Breaking the water – Former Sea Cadet, Katie Sewell, embarks as the only woman on UKSA’s Superyacht cadetship course.

Katie discovered her love of the water with Sea Cadets. Her journey started when she joined Sea Cadets Warsash (Southampton) aged 10. Now aged 18, she successfully secured a place on the UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship course. The only woman out of 20 on the course.

She made the move from her hometown in Southampton to train in Palma Majorca.

Katie says she found herself in Sea Cadets inclusive environment.

“Sea cadets changed my life by allowing me have a group of friends separate to anything else in my life. I was always bullied at school and always left out and never invited to things so to be part of the most inclusive organisation there is, I felt at home.”

Katie was promoted to Petty Officer by the end of her time at Sea Cadets and was a finalist in the CVQO Westminster award, winning a place on a life changing trip to South Africa

Katie says, there was one volunteer in particular who inspired her to be who she is today.

“My Commanding Officer has had the most incredible impact on my sea cadet journey and my career now as an adult. Adam Travell was there to believe in me, reassure me, help me out and volunteer me with things that all helped me become a Petty Officer Cadet and a confident talkative young lady, without him I don’t know what I would be like or what I would be doing.”

Sea Cadets taught Katie about getting back what you put in. Something that we’re sure will set her up well for her future Superyacht career.

“I have learned that if you put work in you get so much out, of you help someone else they will help you and if you are a good person and show you are enthusiastic then good things will come your way. Sea cadets changed my life and I will forever be grateful for it. “

We’d like to wish Katie the best of luck with her exciting career on the water ahead!

Has a volunteer inspired you? Tell us all about them at: SCMag@ms-sc.org