Fourteen Officer Cadets from the University of London Officer Training Corps (ULOTC) recently had the opportunity to sail from Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Centre in Gosport, Hampshire, for one week on Exercise Cockney Sailor. The crew sailed overnight to Cherbourg and enjoyed being in the routine of different watches, even if it meant falling out of bed in the early hours to go on deck.
Another passage brought HMSTC Adventurer to the Channel Islands with visits to Guernsey and Alderney. Underway, among a variety of tasks, the crew practiced raising the main and foresails, man-overboard drills and reefing the main. On Alderney the Officer Cadets had the chance to spend the day exploring the island on a walking tour, led by one of their own number. The tour encompassed the island’s history from the Roman period to the Second World War and was a great way to enjoy the glorious weather.
At the end of the exercise several expedition members achieved their RYA Competent Crew qualification, setting them up to sail in military and civilian settings in coming months and years. A couple of others made strides towards their RYA Day Skipper qualification, which would allow them to take a crew of their own out to sail. In all, the expedition provided an excellent opportunity for Officer Cadets to improve their sailing skills, see an interesting part of the British Isles and undertake challenging problem-solving.
Special Grants
GL RFCA and the City Association administer three funds which provide financial support to assist units in the provision of activities such as sports, adventurous training, and recreational and welfare facilities. All GL RFCA units may apply to the Special Grant Fund. You can download an application form here.
