Harborough Sea Cadet Sets Sail For International Tall Ships Races

A Market Harborough teenager has set sail to represent the UK in one of the world’s biggest sail training events.

Sixteen-year-old Sea Cadet Otto Mackenzie departed today to take part in the international Tall Ships Races, spending the next fortnight aboard the Sea Cadets’ flagship training vessel, TS Royalist, as part of a 20-strong crew sailing across Northern Europe.

The Robert Smyth Academy student, who is a member of Market Harborough Sea Cadets (TS Fernie), is part of one of the youngest crews in the event, visiting ports including Harlingen, Antwerp and Stavanger, where thousands of spectators are expected.

Despite growing up in landlocked Leicestershire, Otto discovered a passion for sailing through the Sea Cadets and says he is looking forward to the challenge.

Speaking to HFM before setting off, he said he was stunned when he found out he had secured a place on the voyage:

Sea Cadet Otto Mackenzie is spending the next fortnight aboard the Sea Cadets’ flagship training vessel, TS Royalist

Otto says the experience will test teamwork, resilience and communication skills – qualities he has developed through the Sea Cadets.

He is also planning to keep a video diary throughout the trip, documenting life on board, the changing weather and the friendships formed at sea.

Otto hopes his story will encourage more young people to consider joining the organisation.

The Tall Ships Races are among the largest sail training events in the world, bringing together young people from across the globe to develop confidence, leadership and teamwork while sailing between European ports.