On 28th April 2013 at Stithians Lake, the Lord Lieutenant for Cornwall and Sarah Newton MP along with WPA representatives and Captain Sea Cadets attended a ceremony to bless the new boats provided by WPA funding. Cadets from the five Cornish units (Falmouth & Penryn, Penzance, St Austell, Truro and Padstow) took to the water for their maiden voyage after the blessing.
"This project goes beyond the Cornwall's 140 cadets by offering taster sailing days; the more I’ve learnt about Sea Cadets, the more I am in awe of the dedication of their volunteers.’ Charlie McEwan director of good causes for the Western Provident Association (WPA) Benevolent Foundation, who made the donation, said: "WPA Benevolent Foundation promotes healthy activity amongst the young and following the Sea Cadets performance at the Jubilee River Pageant last year, we were inspired to evolve a Cornwall project to develop the sailing centre at Stithians Lake and fund scholarships for cadets to experience a voyage offshore."