CCF Datchet Reservoir trip

On Friday 2 October, 15 of the CCF Royal Navy Section’s keenest sailors took to the vast waters of Datchet Reservoir for Field Day. Relieved not to have had to listen to Mr Hall’s and Dr Chapman’s dulcet singing to the radio on the way, the cadets stepped out of the minibus commenting ‘Now that’s a big bit of water!’ Trips such as this give the cadets a fabulous opportunity to progress the skills they have learned with school and gain experience in bigger and faster boats on a much greater expanse of water.

The cadets were lucky enough to be instructed by Rosie and Charlie, RYA Senior Instructors that have hosted groups of Habs boys at Datchet for several years now. Rosie’s group started with enhancing their skills in single hander Topper Topaz or RS Qubas. Meanwhile, Charlie’s group were getting to grips with the theory of sailing with spinnakers and then took to the water to successfully practice this new challenge.

On hand as ever for ‘trips around the bay’ were Mr Hall and Dr Chapman sailing a Dart 18. The cadets always enjoy the opportunity to taste the speed of the catamaran and have a go at helming.

It is always a pleasure to take the Habs RN cadets on a trip such as this. Their enthusiasm and commitment is not to be faulted and they were ever the gentlemen that we expect, representing the Navy Section and the School with pride.