Royal Canadian Sea Cadet National Regatta, Kingston 2003

A partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Navy League of Canada

Regatta Backgrounder

INTRODUCTION
For more than 100 years, seamanship and sail training have been at the heart of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program. Teenagers from 236 Sea Cadet corps across Canada are introduced and learn to sail as members of the Sea Cadets. Through the sailing program Sea Cadets learn the self-discipline and skills required to harness the wind, tide and current. Nationally, there are over 10,000 Sea Cadets, making it the largest youth sail training program in Canada.

OBJECTIVE
Sea Cadets from across Canada participate in the National Regatta at the end of the Summer Training Season. The National Regatta is an exciting opportunity for the best Sea Cadet sailors to test their skills. The challenge of the National Regatta provides not only the ability to compete, but also a rewarding sailing experience. Teams compete for the title of Top Sea Cadet Sailors in the Kingston and Halifax Classes.

PARTICIPANTS
The top 50 Sea Cadet sailors from across the country compete in the National Regatta. Each team consists of a Skipper and Crew who competed in local and provincial/multi-provincial regattas to win a berth in the National Regatta. Ten (10) coaches accompany the Sea Cadets, along with over 50 support staff and volunteers who work throughout the weeklong competition.

PARTNERS
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program enjoys the support of both military and civilian officials. The program is operated by the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces and The Navy League of Canada, a civilian non-profit organization who assists in fundraising events and provides volunteer support.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The National Regatta is provided with great support from various members in communities across the country. This includes the City of Kingston, the Merchant Navy Veterans’ Association, Canadian Navy Public Affairs, Mercury Marine, Mustang Survival, Alvis Marine and Team Cormorant. The Hon. Peter Milliken, MP for Kingston and the Islands and Speaker of the House of Commons has also been instrumental in providing support to not only the National Regatta, but also the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program itself.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Ashley Muldoon
Public Affairs Coordinator
National Office
Navy League of Canada
1-800-375-6289 (voice)
(613) 990-8701 (fax)

Capt John Harris
Public Affairs Officer
Regional Cadet Support Unit (Central)
(613) 705-424-1200 x7054 (voice)
(613) 705-423-7015 (fax)