Getting to know the ropes

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Time to reflect

Dear Sqn Ldr Cope

A comment for the Blog:

Having previously enjoyed a week on the T. S. Royalist, I jumped at the chance to repeat this incredible experience. This year I completed the voyage as a watch leader which was extremely rewarding as I was able to help the other cadets in my watch adjust to life on board as well as increasing my own understanding of sailing on a square-rigged vessel. It was brilliant to be part of this expedition which takes a group of air cadets and transforms them into a working crew who can successfully sail a tall ship.

Throughout the week we all learned a lot about how a tall ship operates; setting sails, working aloft, stowing sails, navigating and doing mess duty ...but this voyage isn't just about sailing, it's about working together, being part of a team, learning new skills, overcoming fears, making new friends and much more. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to sail on The Royalist this year and have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the course. Although the week is tough both physically and mentally, it is a truly amazing experience that I would strongly recommend to any cadet who thinks they're up for the challenge! By the end of the week, you will have made lifelong friends, and have gained a qualification held by very few air cadets which will look great on your CV. My thanks go to  both the Air Cadet Staff and the crew of the T. S. Royalist for all the hard work and effort put in to make this voyage not only possible but a great success also.

Sgt Joy Wakeling

1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron

Kind Regards

Joy

TS Royalist under sail

Time for reflection as the ship passes a Port Channel buoy

I have had a great week on TS royalist, the week has been hard work but I have really enjoyed taking part in everything from climbing the rigging, working together and meeting new friends .

I would defiantly recommend this course to anyone CPL Sarah Aplin 1444 Brownhills Sqn

It's not all plain sailing !!!!!

This week we gained vital life skills, such as communication, leadership and teamwork. The food was the best part of the week!

Hannah Kennedy 1509 (blaydon) sqn

The TS.Royalist gave me exciting opportunities which were life changing. The people were brilliant and we were laughing all of the time. We were taught all about navigation and had a fantastic evening where we got to put it all into practice. I got to helm the ship (the big wheel) and this was brilliant, as I got to control the ship. I made some incredible friends that I am definitely going to keep in touch with. This week gave me a fantastic sense of adventure! If you get the opportunity you should definitely go on this course.

Robyn Hutton - 73 Huntingdon Squadron

 I applied for a week on T.S. Royalist thinking I will learned about life on a tall ship, teamwork, motivation and enjoyed sailing on the open sea. At the end of the week I can safely say that this trip met and exceeded all my expectations, and has shown me how teamwork and camaraderie can pull an individual through adverse conditions, and can accomplish tasks when you put your mind to it. A fantastic and inspiring week which I would recommend to anyone who yearns for adventure, and enjoys the company of like minded individuals.

Adam Bailey, 1206 (Mercian Sqn)

Life on Board

This week has been an amazing week. I have learnt a lot of new skills and made great friends. I am now confident and comfortable with sailing I would love to have the opportunity to sail again. I would like to thank those who've made this week possible thank you. 

Sgt Lewis Chapman 1918 (Ruthin Sqn) 

Cleaning Duties

Life on the ship was hard to adjust to at the start of the week but you quickly learn what you need to do under the watchful eyes of the crew. I would thoroughly recommend a stay on this ship to anybody because there is something that everyone can achieve from it be it little accomplishments or over coming fears. 

You are well looked after on your stay abroad with amazing meals being cooked at breakfast,lunch and dinner by the chef and the coxswain. The Crew are always making sure you always have something to do with your time. I have really enjoyed my time on board and would love to come back again in the future  

Cpl Sophie Kelly 331 chesterfield Sqn

Navigation And life aloft

During my time on royalist I've experienced many different parts of life that I would never normally access, for example the night sailing stimulated my interest in adventure and as a result I now have a passion to pursue new adventurous activities. The confines of the ship enable you to make new friends and also the sailing staff on royalist are experienced and friendly so helping you develop and get the most from your sailing experience. Sailing on the royalist is an experience that you will never forget, without a shadow of a doubt your eyes will be open to the world of sailing.

 Joe Martin

I loved my week on the Royalist! It was definitely the best decision I made this year. The crew are such a laugh! They are so accommodating and easygoing. Seriously if you get the chance to come on the Royalist do it! You won't regret it. It will be challenging but you'll benefit from it so much. It develops you as a person and makes you adaptable to more environments.

Navigation Funny!!!!

Love and care of the ship !!!!

Royalist is a once In a lifetime experience that has given me a unique insight into how a tall ship is crewed and run and has given me friends,experiences and memories that i will always pride

Flt sgt Tom studley

Food and drink is a must !!!!!

Where is my sister !!!!

TS Royalist under sail

The week on the Royalist was both physically and mentally challenging. It was a stretching course, this allowed me to progress as a person, to learn new life skills and gain experience in new situations. The week on TS. Royalist taught me a lot about myself and sailing. The sailing skills that I learnt are transferable and will make any future sailing I do more enjoyable.

The staff running the week were amazing, they were really enthusiastic and made it a brilliant week. This is definitely an opportunity that you don't want to miss out on.

Ozzie Lennon 2222 Brigg Squadron

Reason and Purpose

This Blog will be populated with images and comments by the staff and cadets who sailed on board the TS Royalist 27th October to 5th of November 2012