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Over 450 cadets enjoyed the weather and the competitive experience as Sea Cadets staged their National Combined Regatta at London’s Royal Docks/Excel Centre.

Cadets were vocal and excited to take part in an event which tested their water-based skills in rowing, paddlesports and boat handling.

Sportsmanship was particularly on show when a Northern Area cadet stopped in the closing stages of his race, giving up his chance to win so that he could help a fellow competitor in difficulties.

Acts such as this demonstrate some of Sea Cadets’ core values to their finest –courage to do the right thing, respect, honesty and integrity.

It was Southern Area who won overall classes in three sections – Trinity Rowing, Yole Rowing and Boat Handling – while taking a share with Eastern Area in the overall Paddlesports category.

Strong, consistent performances from Salisbury’s cadets saw Southern Area take the Trinity Rowing section by just a point from the unfortunate Eastern Area (Scarborough. Worksop and Northampton).

Salisbury again combined with Westerham to narrowly claim the Yole Rowing title, the Badger Cup from South West Area (Tewkesbury and Coventry).

It was another tight competition in Boat Handling, where Salisbury, Sheppey and Herne Bay nudged Southern Area ahead of both South West Area (Milford Haven, Rugby/Shirley and Neath) and North West Area (Fleetwood and Maryport & Solway) again by the smallest of margins.

But strong performances from Eastern Area prevented Southern Area from a clean sweep by taking a share of the Paddlesports title. 

Captain Philip Russell RN, Captain of the Sea Cadets said, “It’s been another highly successful National Combined Regatta with the cadets learning new skills and having an enormous amount of fun.”

“Many thanks for all the hard work of the volunteers who prepare the teams, those who give up their time to make this event happen and especially the cadets who will take lasting, positive memories of the day home with them.”

Following the regatta, Northern Area’s Captain Peter Adams received thanks for his support of Sea Cadets’ competitions prior to his retirement.

In addition, Lt Cdr Dennis Archbold who runs Fleetwood Sea Cadets received 5th Bar to his Cadet Forces Medal in honour of his long service.

Lt Cdr Frank Cea received his Queen’s Commissioning Scroll as HQ Staff Officer for Boats.

Full results are available here

The Massed Bands of the Southern Area took the honours as the Sea Cadets’ bi-annual National Band Competition saw some the corps’ best musicians show their high standards within the historic setting of the Tower of London.

With cadets based in the Folkestone & Hythe, Sheppey, New Romney and Herne Bay area and led by bandmaster Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Adam Smith RNR, the Massed Bands of the Southern Area took the major prizes including the Eason Bassett Goblet for Best Band.

In addition, 16 year-old Able Cadet Callum from Folkestone took the honours as he was crowned Best Solo Bugler and Best Solo Drummer in the morning’s soloist categories.

The Massed Bands of the South West Area won Silver as Best Runner-Up, while Weston-Super-Mare took Bronze.

Southern Area were also named Best Dressed Band, Best Corps of Drums, Best Bugle Section and received trophies for Best Musical Display and Best Marching Display.

There was success too for Portland’s Able Cadet William who won Best Original Composition for “Une Source D’Inspiration” which was performed by the Massed Bands of the South West Area.

Able Cadet Walls was named Best Drum Major for his work at the head of Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets.

Ten prize categories were awarded as some of the most talented cadets and volunteers, performed in front of friends, family and the watching public.

Proceedings were watched over by a judging panel made up of senior members of the Royal Marines Bands Service led by Lt Cdr (SCC) Ali Bowen-Davies

Those taking part were just some of the nearly 15,000 cadets and 9,000 volunteers who are part of the charity which seeks to give focus and add new adventures to young lives in the UK.        

Captain Philip Russell, RN, Captain, Sea Cadets who took the salute at the traditional end of competition march-past, said; “It was a terrific day and credit goes to the cadets in the bands from up and down the country who made it to London, particularly those who travelled large distances.”

“Congratulations go to the Massed Bands of the Southern Area who have done very well for the second band competition in a row. They deserve every success. It takes hours of practice and above all, nerve to perform at such a venue as the Tower of London and everyone who took part should be thoroughly proud of themselves.”

Martin Coles, CEO, Sea Cadets said; “Of course the stars were the cadets and volunteers who were as amazing as ever, both in the standard of music and indeed backstage. Thank you to the volunteers who entered bands and ensured such a good day.”

“It was a first-class event which I hope entertained the watching crowds as much as those connected to the Sea Cadets.”

PRIZE WINNERS

BEST SOLO BUGLER for The Silver Bugle Trophy:

GOLD: Able Cadet Callum (Folkestone & Hythe, Massed Bands of the Southern Area)

BEST SOLO DRUMMER for The Alan Wain Brass Drum Trophy:

GOLD: Able Cadet Callum (Folkestone & Hythe, Massed Bands of the Southern Area)

BEST DRESSED BAND for The City of Plymouth Cup

WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

BEST ORIGINAL COMPOSITION for the Seamans Cutter Cup:

WINNER: Leader Cadet William (Portland Sea Cadets, Massed Bands of South West Area) for “Une Source D’Inspiration”

BEST CADET DRUM MAJOR for the Directors Award:

GOLD: Able Cadet Walls (Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets)

SILVER: (Jointly awarded) Able Cadet Owen (Southport Sea Cadets) & Leading Cadet Elise (Sheppey Sea Cadets, Massed Band of Southern Area)

BEST CORPS OF DRUMS for the Haynes Shield:

WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

BEST MARCHING DISPLAY for the Display Trophy:

WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

BEST MUSICAL DISPLAY for the Sumner Shield:

WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

BEST BUGLE SECTION for the Bugle Section:

WINNER: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

THIRD PLACE TO BEST ALL-ROUND BAND:

BRONZE: Weston-Super-Mare Sea Cadets

RUNNERS-UP TO BEST ALL-ROUND BAND:

SILVER: Massed Bands of the South West Area

BEST ALL-ROUND BAND for the Eason Bassett Goblet

GOLD: Massed Bands of the Southern Area

The winner of the Sea Cadets category at the Royal Navy's Peregrine Trophy photographic competition has been named as OC Alessandro Aquar from City of London Unit. His picture (above) depicts Alessandro's view from the top of HMS Queen Elizabeth's 260m long runway. The Peregrine Trophy is awarded each year to a sea cadet between 14 and 17 who has taken a picture that best represents the Sea Cadets Experience. 

Alessandro, beating more than 60 other cadets, wins an offshore voyage to use on one of Sea Cadets' five offshore vessels and a trip to the Royal Navy awards ceremony in Admiralty House, London, on Tuesday 2 July.

Days before her resignation from post, Prime Minister Theresa May was meeting cadets at Maidenhead Unit. As the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Theresa May attended Maidenhead's Duck Derby - the town's biggest on the water community event. 

Maidenhead Unit were challenging the general public to a rowing challenge - testing how far they could row on an electric rowing machine in 60 seconds. With the leaderboard packed full of entries, the Prime Minister stepped up to give her best effort. In 60 seconds, Theresa May managed to travel an impressive 289 virtual metres. 

Cdt 1 Natasha said: "I really enjoyed meeting the Prime Minister and watching her try the rowing machine. It was nice to see her get involved. She was actually quite good!"

Commanding Officer S/Lt (SCC) Chris Edge RNR said: "We always engage with so many people and tend to recruit well from (the day) as a result. The unit is able to actively demonstrate our boat handling skills in rowing, power boating, yoling and Paddlesport which always draws spectators. 

In May, Sea Cadets hosted the first ever official naming event for two RS Zests. Sea Cadets were joined by the BMT Group, who supported Sea Cadets by donating two RS Zests for use at Whale Island Boat Station, one in recognition of the retirement of their former board member, Ian Davies.

Ian Davies was joined by Guy Tomlinson, Group Capability and Strategy Director at BMT, Cdr Chris Roberts, CO at HMS Excellent, local cadets, family, friends and staff members from BMT Group to officially name the RS Zests. As part of the event, all guests had the incredible opportunity to get out on the water with the cadets and sail the dinghies. Both RS Zests will be kept at Whale Island Boat Station and will enable the charity to give opportunities, training and qualifications to more young people in the area.