A DOZEN sea cadets from Fishguard, along with two members of staff, last month set sail for a week of teamwork and training onboard the sea cadet offshore power vessel T/S Jack Petchey, sailing from Milford Haven to Penarth.

The cadets all gathered at Milford Haven Marina on Saturday, August 24th ready for crew briefing, training and departure preparations.

Unfortunately the weather was poor on the Sunday and on the Monday, but the cadets did manage to anchor in Dale for Lunch on the Monday, before setting off for Lundy Island.

The cadets managed went ashore on Lundy and explored the Island and visited the gift shop. On the Tuesday they travelled to Swansea Marina, taking part in bridge training, steering, navigation and heaving line practise on the way. After further training and exercises, the cadets then had some time ashore.

On Wednesday they set sail in the morning for Cardiff Bay. During this part of the voyage the cadets took bearings and learned all about the lifesaving equipment on board as well as taking to the helm of the boat.

On arrival in the heart of Cardiff Bay the cadets enjoyed their evening meal, before once again going ashore.

On Thursday morning they set sail for Penarth, during this part of the voyage they had the opportunity to do some man-over-board drills with the ships dummy Ruth.

Further seamanship training was carried out including knots and coming alongside training, before eventually arriving in Penarth Marina that evening.

During the week the cadets worked on shifts, including night watches, and worked in teams.

They learned about all aspects of life at sea, whilst also undertaking ceremonial colours and evening colours and worked towards their qualifications.

During the week the cadets gained six offshore hand 1 qualifications, six offshore hand 2 qualifications and six also gained their RYA start motor cruising certificate.

These Voyages cost £320 each, but all the Fishguard cadets were lucky enough to be able to fund the trip through bursaries.

Fishguard Sea Cadets thanked the Ulysses Trust; Fishguard and Goodwick Rotary Club; Soroptimists and the Port of Milford Haven for helping fund the voyage.

"We would also like to thank PO Charlie Mustoe and Lt (SCC) Lee Smith RNR who accompanied the cadets on this voyage for a week," said a sea cadet spokesman.

"These life-changing opportunities, really do make a difference to these young people's lives. If there are any companies who would like to support a cadet on the next voyage in 2019, please get in touch with the commanding officer Chris Peake on 01348 875027 or email fishguardscc@btinternet.com.

If you are interested in joining sea cadets you can get in touch using the same contact details.