The Bermuda Sea Cadets main training dinghy has been completely refurbished, with the assistance of Spar Yard Marine Solutions.

The dinghy, Philippa, is the main training dinghy used by the cadets to teach rowing, seamanship and boat handling skills.

Michael Frith, Commander of the Corps, said: “Philippa has seen heavy use over her more than 35 years of service. Even with regular maintenance undertaken by the cadets, the years of training had taken its toll, and she was badly in need of an overhaul. We made a request for assistance, and the team at Spar Yard Marine Solutions offered to help.

“Community is a big part of what the Sea Cadet Corps is all about, and the Spar Yard team truly showed themselves to be supporters of our community.”

Over the course of a few weeks, the boat was completely repaired, sanded and painted. The floorboards are coated with high grade non-slip surface, the gel coat on the hull and bulkheads have been repaired throughout and given a glossy new coat of paint, and the wooden thwarts have been sanded and completely refinished.

The cadets had an opportunity to thank the Spar Yard team at the Corps’ annual prizegiving ceremony last week. Chris Roque, manager at Spar Yard, delivered the dinghy to the cadets that evening, and was presented with a cedar-framed certificate of appreciation as thanks for the work.

Mr Roque added: “We heard the Sea Cadets needed some help getting their dinghy shipshape. We were in a position to help them out, and are big fans of what they do for the young people, so we jumped at the chance to give them some support and help them get the cadets out on the water.”