Volunteer Cadets

CADETS from Islington and Hackney sailed ahead as they competed for a second year for the "Fitzroy Trophy" at the Metropolitan Police Sailing Club's Offshore Regatta.

Operation Fitzroy takes volunteer police cadets, aged 15-18, who haven't sailed before and trains them in sailing and boat handling before they compete against other adult crews across the MPS, other forces and emergency services. Run over a week on the Solent from 1st October, the regatta was a real test of teamwork, communication and leadership.

For the second year running, Islington, skippered by Ch/Supt Mike Wise, cruised to victory, narrowly beating Hackney by one point after the final race.

This year the project was supported by Aviva Investments, who agreed for the cadets to meet and talk with Dee Caffari MBE, who has just been nominated for the ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year Award. Dee is the first woman to sail non-stop around the world on three occasions. She was able to give the cadets some insight about boat handling and racing tips, which clearly paid off, as the two crews beat a number of other crews over the race days.

Chief Supt Steve Bending said: "I would like to congratulate all the cadets who took part, for their teamwork and enthusiasm on what was a fantastic experience. I know many felt the talk by Dee Caffari was inspirational.

"The support of Aviva has been superb and their future commitment means more cadets will be able to take advantage of this fantastic experience in years to come.

"I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff and volunteers who supported this event, sharing their sailing experience with young people eager to learn, and especially to Dave Hartshorn who has led this initiative for the past four years."

Superintendent Dave Hartshorn from CO11, who started the project in 2007 said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the cadets to do something really different. This is the fifth time we have run Operation Fitzroy and with Aviva Investments' generous support this year it has been fantastic.

"The skills and resilience the cadets have displayed was excellent, which is truly reflected in the fact they beat so many of the other more experienced crews. Next year, with support from Aviva Investments we are looking to fund three boats."

Dee Caffari MBE said: "Operation Fitzroy is a great opportunity for cadets from inner city locations to experience a very different environment and learn new skills. It was fantastic to meet the guys ahead of their racing and it was obvious that there was going to be fierce competition on the water."

Any cadet leaders who would be interested in their cadets taking part in next years Operation Fitzroy are asked to contact Supt Dave Hartshorn at CO11.