B.C. cadets show off seamanship skills

Two Cadets from 136 RCSCC Amphion in Nanaimo, B.C., carefully piece together puzzle pieces during the trivia event as judge, WO Marriott watches.

The Naden Drill Shed was a-buzz with activity on the weekend of March 22 when 88 Sea Cadets from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba gathered for the Provincial Seamanship Competition.

The annual competition saw the top eight Sea Cadet Corps from across Western Canada face off in naval knowledge, ingenuity, teamwork, and seamanship.

“It’s always a great event and this year was no exception,” says PO1 Line Laurendeau, event organizer. “We’ve got some of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, and skilled sea cadets in Canada here.”

Competitions included knot tying, naval history quizzes, relay races, and replica ship building.

At the end of the competition, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 136 Amphion from Nanaimo took home top honours, including a trophy and bragging rights.

PO1 Laurendeau says while there is motivation within the organization for a national competition, so far the regional event is as far as things go.

“We’ve always wanted to do it, but it’s a matter of resources,” she says. “It would be great for the kids, and at the end of the day that’s who this is for. We’ll see what the future holds.”

-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer