The Value of Sail Training for Naval and Merchant Marine Cadets

Ferry van Schoonhoven – Commanding Officer of the 77ft Bermudan ketch Urania, from The Netherlands – was one of four speakers at the final session of the conference on the importance of sail training, how it helps to develop the skills of Naval midshipmen and cadets, and how it is an important part of the training necessary for future officers. “It’s a tough environment particularly for those who’ve never been to sea before, but the way they learn essential skills including how to communicate effectively and how to become more assertive, is unique.”

Van Schoonhoven also highlighted the fact that it’s not just sailing and training on board the ship that trainees have to endure but also training for formal receptions which are a large part of a career in the military.

But why chose a 100-year-old sailing ship for the job? According to Marcus Seidl – Captain of Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Norway – it’s the best form of training for many reasons. “It’s one of the biggest challenges the cadets can face because they have to learn the complex sail plan, they have to endure some of the most hostile conditions, they are not exposed to any modern technology, and they have to spend up to ten weeks sleeping in a hammock.”

One of first challenges young cadets have to face is dealing with seasickness and learning how to function when they are not feeling 100 per cent.

Nick Fleming – CEO, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, UK runs courses for Merchant Naval cadets and says that 20 per cent of the Trust’s training is now for the Merchant Naval sector. The feedback they receive and the contracts they have in place prove that this type of training really does work. Some of the cadets they have on board have never been on a sailing vessel before and it really helps to build self-confidence, teaches responsibility and respect, and gives them the ability to work with others at close quarters. Fleming concluded: “Because we’re using yachts rather than ships, the conditions are a lot more cramped so when they finally get back on board their merchant ships, they find they’re in relative luxury!”

Speakers
Marcus Seidl: Captain Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Norway
Nick Fleming: CEO, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, UK
Stefan Abrahamsson: Managing Director, STA Finland
Ferry van Schoonhoven: Commanding Officer, Urania, Netherlands