Sailing event provides excellent safety training for Sea Cadets

Lt Cdr Glenn von Zeil – SCC – 18 March 2019

Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade, Lakeside, entered two Saldanha dinghies and crews for the annual MAC24 Hour challenge hosted by the Milnerton Aquatic Club on 9 March. Under the watchful eye of four Midshipmen they joined the other teams in camping out for two nights.

 

The aim of the race is to sail a course on the vlei for a 24 hour period. Crew changes are permitted and different sailing conditions are experienced as per Cape Town’s weather patterns. Water safety is paramount with life jackets being mandatory, rescue boats and NSRI active on the water.

 

The south wester wind on Saturday afternoon resulted in the race being halted until appropriate dingy sailing conditions were experienced. This was after several dinghies capsized, including the two Sea Cadets Saldanha’s. The TS Woltemade crew put their capsize drill into effect and the Sea Cadets effectively managed their own safety while directing the dinghies towards the shore at “submarine” stations.

 

The crew ashore and rescue boats assisted in recovering both dinghies which added to the practical seamanship experience and teamwork opportunities already provided by the MAC24. As a result one Saldanha was holed with a 10 cm hole below the water line. No “leak stopping or shoring” would suffice and damage to the mast and rigging resulted in this boat having to withdraw from the race.

 

Sailing proceeded several hours later and officially ended at 12h00 on Sunday, however Traditionally most boats continue for another hours to compete for the 25 Hour Bar-One challenge. The remaining Sea Cadets Saldanha completed this challenge too.

 

As a result of their excellent seamanship and teamwork the TS Woltemade Sea Cadets were awarded the “Bootle” Bailing Trophy – Best Team Spirt Award by the MAC24 Hour committee.

TS Springs spend the day with children from Chance Children’s Home

By Siphokazi Zama – Springs Advertiser – 3 December 2018

The Sea Cadets were responsible for the activities of the day, preparing the food and safe handling of the boats.

 

As part of the Sea Cadets social development programme which aims to uplift children in the local community, the Springs Sea Cadets had a fun day at the Benoni Arrowe Park Dam for the children of Chance Children’s Home last Saturday.

 

Seventy-six children from the home attended the fun day and got the chance to spend time with the cadets, enjoying a day of boating, seamanship and fun in the sun.

 

The Sea Cadets were responsible for the activities of the day, preparing the food and safe handling of the boats.eamanship and teamwork the TS Woltemade Sea Cadets were awarded the “Bootle” Bailing Trophy – Best Team Spirt Award by the MAC24 Hour committee.

Accolades for Sea Cadets

By Nickey le Roux – Mossel Bayer Advertiser – 26 November 2018

The 2018 Sea Cadet of the Year is Leading Seaman Clintonio Vallentyn. He led a score of cadets of the TS Outeniqua as they bid the year farewell with an impressive parade and drill squad display on Saturday, 24 November.

 

The occasion was also used to reward the cadets for their hard work during the course of the year and many trophies and certificates were handed over by the inspecting officer, Councillor Anton Dellemijn.

 

Parents, family, and friends were impressed with the military precision of the parades and displays and many a mother or father had ample reason to smile as their child's name was called to collect an accolade. The officer commanding the TS Outeniqua, Sub- Lieutenant (SC) Thurstan Amsterdam wished the cadets well with the many challenges ahead, saying the corps had prepared them to become and be leaders in their communities.

 

"Each and every one of you should know the officers of the TS Outeniqua are proud of you. To the cadets who walk away today with prizes or certificates as a reward for their hard work, well done.

 

"We do, however, thank each and every cadet for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices. They have not gone unnoticed," he said.

 

He urged the young men and women to follow through on the commitments and goals they had set for themselves and to always strive to uphold the values they had learned while in the Sea Cadets.

 

The 2018 Sea Cadets with their commanding officer, Sub-Lieutenant (SC) Thurstan Amsterdam, training officers and the inspecting officer, Councillor Anton Dellemijn.

 

"Remain focused on the right choices and always remember that your future is in your own hands."

 

The inspecting officer, Councillor Anton Dellemijn, represented the executive mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Harry Levendal. He said the council noted all organisations that invested in the future of the youth of the greater Mossel Bay area.

 

"Always strive to uphold the cadet vow values and strive to be upstanding leaders and an example to others."

 

Councillor Dellemijn said the council was well aware of the challenges the TS Outeniqua faced with regards to funding and proper facilities.

 

He said that the mayor would soon meet with the municipal manager in this regard. This follows an undertaking by the executive mayor at the passing out parade on 26 November 2016 when he gave the undertaking that suitable facilities would be found for a proper, accessible Sea Cadet base.