Student Secures Promotion to Corporal in the Royal Marine Cadets

Congratulations to Year 10 student Sophie, who has been promoted to Corporal in the Royal Marine Cadets following a 6-day sailing trip in the Solent. She tells us more about the trip below..

"On Saturday, 11th November, I travelled to Gosport to board the TS Royalist for a 6-day voyage in the Solent. I was joined by 23 other cadets from all around the country.

We were welcomed onboard by 4 members of the Royal Navy and 4 civilian instructors. We were shown to our accommodation, which was a mixed cabin of 24 bunk beds.  We then changed into our uniform before we met the Sailing Master, who split us into 4 groups.  I was placed into Forward Starboard where I was responsible for the bow, leech and clew lines. The onboard Chef prepared Sunday lunch, and we were then told to get some sleep to prepare for the vigorous day ahead.

On Sunday, we woke early and had breakfast while discussing safety at sea. After being shown how to carry out our duties, it was time to set sail for Cowes on the Isle of Wight.  The sea conditions were rough as a storm was approaching. The Captain did not allow the sails to go up as the conditions were too windy.

We arrived in Cowes, Isle of Wight after 4 hours.  We moored at the end of the harbour and had to stay onboard because of the poor weather.  

The next day, we were due to sail to Poole but Storm Debi meant that we had to stay moored in Cowes for the day. We spent the day learning about sails, navigation and cardinal markers.

On Tuesday, we set sail at 12pm and headed to Hamble.  We were able to hoist the sails and spent 6 hours at sea.  We moored back at Cowes in the dark.

On Wednesday, the weather was good, so we were taught how to climb the rigging.  I managed to climb to the top right section, which was one of the trip's highlights.  

We spent the next 2 days sailing around the Solent while being tested on our knowledge and teamwork skills.    

We arrived back at Gosport on Thursday evening, and we all had to deep clean the ship. I helped the Chef prepare the evening meal, and we had a social evening with all the crew.  I was very pleased to gain my Off Shore Hand qualification.

On Friday, I went straight to Crowborough Training Centre for 2 nights of test and challenges, where I received my promotion to Corporal with The Royal Marines Cadets."