Cdt Sgt James Parker of 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron is pictured here at the top of the rigging during the recent National Cadet Sailing Course in the English Channel. Sgt Parker, along with a number of other Cadets from around the country spent a week learning how to sail the ship , TS Royalist, around the Channel, including how to rig the sails as well as basic seamanship.

This is the second course Sgt Parker has been on this year, having earlier completed the Parachute Course at RAF Weston on the Green. As this article is written Sgt Parker is currently at the Wing Adventure Training Centre at Elan Valley , completing his Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold Actual Expedition.

Sgt Parker described the Sailing Course as "absolutely fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opertunity to partake in the future"

Fg Off Nathan Adams, Officer in Charge 2438 Squadron said"  Sgt Parkers experiences this year just go to show what is available to Cadets outside of the normal Squadron activities. To going parachuting with the RAF and then sail around the English Channel in a Training Ship must have been a once in a lifetime experience. Coupled with completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, this year has been one that James will remember for the rest of his life"