Last week saw the arrival of the new Training Ship Royalist into West India Dock, over the weekend she was joined by two other Sea Cadet boats, the T.S. John Jerwood and the T.S. Jack Petchey.
Last Friday, HRH The Princess Royal did the honour of naming the vessel TS Royalist, as she did the former vessel 44 years ago in 1971. HRH The Princess Royal was joined by the Chaplain of the Fleet, The Venerable Ian Wheatley QHC RN who formally commissioned the ship into service and the ship was being blessed by the Bishop of London, Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO.
As stated in the last post the Sea Cadets charity managed to raise an amazing £4.8 million to build the new ship. To celebrate the event, over One hundred cadets from all over the country travelled to take part.
Established in 1856 the Sea Cadets was created to give young people instruction on a naval theme. Today, there are 14,000 young people based in 400 units in towns, cities and ports across the UK .
If the TS Royalist offers the experience of sailing under sail, TS John Jerwood and the TS.Jack Petchey are power launches fitted out with modern equipment.
Like its predecessor, it is hoped the new TS Royalist will be a regular visitor to West India Dock,
Isle of Dogs Life 