Help Sea Cadets row the world in 80 hours!

Rochdale’s award-winning sea cadet unit, T.S Frobisher II

T S Frobisher II Sea Cadets are taking part in a sponsored row around the world in 80 hours between 18-21 April, along with sea cadets from all over the country, to raise money for a much needed new offshore ship as their old one is over 40 and coming to the end of her working life.

You can see them in action on Rochdale Canal Saturday 20 April, 10am to 4pm, between Littleborough and Rochdale. The cadets will row nine kilometers three times during the day, which when added to the national total will help the charity reach the goal of 24,900 miles, the number of miles around the globe.

A voyage on the sea cadets current sail training ship, T S Royalist is the pinnacle of the sea cadet experience, offering an amazing opportunity to hoist sails and navigate Britain’s coastal waters as part of a crew, working together out there at sea in the elements. It’s challenging and inspiring, helping to build skills for life.

A voyage is available to all 14,000 UK sea cadets and every year 1,500 cadets go to sea, that’s 30,000 since her launch in 1971.

Frobisher's is launching their Trinity 500 rowing boat for the first time, and a naming ceremony will take place prior to the event. The North West Area Officer, a Royal Navy Commander, Mark Irwin will join the crew for the event. 

‘Frobisher’ cadets have sponsorship forms to complete, but the public can also donate by texting ‘Ahoy 08 £3’ to 70070 to donate £3.

At the same time a team from Sea Cadets HQ are rowing 100 miles from Abingdon to Tower Bridge in London.

The charity has worked hard over the last two years, already raising £4.2m of the £5.6million target but now needs your help in one last push.

A spokesman said: "Please help us by showing your support and making a vital contribution, whether small or large, to make sure thousands of cadets like us can keep sailing with Sea Cadets."

Sea Cadets is a national nautical youth charity operating in 400 units across the UK. It supports 14,000 young people aged 10 – 18 by offering them a unique opportunity to learn vital life skills via a range of nautical adventure activities. This helps to boost confidence and inspire young people, giving them the best possible head start in life.