News

September 3rd 2013

The Ocean Youth Trust Scotland sailing trips occupy the ship Alba explorer and were manned by 12 youngsters aged between 18 and 25 years old under the supervision of full time qualified staff.

Spending time on a fully rigged ship such as this one, provides an ideal opportunity for air cadets, like CWO Hughes, to develop their team work and leadership skills in an environment which takes them outside of their comfort zone. Being given an opportunity too develop these skills alongside self confidence, interpersonal and communication skills helps to equip youngsters for their futures in their selected future employment, whether it would be a career in the Military or within a Civilian role.

During this sailing trip, CWO Hughes took part in several activities whilst both living and working on the ship, with one of the highlights including working within a small team of other air cadets and full time qualified instructors of the ship, to sail the ship to each destination throughout their journey.

CWO Hughes had the once in a lifetime opportunity to sail the furthest away island in the outer Hebrides, St Kilda, which lots of sailors dream of getting too, but do not always make it.

Upon her return from this trip, CWO Hughes says: “I had the trip of a lifetime and found a real love for sailing encouraging me to take it further and hopefully help to staff a course next year.”

1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron opens its doors four times a year to prospective new cadets, male and female aged 13 to 17 years. For more information on joining the air cadet organisation in your area, please contact the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Alyn Thompson at oc.1211@aircadets.org or by phone on (01283) 212629 or visit the Squadron website at http://www.1211sqn.org.uk/