Article by Henry D.

Earlier this summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to complete the Royal Navy Powerboat Level 2 Course as part of my time in the Kimbolton CCF. The course took place at HMS Raleigh, a Naval Base in Cornwall and it was an incredible experience from start to finish.

Wearing my Cadet uniform and marching to breakfast and dinner each day gave the week a real sense of structure and purpose and the whole environment felt both welcoming and focused on learning. It was great to be surrounded by other cadets, all equally keen to get stuck in and make the most of the opportunity.

The instructors were brilliant, really knowledgeable and approachable and they shared lots of useful tips and tricks throughout the course. Their hands-on teaching style meant that we were out on the water very quickly, learning essential manoeuvres in a safe and supportive setting. I found that I picked up the skills faster than I expected, thanks to their clear guidance.

One of the best parts of the week was meeting other cadets from across the country. The shared accommodation helped create a strong sense of camaraderie and community and I came away having made some great new friends.

If you’re in the Royal Navy section of the CCF, I would highly recommend signing up for one of these courses. They’re not only excellent value, but also a brilliant way to develop new skills, gain confidence and enjoy the many benefits of being part of the CCF.