SEA CADETS INNOVATIVE NEW SAILING DINGHY LAUNCHES IN NEWARK!

RS Sailing unveiled the first RS Quest dinghies rolling off the production line at the Rototek factory in Newark, Nottinghamshire on 8th. December 2015. Designed by Jo Richards and RS Sailing in conjunction with Sea Cadets, the RS Quest offers a low maintenance alternative for sailing schools and organisations.

Sea Cadets from the local area were present to watch RS Sailing hand over the very first dinghies to the Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell Royal Navy. He was accompanied by Sea Cadet volunteers, alongside the Sea Cadets Chief Executive Martin Coles. The handover was followed by a factory tour of the manufacturing process of the pioneering RS Quests.

Commodore Jonathan Fry from the Ministry of Defence was present as Co-Chairman of the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) that has approved the 24 RS Quests in support of the project for Sea Cadets. CEP was a 2012 Coalition initiative to expand cadet units into state schools, with the initial phase being jointly funded by the Department of Education and Ministry of Defence. The most recent phase is to reach 500 Combined Cadet Forces and Sea Cadet units in schools by 2020.

Commodore Jonathan Fry, Head of Youth and Cadets at the Ministry of Defence said:

“I am absolutely delighted that the Cadet Expansion Programme is able to fund the first 24 RS Quests for the Sea Cadets. The Cadet Expansion Programme is a Government initiative and all about establishing new cadet units in schools in order to offer young people the life changing opportunities that the cadet experience gives.
 
“The Sea Cadets is central to this programme and boating is at the heart of what they do – and their links to the Royal Navy. These new boats will be an essential part of this.”

For anyone learning to sail, first steps afloat need to be exciting, enjoyable and safe. The RS Quest gives beginners confidence when learning as well as being a vessel they can use to progress to more advanced skills. It promises to deliver an unforgettable learning experience, whilst providing the highest level of safety plus easy instructor access for teaching both on board with their students, or from a separate powerboat.

Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell Royal Navy, said:

“It’s a privilege for Sea Cadets to have worked with RS Sailing, leaders in boat design and products, to develop this fantastic boat which will go on to be sold across the world. I’m delighted the Cadet Expansion Programme has supported our commitment to getting cadets out onto the water nationwide, to allow them the incredible nautical adventure and fun that Sea Cadets and sailing the RS Quest can offer.”

Sea Cadets were looking to provide a more modern answer to their training programmes, with less maintenance and more versatility across all levels of sailing. Furthermore, to demonstrate their continued commitment to encourage more cadets and young people to get out on the water, so they can experience the inspiring effect it has on their self-confidence levels. RS Sailing saw an opportunity to create a smaller vessel that would encourage family sailing and get more young people on the water and working together they have created a vessel that does just that.

Cadets gave first-hand feedback to assist shape the design of the dinghy, which included making sure it is light enough to manoeuvre with confidence, can hold up to four crew, and offers a simple yet effective symmetric spinnaker for versatile use in enclosed waters. (It can also be sailed with an asymmetric spinnaker)

At just over 14 feet long, RS Quest can be seated between the award-winning and internationally recognised RS Feva, predominantly sailed by youth for training and racing and the larger family dinghy, the RS Vision. In comparison to traditional sailing dinghies used by Sea Cadets, the RS Quest is light and manoeuvrable, making it suitable for young sailors to use with confidence.
 

Photo above shows Chief Executive of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Martin Coles with Alex Newton-Southon of RS Sailing. To the right are Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell, Royal Navy and Commodore Jonathan Fry, Head of Youth and Cadets at the Ministry of Defence.