at the heart of the event.

Built in 2015, TS Royalist is designed for hands-on sail training, giving young people the chance to develop seamanship, teamwork and resilience in a demanding offshore environment.

The races, organised by Sail Training International, celebrate their 70th anniversary this year. For Sea Cadets, 2026 also marks 60 years since first taking part.

Cadet Corporal Evan, from Maidenhead Royal Marines Cadets, said: “It’s about leadership, teamwork and being part of something bigger than yourself. You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

Alongside those on Royalist, nine more Sea Cadets will join an international crew on the Portuguese tall ship Vera Cruz.

Together, they will represent the UK while developing skills that last a lifetime, both at sea and ashore.