A TRIO of Okehampton air cadets had a brilliant time on the ocean waves after being selected to join a week-long tall ship training course sailing out of Portsmouth and Weymouth.

Joining the crew and other cadets on the TS Royalist earlier this month were cadets Indigo Ramsey, Sebastian Lamon and Kai Johnson from the 2443 Okehampton Air Cadets.

The cadets got to experience life aboard a sailing ship and help in all aspects including steering the ship and climbing the rigging.

The TS Royalist is run by the charity the Sea Cadets, which offers six-day character-building voyages under sail from all over the country.

Sqn Cdr Andy Oliver, commanding officer of the local squadron, said: ‘My staff and I are always looking for different courses and opportunities to develop our cadets who come from Okehampton and its hamlets.

‘We even have cadets from as far afield as Winkleigh and one from Launceston. The week was a unique opportunity and true character building for the cadets who attended.’

The 2443 squadron is always looking for new cadets, who need to be in Year 8 or above. Email emailoc.2443@air cadets.org to find out more or go along to one of the squadron‘s recruitment evenings on the first Monday of each month. Their HQ is located at Military Sidings adjacent to the Granite Way on the road to the Army camp in Okehampton.

Pictured: 2443 Squadron Okehampton RAF air cadets Kai Johnson, left, and Sebastian Lamon setting off on their week-long sail training course.