The Sea Cadets have a brand new training ship following a £160,000 grant from Seafarers UK. The new 24 metre long power vessel, which was launched in July, was paid for jointly by a range of funders with the bulk of the money coming from the Jack Petchey Foundation, Seafarers UK and the Thornton Foundation. The ship is named TS (Training Ship) Jack Petchey in honour of the founder - Jack Petchey.
The Sea Cadets hope that once fully fitted out, nearly 500 13-18 year olds from around the UK will get experience on board every year. They will learn how to sail a powered vessel and navigate the ship in British waters. They will also learn valuable life skills including cooking, looking after each other, team-working and communication skills.
Jack Petchey, served in the Royal Navy at HMS Collingwood in 1943 and said he appreciated the grounding that this experience gave him in his life. “I am very happy to know that future generations of young people will have an opportunity to experience the discipline, self development and camaraderie that sea training provides”.
The Sea Cadets has a long history of supporting young people which goes back to 1854 when the first Unit was opened in Whitstable, Kent by local people. Today 400 units across the country offer a range of water – borne activities to inspire young people to challenge themselves and make the leap into adulthood with confidence and knowledge.
Seafarers UK Director General Commodore Barry Bryant said:
“We are delighted to be involved in providing this beautiful new ship for the Sea Cadets. We know the TS Jack Petchey will give hundreds of young people the chance to gain first hand experience of seafaring and should encourage some of them to pursue a career at sea. Encouraging maritime youth activities is one of the primary aims of our charity, and the sea cadets give young people the opportunity to experience life at sea and learn essential life skills.”
For more information about the Sea Cadets phone 020 7654 7000 or see the website: