Showing Aussies  the ropes

T/S Talisman personnel with their RAN guests

Nine cadets from T/S Talisman recently hosted four RAN sailors off HMAS ANZAC on a day's keeler racing out of Nelson.  The cadets were gaining experience before taking part in an ocean race to New Caledonia scheduled for July.

After welcoming their guests aboard, T/S Talisman's cadet POCDT Maria Schryvers comments "we knew to make the most of our visitors' knowledge by asking questions which would benefit us on our voyage.  Not only was everyone fully engaged in the sailing race but we also managed to enjoy each others company and good humour. I'm not sure  if the Australian Navy crew knew how much of a positive impact that they had on us cadets."

LSSN Daniel Byers, one of the four RAN sailors to accept the cadets invitation was a little apprehensive of what he was getting into but comments "My initial reaction was one of being impressed at how these young Sea Cadets were moving about the yacht, getting ropes, safety lines, sails and the like ready, all the while welcoming us on board with smiles and enthusiasm"

He goes on to state "The Sea Cadets showed us everything we needed to know to sail a yacht.  Their professionalism and willingness to show us the ropes and make sure we had an exciting and fun day out was second to none."

Both the cadets and the RAN sailors are looking forward to renewing their friendship should their paths cross in some future port.