The annual HQ Air Cadet/Ocean Youth Trust Scotland West Coast Challenge offshore sailing expedition for senior cadets aged 18 years plus took place from the 5th to the 11th of August 2013. Sailing out of Oban on board Alba Explorer the novice crew were under the watchful eyes and expert guidance of the OYT Scotland sea staff, a combination that has worked so well in the past, and this voyage was to be no exception.
St Kilda is one of the most westerly of the Western Isles. Conditions have to be perfect to reach this isolated spot and, of course, the crew have to be ready for the challenge of non-stop sailing for 24 hours or more. As skipper Iain Nichols set out towards the open Atlantic Ocean, weaving past Mull and the Outer Hebrides, he carefully assessed the ability of his eager but novice cadet crew. Always with an alternative passage and the option of a safe harbour in mind, Iain finally decided that the cadets had earned the right to push for their objective and they struck out for St Kilda, the remotest of remote places!
And how worthwhile it proved to be. The kind winds and glorious weather allowed the party to explore the nooks and crannies of the island. They heard stories of the long departed residents who climbed treacherous sea cliffs to gather eggs and who were isolated for months on end, held captive by ferocious seas and wild winds. They watched the Puffins darting from the cliffs and returning with their catch and ducked as they were dive-bombed by Arctic Skua defending their territory. Then, with the forecast of shifting winds and deepening pressure, it was time to head back towards Oban confident with their new found skills and the pride and pleasure of mastering the 70' yacht.
The gratitude and appreciation of the cadets to the Ulysses Trust for their continued and generous support is perhaps best summed up in the comments gathered from the cadets as the voyage took place -
Day One - Flight Sergeant Annamaria Nicholls
My first impression of the boat was that it was bigger than I had expected.... The crew all seem friendly and have taught us some of the basics already. There was even a lesson on how to use the toilet which looks like hard work... I can’t believe we got sailing on day one, and by the sounds of it, we are going to have a great adventure… as soon as we stop being sick!
Day Two – Flight Sergeant Laura Freedman
We got off to a rocky start last night, I was not expecting to go sailing straight away, or to be so seasick! I’m starting to get over it now, which means I can start to enjoy the experience more and learn how to do things. It is amazing to be at sea, and the coastline of some of the islands are beautiful. I am having a lot of fun, but I can’t wait for land.
Day Four – Flight Sergeant Ed Muscroft
Sailing out of St. Kilda last night was one of the best experiences I have ever had, and has picked morale up a lot and made us a really strong team. We have had to do a lot of hard work today because we’ve been changing direction a lot and that means winding in and letting go ropes! We are now anchored next to a castle and we have been able to contact home. I ‘m looking forward to getting going again, and there is even talk of a shower soon!
CWO Adam Deacon
I feel I have learnt as much about myself as I have learnt about nautical skills this week. To sail to St. Kilda – one of the most remote islands in the British Isles is a challenge I will never, ever forget.
FS Annamaria Nicholls
Despite a rocky start, I had an absolutely fantastic week. The experience of sailing into the sunrise was amazing.... I would recommend it to anyone!
Cpl Ross Dornan
The sailing trip is the best thing I have done in the cadets and I can’t wait to tell my squadron about it.
FS Connor Liversuch
On the voyage I had a wonderful time, learning knew skills that I never knew I could do. I have met some brilliant people who have helped me achieve my best. I am so happy to have been part of this amazing programme and would happily advise anyone to take part in it.
CWO Tom Smith
Had an awesome time going to St. Kilda.... awesome crew and staff, everybody got on really well and I have gained more sailing skills.
CWO Charlie Hughes
The trip was amazing and it helped me realise a love for sailing. It has helped me to develop my sailing skills and learn about the way of life on a boat. The OYTS staff and the ACO staff were all brilliant.
FS Laura Freedman
I really didn’t know what to expect from this trip, but wow! Apart from being seasick, it’s been brill’. The people made it for me, and I can’t believe what good friends I have made in such a short space of time! A massive thanks to OYT Scotland, to the Ulysses Trust and to all the people who helped to make the expedition possible.
Report compiled by Sqn Ldr M.P.Blakey, HQAC, RAF Cranwell.
