Cadet Andi Puamau of Campbell River has secured a spot to represent British Columbia at the National Sea Cadet Regatta, which is held in August in Kingston, Ont.
She was selected for the team following an impressive performance at the National Qualifying Regatta (NQR), held at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on April 15-16. She is a sea cadet at 54 Admiral DeWolf Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Campbell River.
Puamau, and her partner cadet, Rio Liu of Victoria, sailed to a fourth-place finish in a highly competitive fleet of 13 boats. Twenty-six cadets from various locations throughout B.C. competed in teams of two during the two-day regatta. These cadets all qualified for the NQR by sailing at the Provincial Qualifying Regatta, held last October in Esquimalt. The goal of the National Qualifying Regatta is to select the eight strongest cadet sailors to form the Pacific National Team.
Puamau appreciates the opportunities that the cadet program has given her, including the opportunity to receive her CanSail levels, her Pleasure Craft Operators Card, and her Marine Radio licence free of charge through the program. She also volunteers at the North Vancouver Island Sea Cadet Nautical Site on the weekends to gain more sailing and coaching experience.
“The Cadet Program has given me so many amazing opportunities to develop my passion for sailing and I think everyone should give it a try,” said Puamau.
The cadet sail program is a mandatory part of training for sea cadets as they must obtain their CanSail Level 1 in the program. Some cadets, such as Puamau, choose to pursue sailing competitively within the cadet program.
Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets are national programs for youth ages 12 to18, which aim to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. The programs are delivered by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces in partnership with the civilian Navy League, Army and Air Cadet Leagues of Canada. For more information about the cadet program, visit www.cadets.ca or follow us on Twitter @BC_Cadets.