The Dockyard Sea Cadet Unit expanded its fleet when an Optimist sailing dinghy was donated to them by the J-24 Sailing Association last weekend.

With the Cadet's family and a former Petty Officer present for the handover, the Association brought the boat from Whites Island to Black Bay Beach, where the cadets landed the vessel as part of the donation ceremony.

Philip Woodcock, executive officer for T.S. Venture, the Dockyard Sea Cadets unit, said the boat would usually have cost the organisation $5,000.

Once the boat was ashore, the cadets were shown how to correctly rig it by Bermuda J-24 Sailing Association Fleet Captain John Nicholls and Debbie Gravelle of the Bermuda Sailing Association.

After the demonstration the cadets brought the boat to the T.S. Venture barracks and gave Mr. Nicholls and Ms Gravelle a tour.

T.S. Venture is just one of three units under the Bermuda Sea Cadets Corps. Cadets learn about maritime traditions by becoming involved in a number of activities, both on and off the water, including sailing, kayaking, navigation, camping and ceremonial drill.

"Bermuda has a very strong maritime tradition, and it's sort of died off," said Mr. Woodcock. "We're trying to get kids back involved with that part of their heritage."

This month, the organisation is intending to send two of its cadets to Nova Scotia for a camp to train alongside cadets from across the world.

The Dockyard Sea Cadet Unit is also heavily involved in community service, helping other charity groups and participating in groups that promote Bermudian heritage. It is partially funded by the Bermuda Sea Cadet Association, a registered charity, with the rest of their funds coming from donations and various fundraising events.