Success Stories

TS REBEL is a coastal training station based on the Essex coast. We provide offshore, power boat, keel boat and yacht racing training for young people. We are a Recognised Training Centre for the Royal Yachting Association and an Independent Operating Authority for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

Sport England

In 2009, we were successful in obtaining a grant from Sport England to expand our cadet racing squad for the 2010 season. This has enabled certain under privileged young people the opportunity to participate in race training, who without this support might miss out on this challenging but worthwhile experience.

TS Rebel operates a cadet yacht racing squad. This is made up of 20 fortunate young people who spend up to 10 weekends, training for the opportunity to participate in several yacht racing regattas. During the 2009 season, the squad raced in the Haven and Sail East Series as well as the Felixstowe and Dabchicks regattas.

Qualifications Recently Achieved

We achieved 353 qualifications in 2011 along with 45 Duke of Edinburgh's completion certificates and 7 Gold Awards.

We achieved 264 qualifications in 2010 along with 37 Duke of Edinburgh's completion certificates.

We achieved 221 qualifications in 2009 along with 8 Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards.

We achieved 234 qualifications in 2008 along with 5 Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards.

Full breakdown available on request.

Rescues & Awards

TS Rebel Rescues - summer 2011

TS Rebel adult instructors were involved in the dramatic rescue of a distressed yacht earlier in the season. The yacht, a gaff rigged cutter, capsized in squally winds near Walton on the Naze in Essex. The crew were rescued from the water by a yacht club rescue craft. The capsized vessel finished up aground on a mud bank.

Officers from HM Coastguard at Thames Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre requested assistance from the Sea Cadet motor launch Thames Shipwright, crewed by adult instructors, which had just concluded a cadet training weekend. The cadet vessel was then involved in a three hour operation, working on a lee shore in strong winds and heavy rain, to recover the stricken craft.

Sub Lieutenant James Donnelly said: “Thames Shipwright is a powerful boat and provided a very efficient platform for what turned out to be a difficult operation.”

The Watch Manager at Thames MRCC said: “No doubt the owner of the casualty vessel is extremely grateful to the Sea Cadets for the competent and safe recovery of his vessel.”

Also, a sea cadet crew aboard their training vessel Thames Fueller, engaged on a Day Skipper training course, went to the assistance of a yacht in difficulties. A 25' long yacht with a crew of 2 adults and 1 child aboard, was unable to make way against strong winds and surfing seas off the approach to Harwich Harbour.

The sea cadets responded to a request to provide assistance from a local marina which had received a distress call by mobile phone from the casualty vessel. The casualty vessel was finally located 2 miles from the original position given. With a tow safely secured the casualty vessel was brought into the safety of moorings in the backwaters of Walton on the Naze in Essex.

Skipper of Thames Fueller, Nick Moulton said: “The cadets did all the deck work in very difficult conditions. They were a credit to the Sea Cadet Corps.”

A spokesman at HM Coastguard Thames Marine Rescue Coordination Centre said: “Without the timely and competent intervention of the cadet vessel this could easily have become a very nasty situation for the yacht.”

SEA CADETS RESCUE DISABLED YACHT (April 2010)

The sea cadet training vessel Thames Fueller, operated by the TS Rebel Cadet Sea School based at Walton on the Naze in Essex, went to the assistance of a 40’ yacht last weekend.

The yacht Pirouette had requested assistance from the Coastguard having broken down on passage to Walton Backwaters. The sea cadets responded to the resultant broadcast made by the Coastguard requesting assistance. They were able to secure a tow within 30 minutes of the first call. They then towed the yacht in to the nearest marina.

PO Dean Woodberry, officer in charge of the cadet training weekend, said “It was a good opportunity for the cadets to learn first hand about always helping others at sea.”

A Coastguard officer at Thames Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said “Once again the sea cadets in this district have demonstrated seamanlike competence and provided valuable assistance to other seafarers.”

Thames Fueller is one of 8 vessels operated by TS Rebel and provides training for cadets and adult volunteers seeking power and RYA motor cruising qualifications. The vessel is supported by the MS&SC, The Worshipful Company of Fuellers and The Rebel Trust.

Life after TS Rebel?

Previous young trainees have successfully found occupations with the following companies and organisations.