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Royal marines cadets from across the UK travelled to The Commando Training Centre to attend the Royal Marines Family Event. The cadets took part in an exciting inter-company 5-a-side competition as well as getting to watch the Royal Marines football team play against the Parachute Regiment’s squad. Cadets attended the stalls laid out on the parade square, took part in an air rifle competition, and watched various teams compete in tug-o-war. There was even an incredible fireworks display to round up a fun filled Saturday. 

On Sunday, the cadets paraded with veterans, current serving marines and recruits in front of the Commandant General Royal Marines who was very impressed with their smart turnout. The cadets were excited to be staying on the same base that they have seen on television and learned about in their lessons. They all felt a part of the Royal Marines Family!

Over 200 enthusiastic cadets and dedicated volunteers gathered at Southport for an action-packed weekend of aquatic adventures during this year’s National Sailing Regatta.

The picturesque coastal setting of Southport provided the perfect backdrop for cadets to showcase their sailing prowess, hone their skills, and forge new friendships. With a spotlight on dinghy sailing and windsurfing, each race was a thrilling spectacle, as cadets pushed their limits and learned valuable lessons along the way.

Congratulations to the overall winners of the regatta, Southern Area, who were awarded first place, recognizing their exceptional dedication and sailing prowess. BZ to everyone involved in making this year's regatta a resounding success! The event not only offered talented cadets an opportunity to showcase their abilities but also emphasized the enduring values of teamwork, discipline, and the spirit of adventure. Roll on next year’s regatta!

Full results below:

DINGHY SAILING

Oen RS Quest - Overall Winning Area - The RS Quest Trophy - South West Area

Junior RS Quest - Overall Winning Area - The Sailing Association Cup - London Area

Open Pico - Overall Winning Area - The Sporting Record Cup - Northern Area

Open Zest - Overall Winning Area - The TS Narvik Cup - Northern Area

Junior Topper - Overall Winning Area - The Dawson Cup - Southern Area

Overall Winning Area Dinghy Trophy - The Wilson and Kyle Cup - Northern Area

WINDSURFING

Up to 4.8m Class - The Sail Association (Plymouth) Cup - Eastern Area

Up to 5.8m Class - The Aylesbury Cup - Eastern Area

Up to 6.8m Class - The Wain Cup - Eastern Area

Overall Winning Area Windsurfing - The Dauntless Shield - Eastern Area

REGATTA OVERALL WINNING Area - The Navy League Cup - Southern Area

In a display of teamwork, determination, and maritime prowess, the Sea Cadets National Combined Regatta 2023 left participants and spectators in awe. This highly anticipated event brought together nearly 500 cadets from various corners of the country, accompanied by over 150 dedicated volunteers, creating an unforgettable spectacle of boat-handling, rowing, and paddle sports. 

From the moment the regatta's first race kicked off, it was clear that the cadets were fully prepared to showcase their skills on the water. The cadets demonstrated their mastery of boat-handling techniques, precision rowing, and finesse in paddle sports. The event's various categories highlighted the diversity of skills and talents present among the young sea cadets. 

Beyond the competitive spirit, the event exemplified the camaraderie that defines our community. The regatta provided a platform for cadets from different units to interact, share experiences, and forge friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. 

BZ to everyone involved and shout out to the winners:

PADDESPORT

Boys Junior Winners - The Nottingham Cup - London Area

Boys Open Winners - The Mike Poole Cup - Northern Ireland

Girls Junior Winners - The Barbara Simpson Cup - South West Area

Girls Open Winners - The Ulster Cup - Southern Area

Cross Challenge Stream - The Bell Davies Cup - Southern Area

Polo Winners - The Steggall Shield - Eastern Area

Overall Winning Area - Paddlesport - The Antrim & Down Cup - Southern Area

ROWING (Trinity)

Boys Junior Winners - The Ridgewell Cup - Eastern Area

Boys Open Winners - The Hornblower Cup - Northern Area

Girls Junior - The Wain 1999 Cup - Northern Ireland

Girls Open Winners - The Burton Cup - South West Area

Overall Winning Area - Rowing Trinity - The Trevor Dawson Cup

ROWING (Yole)

Junior Mixed- The Junior Mixed Trophy - South West Area

Open Mixed - The Luke Musselwhite Trophy - Northern Area

Single Open Boys - The Single Open Boys Cup - South West Area

Single Open Girls - The Singe Open Girls Cup - South West Area

Overall Winning Area - Rowing (Yole) - The Badger Cup - South West Area

BOAT-HANDLING

Rowing Boat-handling - The Mitchell Trophy - Southern Area

Sailing Boat-handling - The P & O Trophy - North West Area

Power Boat-handling - The Stirling Wheel - London Area

Overall Winning Area - Boat-handling - The Stena Sealink Cup - Joint / Southern and South West

Overall Winning Area - Combined Regatta - The Navy League Cup - South West Area

This year's On The Water project has ended and we're thrilled to reflect on a successful project empowering young individuals in Birmingham and London to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of watersports. 

Although participants hang up their life vests for 2023, the ripples of the project's impact on personal growth, skill development, and unforgettable memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.

“Sea Cadets is all about giving young people skills, confidence and the chance to make new friends through nautical adventure and fun,” says Head of Outreach at Sea Cadets, Hugo Dell. “It’s only right to provide these opportunities to children and young people who would benefit most but, because of finances or other difficulties, have never had the chance.”

We have been running the popular On The Water event since 2019. The programme has got a big thumbs up from the children who have taken part, who described their experience as “awesome”, “exciting” and “lots of fun”. We couldn't have done it without the tremendous support of our funders! A big thank you to Gosling Foundation, Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Capita plc and others for making this incredible project possible.

Some 600 Cadets and volunteers from South West Area (all 9 Districts) have had an action packed weekend representing Sea Cadets in front of local dignitaries at four events in Bristol. BZ!

On Friday evening, a small group of cadets and volunteers from Avonmouth Unit were invited to the HMS Bristol Bell Service of Dedication at the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, involving the Lord Mayor, Bristol City Council’s elected Armed Forces Champion, Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff.  The service was led by The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol Cathedral.

At the same time, the Area Officer SW (AO), Cdr Gary Mills RN was the Inspecting Officer at the Royal Naval Presentation (RNP) at TS Adventure SCC Unit, where the Area Chaplain Fr Jordan Spence, Avon District Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Rich Priest RNR, S/Lt Jimmy Paignton RNR (CO TS Adventure) and Unit Management Team joined the AO.  Some of the guests arrived in style by boat (Champ) crewed by two talented cadets and overseen by a volunteer. The RNP was a fantastic success and the ships company were a credit to the maritime city of Bristol, their unit and the Corps!  The watching families and friends were full of pride too!      

The pressure was on for the 600 high-spirited cadets and volunteers eager to showcase their skills at the Area's Combined Rowing Regatta the following day, even faced with the challenging inclement weather!

After a quick change into their blue uniforms, cadets accompanied by volunteers from Trowbridge Unit got the opportunity to participate in a formal flag raising ceremony at HMS Flying Fox, marking the arrival of RMR Bristol onto the site and as Head of Establishment. The cadets were part of the quarter guard inspected by Bristol's Lord Lieutenant Peaches Goulding OBE and Commodore Mel Robinson CBE ADC RNR, Commander Maritime Reserves.

Later both the Lord Lieutenant and Commodore, having accepted the AO’s invitation to the Regatta, arrived and spent the afternoon at the waterfront with the Cadets, volunteers and families. They even took to the water by ‘Champ’, helped start a race and presented some prizes to the cadets!

“It’s been an amazing weekend in Bristol, with my Area cadets and volunteers literally stealing the show!” Cdr Gary Mills MSc RN, AOSW

Bristol's Lord Lieutenant 'Peaches' Goulding OBE said “It’s a joy being with these wonderful young people having fun and my admiration for the volunteers is so deep”

Commodore Mel Robinson CBE ADC RNR, Commander Maritime Reserves remarked that “The spirit and good vibe here is so tangible, it’s made my final week in post so memorable!”