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Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Guy Holloway as its new Chief Executive, effective 16 May 2025.

Guy joins MSSC with nearly 20 years of experience in the charity sector, dedicated to supporting young people and delivering life-changing opportunities globally. His career includes leadership roles in organisations such as the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, where he played a key role in empowering young women worldwide.

Guy will officially join MSSC on 1 May 2025, undertaking a two-week handover period with outgoing CEO Martin Coles CBE, who has led the charity with distinction for 15 years.

On his appointment, Guy said:
"I am thrilled to be joining MSSC and working alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and cadets who make this organisation so impactful. The traditions, values, and sense of purpose that define MSSC create a powerful environment for young people and seafarers alike. I look forward to building on the charity’s successes and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional opportunities for those we serve."

MSSC Chair, Jeremy Penn, welcomed Guy to the role, stating:
"We are delighted to have Guy on board as our new Chief Executive. His passion for youth development, combined with his strategic leadership experience, makes him an excellent fit for MSSC as we continue to grow and evolve. We are confident that under his leadership, MSSC will continue to thrive and provide outstanding support to young people and seafarers."

MSSC extends its sincere thanks to Martin Coles CBE for his dedicated leadership and the impact he has had on the organisation over the past 15 years.

We look forward to introducing Guy to our wider community over the coming months.

Sea Cadets, Girlguiding, St John Ambulance, and The Scout Association have joined forces with other national volunteer-based charities, MPs, and civil society leaders to call on the UK Government to introduce 35 hours of paid statutory volunteering leave per year.

In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the coalition highlights the urgent need to support and grow the country’s volunteer workforce. Volunteer participation has dropped to record lows, threatening the sustainability of key community and youth services.

The proposed solution – a statutory right to volunteer leave – would empower employees to engage with local charities, helping to reverse the decline in volunteering and strengthen national social cohesion.

Martin Coles CBE, CEO of Sea Cadets, explained:

“Many employers already offer volunteer leave, but a national policy would level the playing field. This is an opportunity to build a culture of service where everyone has the chance to contribute, without financial penalties.”

The letter has been signed by cross-party MPs and key figures from the third sector, including the Women’s Institute, British Exploring Society, and Dogs for Good, showing broad support for this initiative.

The petition can be signed by clicking here. 

Pre-conference challenge for Workshop One, The Digital Cadet

Find five pictures with clues, to work out a phrase. Picture and clues are numbered, so you know which order they should appear in the phrase. All clues have the title ‘Cadet Conference 2025’.

2. Picture and clue two

When you owe someone something you are in ‘what’ to them?

Whilst you are here, have a look about. Think about what else you would like to see, find or use? You will have a chance to share these as part of Workshop One – The Digital Cadet.

Collect all five clues. Pictures and clues can be found in the following places:

1. All volunteer email and T&A/Members Area – ask you CO/OiC/UTO for the details

2. Sea Cadets website – News - You’ve found this one!

3. Programmes online – Latest activities

4. The Sea Cadet Digital Magazine, in the Giving cadets a voice / Cadet Voice article, under FEATURES

5. Sea Cadets Portal – News feed

Have you found all the clues yet? If yes, go to Cadet Conference – The Challenge to send us your answer!

After nearly 15 years of dedicated service as Chief Executive, Martin Coles CBE has announced his decision to step down in late spring 2025. Under Martin's leadership, Marine Society and Sea Cadets has undergone significant transformation, enhancing the Sea Cadets experience and modernising support for seafarers.

To read the full statement on Martin's retirement and his contributions to the organisation, please click here.

The National Sailing Regatta 2024 took place last weekend in Southport, where cadets from across the UK showcased their sailing skills in a competition marked by high winds and even higher spirits. Despite the challenging conditions, camaraderie and sportsmanship prevailed as cadets supported one another and competed with pride, representing their units from all corners of the country. Read the full results below:

Open RS Quest - Overall Winning Area - The RS Quest Trophy - Joint / Eastern and Southern Areas

Junior RS Quest - Overall Winning Area - The Sail Association Cup - Eastern Area

Open Pico - Overall Winning Area - The Sporting Record Cup - Eastern Area

Open Zest - Overall Winning Area - The TS Narvik Cup - Southern Area

Junior Topper - Overall Winning Area - The Dawson Cup - London Area

Overall Dinghy Trophy - Overall Winning Area - The Wilson and Kyle Cup - Southern Area

Open Windsurfing - Up to 4.8m Class - The Sail Association (Plymouth) Cup - Southern Area
Open Windsurfing - Up to 5.8m Class - The Aylesbury Cup - Eastern Area
Open Windsurfing - Up to 6.8m Class - The Wain Cup - Eastern Area

Overall Windsurfing Trophy - Overall Wining Area - The Dauntless Shield - Eastern Area

Regatta Overall Winning Area - The Navy League Cup - Southern Area