By Lisa Ramsden
Returning to school after the summer holidays, pupils always have plenty of stories to tell their classmates about what they got up to on their break. From recounting playful hijinks with siblings and friends, to adventures both at home and abroad, classrooms and school corridors are buzzing with chatter as they catch up.
But, for one local teenager, her adventures are most certainly not a ‘tall tale,’ they are, in fact, one of the proudest experiences she has had. Ciara Cartwright’s latest adventures on the high seas, as crew of TS Royalist during the summer’s Tall Ships Race, really has left her with memories which will last a lifetime. So much so that they may well help shape her future!
The recently turned 18-year-old, who is a member of Kilkeel Sea Cadets, was thrilled to be able to be back on board to help crew TS Royalist, in what was her fourth time at sea on this splendid ship. As part of the crew on the 36.5-metre vessel, which is the Sea Cadets’ flagship training vessel, Ciara completed the first leg of the race, sailing from Le Havre to Dunkirk. It helped to set the standard and pace for how Royalist and its crew would finish at the end of the dramatic seafaring competition – which is completed exclusively under sail – finishing second overall out of 47 ships.
In addition, she and her fellow crewmates received the best parade award and were commended for their team spirit and morale. Over the three days she and her crewmates grappled with rough conditions and the challenge of late-night racing. Ciara said that added to the experience and that “it was all great fun”.
The local teenager, who comes from a family with strong ties to the harbour area and the sea, recently commenced her final year of studies at Shimna Integrated College, where she is deputy head girl. This was her fourth time aboard what she describes as “this beautiful boat”. From climbing the rigging, towers just shy of 22 metres above deck, to helping to navigate and helping the ship’s cook with the catering, Ciara said the experience really whet her appetite for a possible career at sea.
And once back home, Ciara was asked if she would consider a post on the Royalist, as a relief bosun, which is the senior deck crew member responsible for maintaining the ship’s exterior, supervising deckhands, and overseeing deck operations and equipment. Whilst firmly focused on completing her A-levels, Ciara admits it could be a wonderful opportunity for her, and to have even been approached by the Sea Cadets organisation to consider the role is “a massive thing” in itself.
The Tall Ships Race is an annual international sail training event organised by Sail Training International. It is held in European waters, featuring challenging races for crews on diverse tall ships. From smaller vessels, such as Royalist, which is classed as a Brig, to those which were double or more in size, this year’s competition proved to be challenging but hugely successful for Ciara and her fellow Sea Cadets.
Due to their ship’s design and construction, they were able to make speedier progress than some of its larger race rivals, by sailing a zigzag course, with a manoeuvre known as ‘tacking into the wind,’ and helping secure their podium finish victory. In addition to their time at sea, all competitors enjoyed shore-based events and celebrations and were able to play their part in helping promote the joys and benefits of sailing, as well as making international friendships.
Ciara crewed on the first phase of this major maritime event. She and the other initial cohort of sailors to be selected brought their ship across the English Channel in early July, in advance of the competition, which saw the fleet crossing the starting point at Le Havre and racing, purely through sail, along the French coastline to the port of Dunkirk.
Speaking of this summer’s sailing adventure, Ciara said she had “the most amazing time,” not only enhancing her sailing skills but also making more memories at sea. “It was an unreal experience,” Ciara explained, adding that she was thrilled to be invited to take part in the race.
The local sailing enthusiast said she owes a lot to not only the Sea Cadets but her dad, Barry, who has been taking her out to sea for many years on the family’s yacht. “It was all great fun but there was plenty of learning and responsibility too,” she continued. Adding that the conditions on board were somewhat cramped, Ciara said that this added to the overall experience and that her roles on deck saw her being appointed one of the ship’s watch leaders, meaning she could help the fellow cadets, the youngest of which was 13.
From hauling ropes to setting sails, climbing the rigging, navigating, and being on deck keeping safety watch, Ciara said the camaraderie was second to none. “We were all just helping each other and it’s a big boat, those sails got heavy when filled by the wind; we had to keep it as slick an operation as we could, communicating well and ensuring we knew what we would all be doing,” she said.
She said everyone “was there to do their job” and learn from it. Thrilled to be representing the Sea Cadets, speaking of her time in this year’s race Ciara said: “No-one wanted to let themselves, or the entire team, down. The staff who crew the boat were so helpful, and we just wanted to make them proud of us. We learned so much and gained amazing experience which in turn we will be able to pass on to those who are coming behind us and help give them the opportunity as well.”
Admitting she is “extremely fortunate” to have been given so many opportunities since becoming a Sea Cadet, Ciara encourages people to enrol with their local unit. “It was just a fantastic voyage and being part of Sea Cadets really has opened so many doors,” Ciara, who enrolled just five years ago, added.
“You wouldn’t believe the number of opportunities that are available and doors that have opened for us all. I never realised so many opportunities would become available. I’ve even had the chance to complete Royal Yachting Association courses. It is so rewarding and I really have made some memories that will last all my life.”
She concluded: “I would encourage anyone who even has the slightest notion of becoming a Sea Cadet to give it a go. Believe me, they’ll not regret it. It builds confidence and you learn so many things, not just about heading out on the water. You get a real sense of achievement.”
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
