On Saturday 26 July, around 100 Sea Cadets from across Southern Area’s Districts gathered at the Wokingham Waterside Centre near Reading in Berkshire to compete in their annual Paddlesport regatta. It was a full day of competition, with cadets taking part in numerous paddle events, including flat water racing (sprint and time trial), cross stream, and kayak polo.
Adult volunteers arrived at the venue early to set up the course on the calm waters of the River Thames. As always, the focus is on safety and safety boats were deployed on the river. Other roles included managing the District teams, administering the Regatta, refereeing the events, and providing the very important catering and refreshments.
As cadets from across the area started to arrive, the buzz began to build. Districts raised their gazebos, all positioned alongside the river so they could shout support and encouragement to their fellow cadets during races. All competitors nearing the finish line, tired after their efforts, received vocal support that helped them find that extra burst of energy to complete their race.
The competition medals and trophies were presented by the area’s Senior Staff Officer, Commander (Cdr) Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) Ray Mitchell, RNR. Facing stiff competition from across the Southern Area, Oxon/Bucks District were the overall winners.
The event cannot happen without the Sea Cadets’ adult volunteers. Events like this depend entirely on adult volunteers, and the Southern Area community delivered – with around 50 volunteers giving their time in roles from safety cover to catering. Sea Cadet units are always seeking volunteers to support not just competitions but day-to-day training, and those involved find the experience deeply rewarding.
Sub Lieutenant (S/Lt) (SCC) Heather Cole, Royal Naval Reserves (RNR), Assistant District Officer for Oxon & Bucks District, said: “As a volunteer, it’s incredibly rewarding to see cadets progress from their initial training at unit level right through to competing at District and Area regattas, and hopefully onto National competitions. It’s not all about ‘winner takes all’ – what really stands out to me is the excellent sportsmanship between them. Being able to train and support our cadets to reach such potential is what makes volunteering so worthwhile.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) (SCC) Dave Thomas Royal Marine Reserves (RMR), Surrey’s District Warrant Officer, commented: “I really enjoy the Regatta, especially the way it brings all the cadets from across the Area together. As a team manager, I find it incredibly rewarding to see how the cadets support each other – there’s such a wonderful camaraderie. It’s such a friendly event, and I love getting the chance to catch up with fellow volunteers I’ve met from units around the Area.”
The Regatta represents the culmination of months of training at unit level, where volunteer instructors help cadets develop not only their paddling skills but also teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Events like this provide cadets with opportunities to test themselves in a competitive yet supportive environment, building confidence that extends far beyond the water. For many, the Regatta serves as a stepping stone to national competitions, while for others it’s simply the chance to represent their unit and push their personal boundaries. Southern Area’s commitment to providing such opportunities, supported by dedicated volunteers, ensures that every cadet can discover their potential and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Anyone interested in volunteering with Sea Cadets can get in touch with their local Sea Cadet Unit: https://www.sea-cadets.org/units
Written by: SLt (SCC) Robert Streeter, Area Staff Officer (Media), Southeren Area Sea Cadets
