At Stonehaven you are also able to gain different qualifications that you can take with you once you leave Sea Cadets! UNIT HISTORY
The Unit was formed in 1954 and paraded at Dunnottar School. The fortunes of the Unit were somewhat mixed until in July 1958 it nearly ceased to exist due to a lack of adult staff. In January 1959, LtCdr A.G Mitchell MBE RN, on his retirement from the Royal Navy, obtained the use of an old and somewhat derelict Episcopalian school (built in 1846) as unit headquarters. At this time there were 9 cadets but by the end of the year the number had risen to 23. Having it's own headquarters proved the turning point for the unit. Over the next 8 years, cadets and parents slowly worked to improve the building. In 1969, with the gift of a piece of ground from Stonehaven Town Council, a boatshed was built. To a great extent the money was raised by cadets and friends of the unit. In May 1992 the Unit signed a new 25 year lease for its headquarters and added new toilet and shower facilities in 1994. In 1963 the Girls Nautical Training Corps was formed. Since then they have worked side by side with the Sea Cadets. In 1981 the GNTC became contingents of the Sea Cadets until in 1992 when the GNTC ceased to exist and we all became one, the Sea Cadet Corps. The unit has built up a formidable reputation not only locally being presented Freedom of Burgh of Stonehaven in 1971 but also at a national level. The Unit has become the most successful boating unit in the United Kingdom at the National Combined Regatta. First qualifying in 1960 the Unit has represented Scotland then Northern Area in every year since a feat not matched in the Sea Cadet Corps. The fleet of boats has grown to include 4 ASC, 2 Trinities, SMB Champ, 2 Avon RIB Sea Riders, an inflatable Gemini, 3 Bosun's, 5 Toppers, 2 Topaz's, 2 Laser's, 1 Pico, 1 Wayfarer and 9 canoes. Money was raised by many donations from the National Lottery, Lloyds TSB Foundation, Bells Nautical Trust, companies & businesses, individuals and Unit fund-raising. In 2000, a 25 foot yacht was donated by Professor Colin Mills FRCS to further RYA/SCC Offshore Sail Training. Free berthing alongside and on moorings is provided in the tidal harbour which is close to the Unit and boatshed. The achievements in these fields were not allowed to overshadow the other activities that the Unit regularly carries out, as has been demonstrated by awards being achieved in Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, BTEC Diploma in Public Services, sailing, drill, shooting, swimming, football, offshore sailing, mechanical engineering, communications, community involvement, etc. In May 1994 a Junior Sea Cadet Section was formed to assist with recruitment and has continued to prosper and now stands at 15 Junior Sea Cadets with a waiting list. They meet on the same night as the Sea Cadets and take part in most of the activities on offer. The Unit has also become a recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre and accredited to British Rowing. This allows us to train AND assess candidates locally in a wide range of waterborne qualifications such as rowing, sailing and powerboating.
