Gravesend Sea Cadets and Sailing Club raise funds for RNLI

Three of the boats used were from Gravesend Sailing Club and are available for members to use once they have received basic training. Three smaller “Feva” dinghies were hired from RYA London and South East Youth Training Fund, a charity which aims to make boating more accessible to young people regardless of circumstance.

This was a fantastic event, getting the cadets back sailing after a long gap due to covid restrictions. The highlight of the day for the cadets was capsize practice. Sailing was followed by an RNLI “Fish Supper”, an annual initiative to raise much needed funds for the RNLI.

The event was supported by The Pirates Cave Chandlery and Copper Rivet Distillery who kindly donated raffle prizes.

Club Commodore, Harriet Davies-Mullan said: “Saturday was a brilliant example of the club’s linkages with the community and our volunteer ethos. Jason and Lisa Blowes (club members) cooked an absolutely stunning meal for an excellent cause, and we were pleased that Sea Cadet Commanding Officer Lieutenant Stewart Challis also joined us for the evening, having also provided safety cover for the day.” A well earned dinner and drink for sure!

The club was also busy on Sunday with a “dink about” session - a chance for newer sailors to practise their skills on the water in a safe and supportive environment as well as a great opportunity to have visitors down to try out sailing. It was also an opportunity for club members to try out the Fevas, with at least one person finding them significantly less stable than her normal dinghy…yes, the commodore capsized!

In total over 20 people of varying abilities went out on the water in sunshine and a steady wind, the perfect combination.

Links:

Gravesend Sailing Club is open for visitors all year round. For membership enquiries please contact Val Green  

RYA London and South East regional fleet hire

Photo credits: Steve Davies and Kenny Evans