Ahoy there! Skipper visits Stratford Sea Cadets

ASHLEY Skett recently paid a visit to Stratford Sea Cadet Unit to tell the cadets of his adventures in the Clipper Round the World Race.

Ashely, a former fire-fighter from Stratford, captained Garmin, one of 12 identical Clipper yachts, competing in the 2015-16 race.

Ashley told the cadets about the challenges encountered during the 11 month, 45,000 mile voyage. These ranged from the massive seas of the Southern Ocean, where the crew had to learn to live on a slant for weeks on end (having to wedge themselves into their bunks) - to the frustrating doldrums, where nothing moved.

Using an inflatable globe detailing the route of the 8-leg race, he highlighted how isolated the yachts were at times. Although usually only a day away from their nearest competitor when in the middle of the ocean, Ashley stated: “as well as being closer to the international space station than their families, the space station’s crew were at times closer than any other humans on earth!”

The cadets asked how the crew coped with sea sickness? “Most people get it” explained Ashley. “For some it’s just for a few days, for others it’s the whole trip.” He added, “The best thing is to get on deck, and ginger biscuits – eat lots of ginger biscuits!”

Full story in this week's Herald.